After finally getting a win in Week 4, the Las Vegas Raiders got right back to blowing games in Week 5. Their latest disappointing masterpiece result was a 30-29 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. It’s time for some knee-jerk reactions following this crushing loss.
Raiders’ Knee Jerk Reaction No. 1: Maxx Crosby for DPOY
This man is a menace to society. He is constantly a problem. Opposing offenses try everything to mitigate his impact, but his relentless motor always wins out in the end. This week was no different, as Crosby lived in Kansas City’s backfield all night. His play was one of the few bright spots on a defense that got taken behind the woodshed in the second half. The Raiders’ defense is a sub-par unit that Crosby elevates to an average group. Crosby’s impact is right there with the likes of Aaron Donald and Micah Parsons. He should get the same level of consideration as the Defensive Player of the Year.
Raiders’ Knee Jerk Reaction No. 2: Hunter Renfrow’s Contract is not looking great right now
After playing great last season, Hunter Renfrow, deservedly, got paid, big time. That contract looks worse every week. In his return from a concussion that left him out for the last two weeks, Renfrow made his second game-losing play of the year. This time, he just crashed into Davante Adams, who was about to catch a fourth-down pass that would have likely won the game.
The problem with Renfrow is bigger than just two plays. When he’s not hurt or colossally screwing up, Renfrow mostly disappears. He has just 14 catches for 105 yards and no touchdowns this year. He has to be better for what he is getting paid. If this continues for the rest of the year, it might be time to start looking for a way out.
Raiders’ Knee Jerk Reaction No. 3: Vegas is the best 1-4 team ever
I have no data to back this up, but I can’t imagine there has ever been a team with this record that has played this well. The Raiders are actually three plays away from being 4-1 and leading the division. Literally everything that can go wrong has.
The bye week comes at a great time. Looking ahead, Josh McDaniels and Co. can hone in on the details that have haunted them so far. After the break, the remaining schedule is quite favorable. Ten wins is unlikely at this point, and winning the division is almost certainly off the table. However, they could still turn things around, get to 9-8, and possibly sneak back into the playoffs.
Raiders Fans Don’t Believe Davante Adams Deserves Suspension
*Top Photo: Sporting News