Monday night’s display might’ve been a turning point for the 2023 Las Vegas Raiders, but not in a positive way. Things got so bad that legends of day’s past have seen enough, it appears. Can you blame them?
Players (unlike fans) have a much better understanding of the intricacies that come with being a part of an NFL team and locker room. Right now, as you’re reading this, people are calling for the head of Josh McDaniels. All jokes aside, the putrid offensive display by the renowned “guru” was witnessed by a global audience. Last night’s stage, the biggest one yet for the Raiders this season, amplified the issues that have derailed the team. Perhaps the biggest of all is the lack of an identity on offense.
Eight weeks in, and McDaniels has fielded one of the most predictable units that Raider Nation has seen—well, we can now add a pair of Raiders icons to that mix who have also witnessed this.
Enough is enough for these Raiders…
Charles Woodson, worshipped by legions of Raiders fans, is often the one who keeps cool. Monday night might’ve finally been enough for No. 24. On the other hand, Tim Brown, arguably the greatest wideout in the history of the organization, couldn’t watch—literally.
Where does Las Vegas go from here?
It’s not an easy situation right now for owner Mark Davis. As much as he’s tried to be patient with the current regime, it’s going to be nearly impossible for him to ignore all of the negative press. What could you possibly pitch to Davis if you’re McDaniels? There’s zero reason to have any confidence in what his coach is saying, yet do you pull the trigger in-season?
As Woodson alluded to, this has to stop. Despite standing at 3-5, the season is far from over. Look at the game that Patrick Graham’s defense had; had it not been for the forced turnovers and the touchdown off the interception by Marcus Peters, this would’ve been a 20-point-plus lopsided affair. Even so, the final score is masterfully deceiving.
Brown, once the leader of the Raiders’ locker room in his heyday, knows what players such as Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams have to be feeling. The time for talk has come and gone—this team (in particular, the offense) isn’t buying into what’s being “talked about.” The time for “action” might finally be here, or not. Maybe Raiders fans need to accept the reality that this recent loss could be season-defining.
*Top Photo: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports