Another week, another disappointing Las Vegas Raiders’ loss. This time around, they weren’t blown out; instead, they blew another big lead. After being up 20-7, the Raiders allowed the Jacksonville Jaguars to come back and end the game on a 20-0 run to win the game 27-20. A lot of players and coaches deserve to be among the biggest Raiders duds of the game, but here are three that stood out the most in a bad way.
Las Vegas Raiders’ 1st Biggest Dud: Josh McDanielsÂ
Going forward, McDaniels might become a frequent name on this list. You can’t blame us because he has played a significant role in the Raiders’ poor season thus far. The Jaguars game adds to the list of poor Raiders’ performances under McDaniels.
In the first half, the Raiders’ offense appeared strong as they scored 20 points and led 20-10 at the break. The fact that McDaniels was feeding Davante Adams, who had 146 yards on nine receptions and two touchdowns in the first half, was a major factor in this lead. These were Adams’ second-most career yards and receptions in a half, according to ESPN.
Those figures, however, were meaningless because Adams and the Raiders’ offense were kept scoreless in the second half. Adams and Josh Jacobs were taken away by the Jaguars’ defense, and McDaniels was at a loss for what to do. As a result of his inaction, the Jaguars were able to retake the lead. Where were the Raiders’ offense’s inventiveness and tenacity from the first half? The Raiders will continue to suffer as long as McDaniels is their head coach as a result of his play-calling and passivity.
Las Vegas Raiders’ 2nd Biggest Dud: Derek Carr
Carr improved after a poor opening drive and had a wonderful first half of football. He threw two touchdowns to Adams, and everything was going well. However, there was a crucial moment near the end of the second quarter. Carr underthrew Ameer Abdullah, who was wide open in the end zone, and the Raiders were forced to settle for a field goal.
The Jaguars regained some hope after this. Before the break, they added another field goal, reducing the margin to 20-10. Carr returned to his old self in the second half after a strong first. Carr gave in because of persistent pressure from the Jaguars. When the Raiders had the ball and a chance to go ahead, Carr overthrew Renfrow and cost them a significant chance. What better way to end the game than with Carr throwing the ball to Abdullah on a fourth-and-long rather than downfield?
Carr’s happy feet in the pocket and inability to use his legs have cost the Raiders many games. Same Carr, different day—it might be time for a new driver for the Raiders going forward.
Las Vegas Raiders’ 3rd Biggest Dud: Anthony AverettÂ
The Raiders have needed someone to step up and play opposite of Rock Ya-Sin ever since Nate Hobbs sustained an injury. Although Averett got the chance, it hasn’t worked out for the Raiders. Averett did end the game with one pass intercepted; that was the only positive aspect of his performance. The Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence, who went 25 for 31 for the night, was at ease in the pocket the whole day and was able to pick the Raiders’ secondary apart.
Averett looked to be the target of Lawrence’s bullying, especially during crucial moments of the game. Averett has demonstrated that he is more of a depth player for the Raiders than one of their top cornerbacks during the times he has been called to fill in. After the Jaguars lost, Averett may have played a role in the Raiders’ decision to sign Sidney Jones.
Blown Leads, Missed Throws, Struggles Continue For 2-6 Raiders
*Top Photo: Matt Aguirre/Las Vegas Raiders