Week 14’s defensive performance by the Las Vegas Raiders sums up what the 2020 season has looked like for Jon Gruden’s squad. In a nutshell, that picture is of defensive ineptitude bringing down offensive efficiency.
The Raiders’ offense, led by quarterback Derek Carr, did what it could to keep the team in the game. Wide receiver Nelson Agholor had 100 yards receiving and while threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another. Unfortunately, the lousy defensive display cost both the Silver and Black a win and Paul Guenther his job.
Looking back, there were definitely some positive performances, but as the recurring theme shows us, it’s not enough. It will be interesting to see how Rod Marinelli decides to scheme the rest of the year, and we won’t have to wait long either. Before we look ahead to Thursday Night Football, let’s recap the Raiders’ defensive performance on Sunday.
Related: Motley Review Week 14: Philip Rivers is Raiders’ daddy
Did anyone stand out for the Raiders?
Statistically speaking, the unit as a whole had six and a half tackles for a loss. Linebacker Nicholas Morrow and defensive end Maxx Crosby had two each. Unfortunately, there were zero sacks, which continued to show the lack of progression under Guenther. In a game this big, that’s inexcusable. In fact, the Raiders only landed one hit on Colts quarterback Philip Rivers, simply a pathetic effort.
On top of allowing Rivers to leave unscathed, the Raiders’ run defense couldn’t stop anyone. The unit surrounded two huge runs to Colts running backs Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines for 62 and 31 yards, respectively. It’s going to be a tall task for Marinelli to alleviate, much less fix these issues, especially with just a few days before Thursday. We will all be watching with interest as the Silver and Black will look to end these disappointing defensive outings.
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*Top Photo: Heidi Fang/Las Vegas Review-Journal
