We didn’t know how things were going to play out, but now we do. The Las Vegas Raiders dropped their second straight game against Buffalo on Sunday. Here are some thoughts regarding their Week 4 30-23 loss.Â
Fire Paul Guenther
This feels a bit rash but it’s time. The scheme was far from the only issue with the defense on Sunday. Guys looking lost out there, poor tackling, and injuries did not help either. That being said, giving up 30 plus points a game is unacceptable. Something has to change, and it has to be now. There’s only so much you can do at this point personnel-wise. It’s like in hockey, where if a team gives up a bunch of goals, they will bench the goalie even if the goals are not entirely his fault. Firing Guenther midseason would be a big shakeup, but that’s exactly what this defense needs. With a bye week coming soon the timing could be perfect.
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Horrendous Officiating
Oof, we have no desire to complain about the officials but that was rough. There were just so many calls on the Raiders that while you could say were technically correct, they were not things that usually get called. The Jacobs penalty is a prime example. Running backs almost never get called for that, even when it’s super egregious, which Jacobs was not. The referees also looked like they were watching tackle Kolton Miller like hawks. They called that block in the back as soon as he touched the defender, let alone apply any force whatsoever. Same thing with his ineligible receiver penalty. He was a step past five yards. There were a few others too where it just looked like the officials were looking for a reason to throw flags. We aren’t making any accusations or any excuses, but that was bad.
Nelson Agholor is the Raiders best offseason addition
Opinions regarding ‘Nelly’ at the Raiders Ramble were mixed this offseason. I did not think he would even make the team when I did roster projections back in May. However, Agholor has eight catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns his offseason. These numbers put him ahead of the other new Raiders receivers, Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards. The two rookies have a combined nine catches for 158 yards and no touchdowns. Agholor has also out-produced offensive free agents Jason Witten and Devontae Booker. He’s also been far more impressive than any additions on defense. I’m not sure if this more a referendum on Agholor’s play or an indictment of the team’s offseason moves. Either way, Agholor has been a surprising bright spot for the Raiders.
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Top photo: Kareem Elgazzar/The Enquirer/USA TODAY Sports