The Las Vegas Raiders‘ offense has been difficult to watch for most of the season. Let’s be frank, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and his scheme are putrid at worst, inconsistent at best. It begs the question, though, why hasn’t there been any change, and more importantly, is it too late?
Is Raiders OC Chip Kelly doomed?
Looking at the team objectively, you can pick your poison, so to speak, with regard to what has gone wrong. Whether it’s been special teams, the defense, or, of course, the offense, nothing went right this season. The end result will likely be a top-five draft pick, preferably a top-three selection, according to some fans. Nevertheless, there’s still plenty of football to be played (unfortunately). If that’s the case, why have there been few to no changes on offense?
Raiders fans got some satisfaction when news broke that Tom McMahon was relieved of his duties as special teams coordinator. We’ve even seen players on defense get their share of opportunities, such as Lonnie Johnson, which bodes well for the future. On the other hand, Kelly has largely been unwavering in his approach. It’s a legitimate concern and question, but either way you look at it, would it really make a difference?
Whether it would’ve been inserting rookies into the offensive line or keeping Jackson Powers-Johnson at his natural position, it wouldn’t have prevented this disaster. The Raiders offense under Kelly at no point has had no identity; it’s been marred by inconsistencies and calls that leave you baffled at times. One can only hope that Ashton Jeanty’s career hasn’t been derailed at this juncture—something to keep an eye on as the season continues, namely his body language.
As for Kelly, it’s possible that the NFL game has indeed passed him by. Or, in a last-ditch effort, he implements some changes in order to save his current gig or help his case in looking for another job in 2026.
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*Top Photo: Getty Images