Whenever a team loses five games in a row, there must be some sort of change. In this situation, the Las Vegas Raiders decided that it was time to relieve their offensive coaches of their jobs. It has been apparent that the struggles of the offense restrict this team’s success. Additionally, the playcalling has been atrocious when you get down to it. Despite head coach Antonio Pierce’s pleas to establish the run game, it has been nonexistent.
This weekend marked the culmination of the situation. They relieved offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and most of his staff of their duties. Unfortunately for Pierce, the pressure now shifts to him to rectify the situation. With no more “fall guy” in place, the buck will indeed stop with Pierce moving forward. Evidently, the Raiders have a bye week to regroup and decide what the future looks like with this roster. It will be interesting to see how this team reacts following the bye.
Why The Raiders Needed Change
Through eight weeks, the Raiders currently average 18.7 points per game and that number is generous. Over the past couple of weeks, this number has been inflated by garbage time points. Week after week, the outcome remains consistent. Four weeks in a row, the Raiders drove down and scored on their opening drive, but after that, the energy disintegrated. Pierce talked about what he expects out of this offense going forward in his presser.
“We got to do what gives us the best opportunity to win,” Pierce said. “If it is passing the ball 60 times, fine.”
Many fans find comfort in that quote, given the Raiders’ concerning struggles in running the football. Additionally, the firing of the other coaches demonstrates where Pierce believes the primary issue lies. Offensive line substitutions have been an issue as more talented players sit on the bench.
The highest-graded Raiders in Week 9 vs the Bengals:
? Jackson Powers-Johnson – 90.6
? Jordan Meredith – 81.5
? Jack Jones – 80.9
? Jakorian Bennett – 76.2
? K'Lavon Chaisson – 75.3(min. 25 snaps) pic.twitter.com/FvbmeVgBnL
— PFF Las Vegas Raiders (@PFF_Raiders) November 4, 2024
Both Jordan Meredith and Jackson Powers-Johnson were relegated to the bench as inferior players started ahead of them. James Cregg’s removal from his position could have been largely due to this; although it wasn’t entirely his fault, his role as offensive line coach compelled him to shoulder the responsibility. Additionally, Gardner Minshew, a Pro Bowl quarterback last season, has regressed with the Raiders. The firing of the quarterback coach likely stemmed from this.
Michael Mayer Returning?
Vincent Bonsignore reported saying, “The sense is Michael will be back in the building this week.” Mayer has not been in the active lineup since Week 3 against the Carolina Panthers. Why was Mayer absent for so long? Despite the apparent nature of his absence, the Raiders’ offense will welcome his return.
However, Pierce has announced that the team will not be practicing this week and will focus on implementing a new offense. Mayer will definitely have the opportunity to play against the Miami Dolphins after the bye week. The offense, which needs all the help it can get, will happily welcome him back.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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