A statistical analysis of last four games - why we're in the playoffs?

[raiderman41]

Why are the Raiders in the playoffs? Which unit (offense or defense) is playing particularly well? Which coordinator's and unit's performance has driven the Raiders into the playoffs? Which coordinator might be on the hot seat? Which coordinator has earned another year? Let's take a look at the performance the last four games -- all wins -- all of which we HAD to win to get into the playoffs.

If you take the Raiders' DEFENSIVE performance over the last four games, here is what you get:

Avg yards given up per game: 274
Avg points given up per game: 19.75
Avg rushing yards given per game: 78.5
Avg passing yards given per game: 195.5

So where would this performance rank, when compared to the defenses across the league for the average numbers for the entire season?

Avg yards given up per game: 2nd
Avg points given up per game: 5th
Avg rushing yards given up per game: 1st
Avg passing yards given up per game: 5th

The last four weeks -- all wins -- our defense has truly been a TOP 5 DEFENSE in terms of performance.


Now, let's compare the Raiders OFFENSIVE PERFORMANCE over the past four weeks in the same way.

Avg yards gained per game: 335.5
Avg points scored per game: 22.75
Avg rushing yards gained per game: 129.25
Avg passing yards gained per game: 206.25

So where would this performance rank, when compared to the offenses across the league for the entire season?

Avg yards gained per game: 18th
Avg points scored per game: 18th
Avg rushing yards gained per game: 7th
Avg passing yards gained per game: 21st


It's very clear that the Raiders' defense -- not the offense -- has driven this team into the playoffs, securing four must-win games. Their performance over the past four games has been TOP FIVE in the key offensive categories. Bradley has indeed turned his unit into one of the league's best -- at least the past four weeks.

As for our offense the past four games, it has been BELOW AVERAGE in terms of total yards and points scored, ABOVE AVERAGE in rushing yards and in the BOTTOM THIRD in passing yards. Greg Olson's unit has not produced at the same level, but our rushing attack has come to life, which when added to our defensive performance, has propelled this team to wins.

Yes, this is a "team" game, but each unit contributes to the win in those 60 minutes. Which unit has contributed the most to these wins?

Take this analysis for what it's worth. It's a four-game analysis. Four games is enough data to show us some trends. Needless to say, this very interesting to see the numbers.

[rabidraider]

In the Charger game, Hunter, Waller and Jackson had a total of 35 yards combined. Yes the defense won the game.

[SuperRaider]

The truth is that the raiders defense has
really played well and rushing offense of
the raiders has really done well….we are
just playing to win games and not playing
to just boost stat.

[LA R8R]

This is why I want Bradley and Cable back next season hopefully. Keeps some continuity over what will otherwise be a massive overhaul coaching wise. These two are a big part of why we went 4-0 recently.

[Raiderjohn622]

This is why I want Bradley and Cable back next season hopefully. Keeps some continuity over what will otherwise be a massive overhaul coaching wise. These two are a big part of why we went 4-0 recently.

...which would also bring alot of personnel change....both at spots where needed and spots where it's not needed.

[ThePantyRaider]

Fantastic post. However, and as much as I am NOT a big fan of Olly, if Bissacia becomes our Head Coach for next year, expect this entire staff to stay as-is. That means Olly as our OC for another year (at least). First off, Carr will remain our QB if Bissaccia is HC. And Carr wont want a new OC especially after being so comfortable in this Gruden offense. Hopefully with a full offseason, Carr and Olly can sit down and really evaluate / dissect what works and what doesnt. See what they can do to better this offense and make it more stable, more consistent week in ans week out. Some will say it was due to Jacobs being injured the majority of the year... more importantly the loss of Ruggs..
If we can get a true #1 WR FINALLY, and a true RT, this offense can average at least another 7-10 points a game.
NOW, here is my fear with keeping everything status quo for next year. We lose out on our opportunity to get a true top of the line HC in Harbaugh. This means we can lose him to a team like the Broncos. Besides this fear, and probably more realistic, we lose out on possibly upgrading the QB position in getting someone like Aaron Rodgers or Deshaun Watson, and Denver realistically getting one of these guys.

So as much as I wouldnt be AS upset missing out on a HC like Harbaugh (who would prob bring Fangio as DC), and an upgrade at the QB position, I strongly feel by keeping the status quo, we will be allowing the Denver Broncos to upgrade their Coaching and their QB, leaving the Raiders where they are...

On the other hand, by changing coaching staffs and changing QBs, do i really want to go through the growing pains that these type of changes result in?
Sure if it was as simple as everything else staying the same, but we will lose players who are on one year contracts with the Raiders who came over because of a Gus Bradley (like Perryman, Hayward, Philon, etc)...

[RaiderNationPaul68]

Fantastic post. However, and as much as I am NOT a big fan of Olly, if Bissacia becomes our Head Coach for next year, expect this entire staff to stay as-is. That means Olly as our OC for another year (at least). First off, Carr will remain our QB if Bissaccia is HC. And Carr wont want a new OC especially after being so comfortable in this Gruden offense. Hopefully with a full offseason, Carr and Olly can sit down and really evaluate / dissect what works and what doesnt. See what they can do to better this offense and make it more stable, more consistent week in ans week out. Some will say it was due to Jacobs being injured the majority of the year... more importantly the loss of Ruggs..
If we can get a true #1 WR FINALLY, and a true RT, this offense can average at least another 7-10 points a game.
NOW, here is my fear with keeping everything status quo for next year. We lose out on our opportunity to get a true top of the line HC in Harbaugh. This means we can lose him to a team like the Broncos. Besides this fear, and probably more realistic, we lose out on possibly upgrading the QB position in getting someone like Aaron Rodgers or Deshaun Watson, and Denver realistically getting one of these guys.

So as much as I wouldnt be AS upset missing out on a HC like Harbaugh (who would prob bring Fangio as DC), and an upgrade at the QB position, I strongly feel by keeping the status quo, we will be allowing the Denver Broncos to upgrade their Coaching and their QB, leaving the Raiders where they are...

On the other hand, by changing coaching staffs and changing QBs, do i really want to go through the growing pains that these type of changes result in?
Sure if it was as simple as everything else staying the same, but we will lose players who are on one year contracts with the Raiders who came over because of a Gus Bradley (like Perryman, Hayward, Philon, etc)...

Going be a crazy offseason, that’s for sure.

[SuperRaider]

Fantastic post. However, and as much as I am NOT a big fan of Olly, if Bissacia becomes our Head Coach for next year, expect this entire staff to stay as-is. That means Olly as our OC for another year (at least). First off, Carr will remain our QB if Bissaccia is HC. And Carr wont want a new OC especially after being so comfortable in this Gruden offense. Hopefully with a full offseason, Carr and Olly can sit down and really evaluate / dissect what works and what doesnt. See what they can do to better this offense and make it more stable, more consistent week in ans week out. Some will say it was due to Jacobs being injured the majority of the year... more importantly the loss of Ruggs..
If we can get a true #1 WR FINALLY, and a true RT, this offense can average at least another 7-10 points a game.
NOW, here is my fear with keeping everything status quo for next year. We lose out on our opportunity to get a true top of the line HC in Harbaugh. This means we can lose him to a team like the Broncos. Besides this fear, and probably more realistic, we lose out on possibly upgrading the QB position in getting someone like Aaron Rodgers or Deshaun Watson, and Denver realistically getting one of these guys.

So as much as I wouldnt be AS upset missing out on a HC like Harbaugh (who would prob bring Fangio as DC), and an upgrade at the QB position, I strongly feel by keeping the status quo, we will be allowing the Denver Broncos to upgrade their Coaching and their QB, leaving the Raiders where they are...

On the other hand, by changing coaching staffs and changing QBs, do i really want to go through the growing pains that these type of changes result in?
Sure if it was as simple as everything else staying the same, but we will lose players who are on one year contracts with the Raiders who came over because of a Gus Bradley (like Perryman, Hayward, Philon, etc)...

Think Perryman on a two year contract; and Philon need to get signed up fast; don't let him become a free agent...

Gruden has left a system in place and I think the Raiders can grow from this; if we bring in another HC means major changes overall..

Just a point; I watch the San Diego game again and their was a pass caught about 5 seconds befor the end of the game; before overtime started. And both official rule it incomplete; but they reviewed it and said it was a catch....in my opinion that was no way a catch; it was a very bad call...Raides should have won the game before OT

[ThePantyRaider]

Think Perryman on a two year contract; and Philon need to get signed up fast; don't let him become a free agent...

Gruden has left a system in place and I think the Raiders can grow from this; if we bring in another HC means major changes overall..

Just a point; I watch the San Diego game again and their was a pass caught about 5 seconds befor the end of the game; before overtime started. And both official rule it incomplete; but they reviewed it and said it was a catch....in my opinion that was no way a catch; it was a very bad call...Raides should have won the game before OT

Lol @ San Diego... i do the same thing. They will always be the San Diego Chargers..
Just like we will always be the Oakland Raiders

[raiderman41]

This is why I want Bradley and Cable back next season hopefully. Keeps some continuity over what will otherwise be a massive overhaul coaching wise. These two are a big part of why we went 4-0 recently.

Agree 100%.Bradley has done an outstanding job and Cable, at least the past four games, has produced an offensive line that is performing very well. We have three first year starters on the line -- Simpson, James and Leatherwood. This group will get a lot better.