You can sum up the 2022 Las Vegas Raiders season in one word: disappointing. After putting on their worst performance of the season against the New Orleans Saints, the Raiders had a chance to get back in the playoff hunt against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Things were promising at first, building a 17-point lead in the first half, but the Raiders faltered and lost 27-20.
The Raiders’ season is likely over now that they are one of the three AFC teams with two or fewer victories, sitting at a record of 2-6. so What will happen next, then? Let’s discuss it.Â
Josh McDaniels’ time with the Raiders should be over
With the personnel the Raiders have, going 2-6 ought to be sufficient to end McDaniels’ time with the team. If Davis still needs more proof, take a look at this statistic. According to TruMedia since 2000 the Raiders have a record of 53-5 when they are up by 17 points or more, with three of those losses occurring while McDaniels has been in charge. Even worse, according to CBS Sports, the Raiders only lost five games where they led by 17 points or more from 1960 through 2021.
17+ point blown leads by Raiders in franchise history
1960-2021 5 times
First 8 games in 2022 3 times pic.twitter.com/5ijm5s3uYU— NFL on CBS 🈠(@NFLonCBS) November 6, 2022
McDaniels being responsible for three out of those eight games is a fireable offense, especially knowing he did it all in his first eight games with the Raiders. Instead of helping his team to victory in those games, he has led them to embarrassing defeats. Those three defeats stand between the Raiders being last instead of tied for second place in the AFC West.
The Raiders hired McDaniels to revamp their offense but it hasn’t happened yet. In fact, they struggled plenty of times this season. With Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow, Josh Jacobs, Foster Moreau, and Darren Waller as your weapons, the Raiders offense cannot be expected to consistently perform poorly. What is the point of keeping McDaniels around if he can’t do what Mark Davis hired him for?
The bottom line
Following the Jaguars’ defeat, McDaniels stated the following to the media: “We’ve gotta learn to play a full four-quarter game.” There’s not much time left this season, so hearing that is discouraging. In one-score games, the Raiders are currently 0-5; in 2021, they were 7-3.
This cannot be fixed. It is your responsibility, McDaniels. Although you are an excellent play designer and play caller, you are not qualified to serve as a head coach.
Top Photo: Mark Davis at Allegiant Stadium. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)