Well, that’s it, folks. The Indianapolis Colts dashed any slim playoff hopes the Raiders had by beating Las Vegas 23-20. Let’s start unpacking the initial reactions to this past weekend’s game.
Raiders Should’ve Let Daniel Carlson Kick
It didn’t have to be this way, but the Raiders lost by just a field goal. Las Vegas had several drives that seemed to reach the edges of Carlson’s range, but Antonio Pierce opted to punt instead. On their third drive, the Raiders found themselves on the Colts’ 42 after a Jermaine Eluemunor penalty cost them a fourth and one opportunity (more on that later). At 59 yards, that would have been a long one, but he is certainly capable of making that, especially in a dome. The Raiders reached roughly the exact same spot on the field on their next two drives as well but opted to punt again both times.
Had Las Vegas attempted field goals in those situations, the outcome could have been much different. Hitting on just two out of three would have been enough to win and hitting one would have tied the game. Yes, these attempts have inherent risks in terms of field position, but they would have been well worth it.
First of all, it is abundantly clear that the offense cannot really move the ball well and consistently. You have to help them out sometimes when they cannot get into a more comfortable field goal range. Also, trust the defense with the possibility of defending a short field. They have been playing lights out this season, and, if anything, trying to score more would help them. It isn’t a coincidence that this winning streak ended when the defense stopped scoring touchdowns.
The decision not to kick these field goals is part of a troubling trend this season. Carlson has only attempted 28 field goals this year. He is on pace for his fewest attempts since the disastrous 2019 season. His three attempts from over 50 are also his fewest since 2019. The former All-Pro is a weapon that has not been deployed nearly enough this year. It’s a real shame, considering the offensive woes this season should render his services even more valuable.
Speaking of offensive woes…
It’s Time To Move On From Jermaine Eluemunor
As mentioned earlier, Eluemunor had another rough game. He committed two drive-killing false starts in the first half. Those types of penalties occur when a tackle knows he can’t hold his own and has to cheat a bit.
When he left the game later due to injury, a hobbled Kolton Miller replaced him and was an immediate upgrade. Eluemunor has been so bad that the injured player he was replacing was still able to outplay him. When you are talking about a position as valuable as offensive tackle, that cannot happen. It is time to move on from the veteran.
At this point, Eluemunor has fallen behind Thayer Munford in the right tackle competition and is now the swing tackle. Munford himself is barely of starting caliber. The Raiders need fresh blood. They should cut Eluemunor this offseason and draft a tackle that can push Munford for the right tackle position in the long run and serve as the swing tackle in the short term. This draft class should provide plenty of options in that department.
Unfortunately, it is time to start looking at the draft, as the Raiders are officially out of playoff contention, as they should be.
The Raiders Did Not Deserve A Playoff Spot
Sure, it was fun to think about the Raiders sneaking into the playoffs. The idea that anything could happen is what makes sports fun. Nevertheless, it was always a silly pipe dream, and it is probably good that it is being put to rest now.
Welp, another Raiders season in the books, Raider Nation. pic.twitter.com/16SbFCu64L
— RaiderRamble.com™ (@TheRaiderRamble) December 31, 2023
Las Vegas’s anemic offense had no business being in the playoffs. The quarterbacks combined for less than 3,500 yards passing and a 1:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. In 2023, that is not good enough. To be fair, they could maybe get through the first round, but that is it. Imagine Aidan O’Connell and company traveling to Baltimore in a few weeks. Yikes.
The Raiders were never going to contend for the AFC title this year. There was no lightning in a bottle to catch. Even if they got hot at the right time, they couldn’t have possibly gotten hot enough to make a real run. If you can’t win it all, you are better off in the draft picking twelfth than twentieth. We’re on to 2024.
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
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