Heading into Week 3 of the NFL season, the Raiders' defense wasn't performing to expectations, allowing over 1,000 yards of offense to opposing teams. On Sunday, the Silver and Black hit the gridiron to take on the 1-1 Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The Oakland squad battled throughout the game and came away with a 17-10 win over the Titans, pushing the team's record to 2-1.
There are still areas the team can improve on, but defensively the team managed to force three turnovers. Safety Reggie Nelson and cornerback Sean Smith each had an interception, and linebacker Bruce Irvin forced a fumble on Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota. Although the Raiders were ranked dead last in total yards allowed to opposing offenses through the first two weeks, it's safe to say this is week was a step in the right direction.
The team has begun shifting its focus towards its Week 4 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, who are currently undefeated at 3-0.
Here is our power rankings list, brought to you by NFL Extra Points.
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Current Ranking: No. 18
Previous Ranking: No. 19
Movement: Up 1
Analysis: The Raiders caught two huge breaks in this game that made the difference.
First, they didn't have to cover an inactive Delanie Walker. And that's good because they probably couldn't cover him. Oakland has been weak against tight ends all season, and Walker is one of the best.
Then, they got away with a monster pass interference call. T.J. Carrie was almost on top of Harry Douglas in the end zone on a late fourth-down play. No flags.
Two positives: Derek Carr put on a show with Amari Cooper, and that defense did show a little something for the first time all season. Maybe this can be a building moment.
Looking ahead: Joe Flacco's arm will find out if their defensive jump was a one-week deal.
Current Ranking: No. 14
Previous Ranking: No. 16
Movement: Up 2
Analysis: In Week 3, the Raiders' defense held the Titans to 10 points after allowing 69 points in Weeks 1-2 combined. A win and another impressive defensive performance against the 3-0 Ravens this upcoming Sunday could legitimize the Raiders as contenders going forward.
Current Ranking: No. 15
Previous Ranking: No. 17
Movement: Up 2
Analysis: Moments ... so many moments ... in Sunday's game when I wondered aloud if Derek Carr needed to personally walk down the field and hand the ball to his receivers. Oh, were there ugly drops in Nashville. At the end of the day, however, an unlikely hero emerged: the much-maligned Raiders defense. After two straight weeks of allowing 500-plus yards, Oakland forced three turnovers while thwarting the Titans on third- and fourth-down conversions -- Tennessee only made good on 2 of 13 attempts.
Current Ranking: No. 17
Previous Ranking: No. 17
Movement: N/A
Analysis: The Raiders moved linebacker Cory James and safety Karl Joseph, a first-round pick, into the starting lineup and they looked like a brand new defense. Why they weren't in the lineup in the first two weeks (especially in Joseph's case) is weird, but better late than never.
Current Ranking: No. 15
Previous Ranking: No. 17
Movement: Up 2
Analysis: The defense showed up in Nashville, even though the offense almost didn't.
Current Ranking: No. 14
Previous Ranking: No. 16
Movement: Up 2
Analysis: The Raiders eked out a win over the Titans on Sunday to move to 2-1, but they should have beat Tennessee handily. Derek Carr has been impressive through three weeks and the ground game has also come to life. They remain contenders out West.
Current Ranking: No. 13
Previous Ranking: No. 16
Movement: Up 3
Analysis: The defense finally played well at Tennessee to get them to 2-1. Now they face the undefeated Ravens in Baltimore.
Current Ranking: No. 15
Previous Ranking: No. 18
Movement: Up 3
Analysis: DE Khalil Mack continues to have ominously quiet season, but the rest of defense finally showed up in Sunday's 17-10 victory.
