Raiders coach Klint Kubiak laughed Monday when asked to assess his first six games, calling it an uncomfortable chuckle. He said he evaluates the team as a 3-3 squad with everything still in front of them following Sunday's 33-30 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Kubiak said he told players they face a choice: "Oh, here we go again" or "Let's attack this next game and put ourselves in position." He added, "These guys aren't down. Yeah, we're down yesterday. But not today. Today we're getting better." The Raiders host the Los Angeles Rams in Week 7.
Tight end Michael Mayer caught seven passes for 95 yards against Buffalo, both career highs, and is on pace for career bests in receptions, yards and touchdowns. Kubiak praised Mayer as a leader and productive player who does "dirty work" and can punish defenses independent of how Brock Bowers is covered.
Cornerback Darien Porter has solidified the No. 2 spot opposite Eric Stokes, playing 79 percent of defensive snaps against the Bills. Porter won the job in camp but sprained his foot in Week 1; rookie Hezekiah Masses started three games and had three interceptions before struggles against Kansas City led to Porter's return.
Center Tyler Linderbaum expressed disappointment with his performance Sunday, though the Raiders allowed no sacks. Kubiak lauded Linderbaum's leadership, calling him a "major bright spot" and a huge reason the offense scored on six of 10 possessions.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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