Defense stiffens after opening touchdown
NASHVILLE — Midway through the first quarter Sunday, it looked like more of the same for the Raiders on defense — and that’s not a compliment.
They allowed Tennessee to march 75 yards on 12 plays on its first possession. Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota twice converted on 3rd-and-8 and once on 3rd-and-10, before strolling into the end zone for an easy touchdown. Oakland looked just as vulnerable as it was throughout the 2016 season.
But the Raiders didn’t give up another touchdown Sunday. They won 26-16 in part because their defense played solidly. Honest.
“I thought they played well,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “We were better on third downs, and we were good in the red zone. It was a good effort.”
The Raiders didn’t make many splashy offseason moves, even though they ranked 26th in total defense in 2016. They did pick up a bunch of defensive players in the draft, including two who started in the opener: middle linebacker Marquel Lee and defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes.
Another rookie, backup linebacker Nicholas Morrow, also contributed against the Titans. Morrow made a key second-half play, stopping DeMarco Murray on 3rd-and-2 to force Tennessee to kick a field goal.
Raiders cornerback David Amerson was encouraged by the defense’s 2017 debut. “We wanted to make them earn everything,” Amerson said. “Even the balls they caught, everything was contested. You’re going to win some battles and lose some battles, but you just want to be in the right place and compete.” Lynch sits during anthem: Running back Marshawn Lynch sat on the Radiers’ bench during the national anthem. Lynch was largely hidden from view by nearby teammates (and some water coolers), but at least one Associated Press photog- rapher captured the moment.
Lynch, who has not said whether he’s protesting like other NFL players, did not speak with reporters after the game. Cook produces: Tight end Jared Cook, a free-agent acquisition from the Packers in the offseason, quickly showed his value. Derek Carr threw toward Cook five times — and he caught all five, for 56 yards.
Cook, 30, gives Carr another potent option in the passing game.
“He’s a presence,” Del Rio said of Cook. “We’ve got a lot designed for him. If you’re going to double Amari (Cooper) outside, then he’s going to be tough to handle in the middle.” Briefly: The Raiders are 10-0 when wide receiver Seth Roberts scores a touchdown. He caught a 19-yard TD pass from Carr early in the fourth quarter. … Marquette King’s first punt of the season took an obedient sideways bounce and was downed at the 2-yard line.