With no game on the schedule this week, the Las Vegas Raiders will begin focusing on ways to fix their offense with their new offensive coaches. After his firing last week, Luke Getsy will no longer be in charge of Sin City’s offense. In the meantime, Las Vegas handed play-calling duties to veteran coach Norv Turner.
So far, the Raiders are one of the worst teams in the league. The team has only two wins through nine weeks, both of which could have easily been losses. A total of seven combined points decided their two victories.
What have been the main issues for Las Vegas so far? The main issues for Las Vegas so far have been “business decisions,” a poor running game, and last but not least, the turnovers.
Before this season, many would have said this team should improve from their eight-win campaign in 2023. However, not only is that not the case, but the Raiders will likely not be favored in any game they play for the rest of the year.
Las Vegas Raiders 2024 NFL season review
Defeating an AFC Juggernaut in Week 2
One of the few bright spots this season was Las Vegas’ first win, coming against the Baltimore Ravens. Despite the Silver and Black having a run-heavy philosophy, this was a pass-dominant outing. Quarterback Gardner Minshew threw for over 275 yards and added a touchdown to his resume as well.
Why were the Ravens unsuccessful against the Raiders?
There was only one interception in this game and Las Vegas showed their firepower in the second half. This is probably the only contest where Sin City appeared more inspired in the second half than the first. Additionally, the Raiders still had star receiver Davante Adams on the roster; he had one of his best games of the season with nine receptions, 110 yards, and a clutch touchdown.
The Silver and Black are synonymous with injured reserves in 2024
To start, the season began without Malcolm Koonce who was expected to have a breakout year. In 2023, he bloomed courtesy of an eight-sack campaign. All things considered, Koonce would have had an immense impact on this defense; however, he will not return to play any competitive ball this year due to a leg injury.
Christian Wilkins, a newly acquired star, sustained a foot injury that derailed his ’24 campaign. He was just starting to establish a strong presence and demonstrate his dominance. In due time, Wilkins will return to the Raiders and continue to compete with the team this year.
In order to reduce the turnovers, Minshew was relieved of his duties as the starting quarterback for the Raiders. However, his successor, Aidan O’Connell, suffered a thumb injury, placing him on injured reserve. This led to Sin City adding Desmond Ridder off of the Cardinals practice squad. Marcus Epps, the starting safety, also went on season-ending injured reserve.
What is Next for the Las Vegas Raiders
Despite the season being halfway through, defeating the Ravens demonstrates the team’s potential. The question is, can Antonio Pierce create cohesiveness and success with this roster?
“We’re that same team that beat the Kansas City Chiefs..that beat the Baltimore Ravens. If we can come with the details to do our job, I have no doubts about what we’ll do in this next stretch of the season.”
Raiders CB Nate Hobbs opens up during the bye-week.
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— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) November 5, 2024
One of the cornerstones of this defense, Nate Hobbs still has faith in this roster. While O’Connell looks to recover from injury the team will look to Ridder to lead this chariot. Scott Turner is now calling the plays, and the team has signed his father, Norv to assist as well. Brock Bowers is now the primary target on this offense with Jackson Powers-Johnson taking charge on the line. Zamir White has had a forgettable season, but Alexander Mattison is having his best yet.
Playoffs are definitely not in the future, but this team can still compete.
*Top Photo: Las Vegas Sun
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