The Las Vegas Raiders have a lot to work on after a 24-0 thrashing at the hands of the New Orleans Saints. Let’s break down the two issues that Raider supporters should be concerned about going forward.
Josh McDaniels’ play-calling is sabotaging the Las Vegas Raiders.
Although the Raiders’ offensive group has its highs and lows, Sunday marked their lowest point of the year. On a Saints’ defense that has allowed more than 30 points in each of their previous three games, they scored zero points. This Josh McDaniels-led offense was a disappointment once more. The “offensive mastermind” was unable to ignite this attack, which ended the game with 0 points and 183 total yards at 3.3 yards per play. Before Jarrett Stidham entered the game to replace Derek Carr, the offense had been unable to enter Saints’ territory.
The head coach’s inability to get Josh Jacobs and Davante Adams going is where it all begins. Because McDaniels wasn’t utilizing their strengths, they weren’t given the chance to succeed. Despite the absence of the Saints’ top cornerback, Adams wasn’t being targeted. Jacobs also struggled to make any plays since McDaniels was unable to alter his gameplan as the Saints stacked the box. If Adams and Jacobs continue to produce at this level, the Raiders won’t be successful in winning many games.
The Raiders’ defense suffered throughout the whole game as a result of their poor offensive effort. The Raiders didn’t give their defense a chance to rest because they were constantly punting. I know I’ve harped on this previously, but McDaniels, please stop running sweeps to your wide receivers and other trick plays. They are a waste of time since they don’t ever work, simply put.
Get Maxx Crosby some help already.
There have been no signs of life on the Raiders’ defense this season, aside from Maxx Crosby and Nate Hobbs. Many people blame defensive coordinator Patrick Graham but evaluating him is difficult because not all of the players fit his scheme. Players like Tre’von Moehrig, Chandler Jones, Denzel Perryman, and Johnathan Abram were expected to step up and help shore up this defense. It had been eight weeks, and either their performance or injury had prevented them from supporting the Raiders’ defense.
You can see Crosby giving it his all, even in a lopsided defeat, and attempting to make a play. This ought to serve as motivation for others, but his teammates haven’t caught the inspiration. Getting Crosby and Graham some defensive help should be general manager Dave Ziegler’s top objective.
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*Top Photo: Official Raiders YouTube Channel