When Raiders fans booed Zamir White on two straight inside runs early in the first quarter on Sunday, it was clear that the crowd was unhappy and wanted more inventive play-calling.
In their home opener, Las Vegas lost 36-22 to the Panthers, and things only got worse. Not only did supporters vent their annoyance at the team, but they specifically targeted offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
Even while Getsy has some of the blame—especially considering that Justin Fields, the former quarterback for the Bears, has led the Steelers to a 3-0 start and shown significant improvement—the Raiders’ offensive problems cannot be entirely attributed to him. The running game is nonexistent, the offensive line is worn out and ineffectual, and—most importantly—there isn’t a franchise quarterback.
In those circumstances, even coaching legends like Andy Reid would have difficulties.
Understandably, there were modest expectations going into the season for the Raiders, and their victory over Baltimore last week temporarily allayed worries that Las Vegas could be able to mount a challenge with games remaining against Denver, Carolina, and Cleveland. But the Panthers quickly took a 33-7 lead, showing the Raiders that they cannot afford to undervalue any opponent. The Raiders are currently only 1-point favorites at Bet MGM Sportsbook against a very injured Browns squad, and the Broncos are looking stronger following their 26-7 triumph over the Buccaneers.
Regarding whether Gardner Minshew would stay as quarterback or if Aidan O’Connell will take over, Raiders coach Antonio Pierce hinted at possible changes on Monday.
He stated that he wouldn’t reveal any choices until conferring with the players, but it’s unclear how much can be changed at this time. Minshew and O’Connell might not be up to the task of leading the Raiders back into regular playoff contention.
Due in part to the steep expense of trading up in the draft, first-year general manager Tom Telesco was somewhat excused for failing to sign a franchise quarterback in the offseason. But if Las Vegas wants to avoid other humiliations like to the one they endured against the Panthers, they must address that position.
Once again, linebacker Robert Spillane made an impression on the Panthers, with a game-high 11 tackles, a sack, and a tackle for loss. With 22 tackles this season, he leads the squad and has
Defensive problems abound. Due to a severe ankle sprain, Crosby is obviously not playing at his best, and the Raiders have had trouble stopping the run since the preseason. In addition, the team has lost two starters for the season. Everything else about the defense is going according to plan.
Tre Tucker, a wide receiver, proved in the preseason that he was capable of more than just huge plays, and he’s continuing to show that in actual games. He gained 96 yards by catching seven passes on nine targets, including an 8-yard touchdown grab and a 54-yard reception that set up the team’s first touchdown.
The Raiders are giving up 5.4 yards per rush, which is tied with Dallas for the lowest in the NFL, as opposing teams run wild against them. Chuba Hubbard of Carolina equaled that average, scoring 114 points.
There are two more starters out with injuries increasing. Security According to reports, right tackle Thayer Munford is suffering with knee and ankle problems, while Marcus Epps is out for the season with an ACL tear. Pierce has not provided any updates. In addition, Crosby had a poor effort against the Panthers, recording just three tackles, raising concerns about how soon he will return to form.
The Raiders’ possession time of just 23:58 against the Panthers was their lowest since a 26-14 loss to Detroit last October, which resulted in the firing of general manager Dave Ziegler and coach Josh McDaniels. This is the first time this season that the Raiders have been on the losing side of possession.
Las Vegas is set to play home to
