With a 2-7 start, the Las Vegas Raiders dug their own grave, and they likely put an end to their playoff aspirations against the Los Angeles Rams. The Raiders’ season was looking up, but in typical Josh McDaniels fashion, they blew another big lead. The Raiders have now dropped four games in which they had a double-digit lead at the half. The fact that they are 5-8 rather than 9-4 is explicitly because of those games. Let’s examine the reasons why we believe the Raiders won’t make the playoffs. Also, what are fans saying? Keep an eye out for our live poll so you too can participate.
The coaching disparities they face in the last four games…
The Raiders’ final four games are against the Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, and New England Patriots. The head coaches of those clubs have a total of eight Super Bowl rings between them. Therefore, it’s safe to say that against each of those teams, the Raiders are at a coaching disadvantage. Although McDaniels may not be the league’s worst coach, playing against these four coaches will highlight his flaws even more.
Mike Tomlin and Bill Belichick will do their best to prevent Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs from being the reason the Raiders beat them. McDaniels hasn’t changed anything when these problems have come up, so the Raiders’ offense will have trouble. Things will likely get ugly unless McDaniels figures out a way to open up his players while avoiding being affected by the defensive adjustments. Kyle Shanahan and Andy Reid, two of the best offensive minds in football, will be facing the Raiders in their last two games. When it comes to offensive concepts, McDaniels isn’t a slouch, but these two coaches are at a greater level. Both Shanahan and Reid’s attacks should have field days given how terrible the Raiders’ defense is.
Unfortunately, there is too much to overcome for the Raiders.
FiveThirtyEight.com predicts that the Raiders, who are 5-8, have a five percent probability of making the playoffs. This, along with their inconsistent performance and challenging remaining schedule, is too much for the Raiders to overcome. The Raiders simply aren’t a good team at this stage in the season; it is very evident. This squad hasn’t gained anyone’s trust, regardless of the coaching or performance of the players. What equips them to win against good teams if they are unable to finish four games in which they have double-digit leads?
The Raiders’ season is over, despite our best efforts to maintain optimism. Both the players and the fans are aware of it. The following four weeks need to serve as tryouts for the upcoming campaign. Mark Davis should determine roster spots for next year during these last four games. Given how bad this season has been, this should not only apply to Raiders players; coaches should also be coaching for their jobs, if we’re being honest.
Check out our live poll on Twitter, and let’s see what you think, Raider Nation.
How many games are the Raiders winning out of their remaining schedule?
— RaiderRamble.comâ„¢ (@TheRaiderRamble) December 10, 2022
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images