Stock Watch: Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs

A weekly series recapping three players on the Oakland Raiders whose stock is on the rise after playing well, and three players whose stock has taken a hit after a poor performance.

The Oakland Raiders have managed to win coming from behind all season, but not this time, as the Chiefs completed the season sweep with a 21-13 win.

After allowing Kansas City to go up 21-3 early, Oakland cut the lead to 11 going into the half. Despite the Chiefs’ best efforts to give the game away (3 turnovers, 9 penalties), Oakland failed to capitalize. Unlike past losses, the blame is shifted to the offense, garnering just 244 yards of total offense.

To the contrary of majority of the season, Oakland’s defense was impressive, forcing two fumbles and an interception, The Raiders defense needed the offense to capitalize, but Musgrave, Carr and company floundered, scoring just 3 points out of two turnovers.

Here are three players who stepped up, and three players who had it rough in Week 14.

Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) stiff arms Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Steven Nelson (20) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Stock Up

Let’s start with players whose stock is on the rise.

Latavius Murray

The “Tay-Train” made its next stop in Kansas City, with running back Latavius Murray running all over the Chiefs.

For the fifth time in his career, Murray rushed for at least 100 yards, gaining 103 along with a touchdown. Considering Derek Carr didn’t go under center once last night, this feat is more remarkable.

Murray lacks the moves to shake defenders, yet it didn’t matter. Past criticisms of Murray were his tendency to falter after contact. It’s been hard to tell this year, especially on last night’s touchdown, but Murray has been laying his body and the ball on the line for the sake of six points.

James Cowser

For the third consecutive week since being added to the active roster, linebacker James Cowser’s play has made a difference.

On a muffed punt return by Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill, Cowser recovered the fumble, which gave Oakland’s offense great position. It’s Cowser’s awareness and motor that have coaches and fans excited at his potential.

Whether on special teams or off the edge, Cowser continues to prove that he is ready to step up in a major way.

T.J. Carrie

Last week, cornerback T.J. Carrie stepped up for the injured D.J. Hayden. This week, Carrie turned it up a notch, even nabbing an interception.

In coverage, Carrie did a number on Chiefs star receiver Jeremy Maclin, holding the veteran receiver to just 1 catch for 16 yards, forcing Alex Smith to instead attack David Amerson.

Carrie was all over the field, closing in on the run and even recording a tackle for loss. In a secondary that is still struggling to find its identity, the growth in Carrie is evident.

Stock Down

As always, there is a downside to every game.

Here are three players whose stock is trending down following their performance.

Dec 8, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL football game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Derek Carr

Is it the pinky injury or are the Chiefs just Carr’s kryptonite?

In the most important game of the season, Carr went 17-41 for 117 yards. Unacceptable, especially considering the numerous chances the defense granted him to win. While the defense held Kansas City scoreless in the second half, Carr missed multiple opportunities to score, yet alone get a first down.

According to Pro Football Focus, on throws of 10 yards or more, Carr went 2-13 for 32 yards.

Losses often bring about an ungraceful fall back to reality. With the Raiders omission of snaps under center, we have to wonder about Carr’s finger. The offense is so good, that they can win despite the predictability. But you have to wonder can they win in the playoffs primarily out of Shotgun.

Michael Crabtree

Per PFF, Crabtree was leading the NFL in drops prior to last night’s game. Throughout the season, Crabtree’s imperfections have been contour’d by big gains and touchdowns.

Lately, the once-reliable receiver has been dropping plenty of catchable balls. Last night was no different, nabbing just 4 passes for 21 yards.

Crabtree’s quiet, no-nonsense demeanor is a metaphor for his tendency to disappear in games. While he is still a good receiver, his decline throughout the season is worth noting.

Marquette King

The response to punter Marquette King’s play and charades have been split between disdain and praise. Against Kansas City, King didn’t have much to smile about, despite getting 8 punts, his most since Week 4.

Unfortunately, King continuously kicked to Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill accepted the gracious act, returning a kick for a touchdown. That touchdown may be the difference in a win.