The Las Vegas Raiders got a huge reality check on Monday Night Football. They looked completely outmatched against the Los Angeles Chargers for the majority of the game. It is evident that Las Vegas still has a significant distance to cover before they can be considered serious contenders in the AFC West. Let’s get into some initial takeaways from the game.
Devin White is cooked…
There is no other way to put it. White is just far too slow to be on an NFL field anymore. All game long, he ran around looking like he had cement in his cleats. He could not even keep up with Justin Herbert, who is not exactly known for his speed.
To be fair, White has occasionally shown promise. For example, he has been solid in run support, filling gaps and taking on opposing guards. The problem is that he runs like a guard. He is simply too much of a liability to be out there anymore in anything other than maybe the goal line and short-yardage packages.
Let’s jump over to the other side of the ball…
There is no confidence in the run game…
Imagine spending a top-ten draft pick on a running back, hiring an offensive coordinator known for his scheme in the run game, and then completely abandoning the run. It is insane. Yet, that is precisely what the Raiders have done. Through two games, Las Vegas has run the ball just 43 times, which accounts for about a third of their total plays run. Keep in mind that this total also includes several scrambles by Geno Smith.
The fact that the team is averaging less than three yards per rush makes sense given their current performance. However, this raises further questions. The offensive line is largely the same as it was last year. While it may lack standout players, all five members are at least of starting caliber. The only significant change to the run game should be the addition of running back Ashton Jeanty, who is expected to provide a major upgrade. So, why does it seem like the running game is as bad as, if not worse than, it was last year? At some point, we have to take a close look at the offensive coaching staff.
Speaking of offensive coaching decisions…
Are the Raiders too reliant on Brock Bowers?
After being questionable throughout the week, Bowers did wind up playing. Although he was clearly hobbled, and with that, so too was the Raiders offense. Without being able to target Bowers a dozen times, the Raiders offense devolved into forcing the ball to wide receivers struggling to gain separation. A big part of the issue with this game in particular was Chargers defender Derwin James. Normally, he would have been assigned to Bowers. With the Raiders tight end banged up and able to be covered by a lesser player, James was freed up to wreak havoc all over the field.
The Raiders cannot be so dependent on one player. The coaching staff has to find a way to scheme a more balanced attack. Getting other receivers involved, as well as using Jeanty and the other tight end, Michael Mayer, more in the passing game will help. However, Las Vegas ultimately needs to run the ball more. Even if they have to force it, doing so will open up the offense so much. Until that happens, this unit is going to be painfully one-dimensional.
Related: Raiders Suffer Setback In Week 2
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images