The Las Vegas Raiders were overwhelmed in Philadelphia in Week 15. We break down three overreactions, what actually matters, and what the loss says about where this season—and the rebuild—is headed.
Alright, it’s time to overreact, Raider Nation.
Aidan O’Connell must start the rest of the way…
Geno Smith’s time appears to be up. Kenny Pickett was given a chance to start and did not look any better. That leaves Aidan O’Connell as the lone remaining option. He may not dramatically change outcomes, but he can at least make the offense look functional.
Right now, it is impossible to properly evaluate the Raiders’ young offensive weapons because of the quarterback play. Smith consistently missed open receivers, and Pickett lacks the arm strength to get them the ball. O’Connell may take his share of sacks and throw a few interceptions, but he will at least give playmakers a chance. And for those worried about him winning meaningless games and damaging draft position, the coaching staff has shown it knows how to manage that risk.
Related: Another reset looms for the Raiders amid another shutout loss
The Raiders coaching staff has given up…
If there were any lingering questions about the future of this coaching staff, they largely answered them themselves. The performance showed no evidence of meaningful preparation on either side of the ball. The offense lacked any coherent identity, the defense was vanilla at best, and the overall execution was nonexistent.
It is December, which makes the lack of readiness even more alarming. What this team is accomplishing in practice each week is difficult to discern. More concerning, the staff no longer looks engaged. Pete Carroll appears checked out, and that detachment has trickled down to his assistants.
It’s time to fire Patrick Graham…
Even for longtime defenders of Patrick Graham, the excuses have run out. Yes, many of “his guys” were not retained or properly replaced, and Pete Carroll has made significant changes to the scheme. Those factors matter, but they do not explain the persistent lack of execution and breakdowns in communication.
That responsibility falls on the defensive coordinator. It is Graham’s job to ensure players understand their assignments and to correct issues when they arise. Instead, sideline spats have become routine, an especially poor look with Graham on the sideline rather than in the booth. It would be one thing if he were maximizing a flawed roster. Increasingly, it looks like he is part of the problem, not the solution.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images