The Las Vegas Raiders added another loss to their record, but this one felt different. For the first time all season, they looked like a complete football team. The Raiders battled through five periods, showing flashes of real potential against a talented Jacksonville squad that recently took down the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football.
There’s still a long way to go before the Silver and Black can call themselves contenders. The offense finally clicked, but the defense was nearly invisible. And while Geno Smith delivered one of his better performances of the year, a few costly mistakes—including the failed two-point conversion—sealed another gut-wrenching loss.
Brock Bowers Has Ended the Tight End Debate
Forget the debate—Brock Bowers is the best tight end in football. Despite chatter about Trey McBride or Tyler Warren, the rookie phenom made it clear that the conversation is over.
Bowers was dominant from start to finish, racking up 133 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. Unstoppable, efficient, electric—pick your adjective. Wins may not be following, but Bowers has cemented himself as one of the NFL’s elite playmakers.
Geno Smith Resets the Narrative
After weeks of boos and frustration from Raider Nation, Geno Smith finally gave fans something to cheer about. The veteran quarterback looked poised and accurate, delivering a performance that reminded everyone why he’s still a starter in this league.
It wasn’t perfect—and far from flashy—but it was progress. Smith remains a clear upgrade over Kenny Pickett and Aidan O’Connell, and with one more year likely under center, he’s proving he can still lead an NFL offense while the team searches for its quarterback of the future.
A Rare Bright Spot on Defense
Takeaways have been few and far between for the Raiders’ defense—only eight all season. So when the unit finally produced a turnover, it stood out. With just four interceptions and four fumbles to their name, any defensive spark is welcome for a group still searching for consistency.
In addition to playing better, Isaiah Pola-Mao caught a crucial interception in the first quarter. This prevented any points on the drive and placed the Raiders offense in a great position. There is a lot to build on for the future of Sin City.
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*Top Photo: Getty Images