The Las Vegas Raiders produced many yards in 2019. However, it was a completely different story when it came to putting points on the scoreboard. That has to change if they want to increase their win total and return to the playoffs.
Last year, the Raiders were 11th in the league when it came to total yards on offense. Likewise, their third-down efficiency wasn’t half bad. Alas, they fell short when it came to scoring. In that department, they ranked 24th in the league. That needs to change if they want to have a top five offense and have a winning season.
The Revolving Door at the NFL
The NFL is built in the concept of competitive balance and parity. Teams can go from bottom feeders to the top from on season to the other. Every now and then, a franchise unexpectedly rises and qualify to the playoffs. More often than not though, it’s the same few teams contending for a championship, which makes the Raiders possible ascension more difficult.
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Out of all the teams that qualified to the playoffs in 2019, only three did not have a top 12 scoring offense. Nevertheless, the Bills were the only squad that failed to average 20 points per game with 19.62. The Texans scored 23.62 and the Packers 24.5, good for 14th and 15th or the top half in the league.
For their part, the Raiders averaged 19.56 per game, and ranked one spot lower than Buffalo’s 23rd. Although both teams ended up with a similar number of points on offense, the resemblance stops there. While the Raiders couldn’t stop opposing offenses, the Bills were carried by their defense, which was the second best in points allowed and third against total yards.
Derek Carr Needs to Step Up
Even though wins and loses don’t solely fall on the quarterback’s shoulders, they are the players that have the most impact on the field. Derek Carr’s stats on third down are respectable, but they don’t scream franchise quarterback. He now has a plethora of weapons around him. He should have no problems putting elite numbers on the scoreboard, he has to do his part.
Of course the defense has to do their part too, but unless the Raiders find a way to score more points, they will remain in the bottom half of the NFL.
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