Around the AFC West, Week 9: Chiefs complete sweep of Broncos

Oakland Raiders

The Raiders are coming off yet another loss – this time against the Indianapolis Colts. For three quarters, it seemed like Oakland might be able to pull off the win. However, in the fourth quarter, the Raiders gave up 21 unanswered points to fall to the Colts 42-28. Despite Oakland trading Amari Cooper this week to the Cowboys, Derek Carr threw for 3 touchdowns and ran for a fourth.

Despite his best effort, the Raiders just could not stop Andrew Luck and the Colts’ running game. Colts’ running back Marlon Mack ran for 132 yards and two touchdowns while Adam Vinatieri became the new NFL all-time points leader. The most impressive catch came from Mo Alie-Cox who made a one-handed, 26-yard touchdown catch early in the game.

The Raiders lost backup offensive lineman T.J. Clemmings to a knee injury in the second half but came out largely unscathed. Additionally, news broke on Tuesday that cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is retiring. The Raiders did not make any moves at the trade deadline, but this was unsurprising. Although rumors floated that safety Karl Joseph, cornerback Gareon Conley, and defensive end Bruce Irvin were all available for trade, no team bit. In the end, they remain on the team through this season at least. However, it remains to be seen what Jon Gruden will do going forward as it does appear that an entire roster upheaval is in the works.

Next week, the Raiders travel to take on the also-struggling San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football. This is one of the least exciting games of the season as both these teams are struggling mightily. When the 49ers lost Jimmy Garoppolo, their season tanked. This game will be a battle of two bad teams, and I believe the Raiders are the lesser of the two. I anticipate another Raiders loss. Game time is at 7:20 p.m. on Thursday.