That’s a tough loss. The Las Vegas Raiders’ path to the playoffs just got extremely murky.
Zay Jones Is Not That Guy
Nobody has seen their role in the Raiders’ offense expand more in the last few weeks than Zay Jones. That is a problem. The Raiders will not go far if they rely on Jones to consistently make big plays. Derek Carr gave him three huge opportunities to win the game… and Jones failed three times.
On the first, he was unable to get to the corner on a classic spot throw. Next, he got loose deep for what should have been a catch inside the twenty if not a touchdown. Granted, there probably should have been a pass interference call, but the ball still went through Jones’ arms. Finally, Jones had an opportunity to catch a Hail Mary. The ball hit him right in the hands inside the two-yard line, just close enough for him to fall into the endzone. Jones was unable to secure the catch. To be fair to Jones, this was never meant to be his role. Regardless, the Raiders need to find someone else to step up fast.
Inability To Find The Endzone Proves Costly
The Raiders lost this game because they could not finish drives. At this point in the year, the fault is on the coaching staff. Good coaches don’t let the same problems persist for this long. Adjustments have to be made. The Raiders do not have a bad offense. The offense’s being this bad in one area of the field means that talent isn’t the problem. Again, adjustments have to be made.
One thing the coaches can do immediately to give the offense a boost is to be more aggressive. In the redzone, it should always be four down territory unless it’s fourth and long. This offense is talented; let them have more chances.
Reinforcements Need to Show up Now
The Raiders have been missing three key players for most of the season: cornerback Trayvon Mullen, linebacker Nicholas Morrow, and guard Richie Incognito. All three were supposed to be back late in the season. They need to come back now.
Brandon Facyson has been solid since being thrust into the starting lineup. Unfortunately, he is starting to show his limitations. He had trouble with Terry McLaurin today. Washington killed Vegas today while throwing to running backs and tight ends, along with quarterback scrambles as well as the run game in general. This is all stuff linebackers defend. Morrow, the Raiders’ best player, is out. Finally, the Raiders have struggled to run the ball all season. Getting Incognito could help improve the one thing that has really hindered this offense. If these guys could come back soon, Vegas might be able to salvage this season yet.
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*Top Photo: AP Photo/David Becker