The former MVP and Las Vegas Raiders legend, Rich Gannon, believes what many other analysts believe, and that is that the Silver and Black are in trouble.
After an 0-3 start, you can’t blame Gannon for believing that the Raiders are the worst team in the NFL. He thinks this is because the Raiders still have the same issues they were showing last year.
The Raiders’ offense continues to be hindered by its O-line.
Gannon, like many of us, reiterates that the offensive line has been a problem. “Offensive line issues continue to be a problem,” Gannon said via a video article on the 33rd Team.
Well, there is some truth to that, but the offensive line hasn’t been as bad as people think it is. In their Week 1 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers, the offensive line was an issue, but in their defense, they were facing one of the best defensive fronts in the league. They settled down better against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 2, and in Week 3 they had their best game of the season, allowing only one sack.
“Carr is a quarterback who needs a good, firm pocket,” Gannon said. Well, is this a shot at the O-line or Carr? Despite the issues, the offensive line has settled down and is giving Carr time to throw. It is up to him to use his legs, which he has shown he can do, to extend plays down the field.
Gannon also mentioned that the running back room hasn’t provided a lot of production. Personally speaking, I beg to differ. Running back Josh Jacobs has looked good three weeks into the season. The reason his numbers don’t look great is because the Raiders have been playing catch-up all season and head coach Josh McDaniels has been inconsistent with giving him touches.
Chandler Jones isn’t making enough plays, says Rich Gannon.
“Defensively, the same issues we saw last year from this group. Their inability to get pressure on the quarterback has resulted in just two sacks so far this season through three games. That’s why they went out and got Chandler Jones. He’s not making enough plays,” Gannon said.
Gannon said this perfectly. Maxx Crosby has all of the team’s sacks and is the only one getting home. Jones has become a ghost out there and has made no impact plays during his pass rush sets. With that being said, Maxx needs some help to be able to improve this pass rush going forward. Whether that is from Jones or other players, we will find out.
The ability to create turnovers is something that has haunted the Raiders for years, and Gannon said that it is still an issue for this Raider defense. Through three weeks, the Raiders are ranked 29th in takeaways with just two, and both have been interceptions. They are also one of the four teams in the NFL that have not forced and recovered a fumble. If this defense can’t create extra opportunities for the offense, then it might be a long season.
*Top Photo: NFL Therapy