The Las Vegas Raiders entered their Week 15 matchup needing to win out the rest of the season to make the playoffs. However, they ended up dropping their fourth game in the last five weeks. Moreover, their latest loss pretty much eliminated them from playoff contention this season.
The Raiders’ most recent loss hit a nerve
They started the season strong and won six of their first nine games. Rightfully, they started garnering national attention and recognition. Nevertheless, they have come crashing down in recent weeks and after losing to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15, they are now 7-7 and pretty much eliminated from playoff contention.
As recently as a couple of weeks ago, their odds of making the playoffs were high. However, they couldn’t capitalize on their chances and have lost two straight games. Things got so bad last week that they fired defensive coordinator Paul Guenther after giving up 44 points to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 14.
The Raiders have imploded in recent weeks and there are many reasons why. Their ineptitude on defense is among the top ones. The unit has been a liability all season long. Firing Guenther doesn’t really make much of a difference at this point of the season and looking back, it seemed like a desperate move. Had the team pulled the plug earlier, it would’ve made much sense, but now? Not so much.
Heading into this season, there was plenty of hype about how these Raiders were different and how they weren’t going to make many more excuses. Supposedly, this was going to be a different team, one that would qualify for the playoffs. After 16 weeks of football, we now know that’s not the case and these are the same Raiders of old.
What does Twitter have to say about the most recent loss?
Fans are frustrated, saddened, and angry, and rightfully so. After all, they have invested time and rooted for a team that has let them down once again, so it’s not surprising to see them express their disappointment on social media.
😫The agony of Defeat… #Raiders pic.twitter.com/T0BKiE3dJ2
— Rich (@RaiderRich180) December 18, 2020
I remember when I tweeted in November that we need 2stop with #Raiders have easy schedule n we should win all but maybe 2games n I said“let’s not think that way because long time fans know we tend 2go opposite n let Nation downâ€n predictably results r same AGAIN! THATS the issue!
— 💥☠ï¸BklynRayder☠ï¸ðŸ’¥ðŸˆðŸ‡ºðŸ‡¸â™ˆï¸âš¾ï¸ðŸ€ (@bkrayder) December 18, 2020
After that game how are we supposed to sleep? #LACvsLV #Raiders
— Rose Stabler 🌹 (@rose_stabler) December 18, 2020
@Raiders HC Jon Gruden is on his way to another losing season as he is 18-28 since taking over in 2018. Owner Mike Davis might be rethinking his decision on signing him for 10 years – $100M. Is Jon Gruden cut out to be in a HC position? #Raiders #NFL @AdamSchefter
— Jason Guevara (@WarfareStatic) December 18, 2020
https://twitter.com/HuskyC3/status/1339811643648163840?s=20
You know what 14 games in. F-ck the apologies. Defense was crap all year, same old crap with penalties, undisciplined. Same Shi- different year.
— Wiskyplayer (@Wiskyplayer1) December 18, 2020
Of course, there’s a line, and fans should never cross it.
I know Trayvon Mullen had a rough game, but this is completely unacceptable for fans to talk trash about him and his family on his IG post.
Is that what #RaiderNation is about? Not the Raiders fans I know. pic.twitter.com/liJ8PX8Lf0
— Mike Dixon (@MikeDixon_VST) December 18, 2020
This Las Vegas team won’t have much to play for in the next two weeks, so it will be interesting to see how they play moving forward. Will they throw in the towel or close the season strong? How things unfold will likely shape their offseason.
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Top Photo: Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun