OAKLAND – Raiders offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave is a creative sort, willing to experiment with different things to accentuate player strengths. He has certainly done that the last two weeks, creating game plans that get something out of several players while putting the offense in position to make big plays.
His game plan drew raves following Sunday’s 34-20 victory over the New York Jets at O.co Coliseum, the second straight game the Raiders have won with tons of offense.
Last week against San Diego, Musgrave used receiver screens to generate game-changing production. This time he used outside rushing to open up the interior and got several role players involved in the offense.
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“I loved our play calling all day,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “I think Bill (Musgrave) did a heck of a job.”
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The offense is rolling along well, with a combination of efficient and explosive plays that have gotten several players involved.
“Coach Musgrave always talks about starting a fire, being creative on offense, feeding off that energy that offensive players are creating,” Del Rio said. “They need to make things happen, make positive things happen. I think we have some good, skilled people who are doing just that. They’re making people miss. They’re making people miss tackles. They’re executing beautifully, throwing the ball, catching the ball. (Quarterback Derek Carr) played very, very well. He made great decisions all day. It’s a good thing.”
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Carr has been the focal point of an offense averaging 5.9 yards per play and 7.4 yards per passing attempt. The Raiders have scored 27 points or more in all four victories, and are executing the plays called well.
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Carr always shares credit, even after such a big performance. He was 23-for-36 for 333 yards and four touchdowns against the Jets. He praised the offensive line, nine contributing receivers and the man behind the scheme.
“It’s been awesome. When we’re scoring points it’s awesome, right?” Carr said. “I love being a part of what he’s doing. I love being a part of the things that he comes up with, as (receiver Michael) Crabtree calls it, his lab. He comes up with some stuff and we just see that will work. It’s fun to be a part of. It’s fun to be a player under him, under his supervision, so-to-speak.”