Another one. Just ask DJ Khaled. A 33-30 loss to the Buffalo Bills is the Raiders’ third straight defeat, and Las Vegas is suddenly 3-3 with a difficult slate looming.
Much like the Chiefs game a couple of weeks ago, this was a solid effort against a tough opponent that still ended in the loss column.
Turnovers, Man. Turnovers.
The Raiders were right there with the Bills for most of the game, but things took a turn for the worse after a field goal gave Buffalo a three-point lead in the third quarter. On Las Vegas’ ensuing possession, a Kirk Cousins interception gave the Bills a short field. Josh Allen and company took advantage with a touchdown that left the Raiders down 10. This is far from the first time it has happened. Much like in the Chiefs game, the turnover ended up being the difference between a win and a loss.
The Raiders are simply not good enough to overcome losing the turnover battle. That is not to put it all on Cousins, either. When a veteran quarterback relies on anticipatory throws, interceptions are going to happen from time to time. The bigger issue is that the defense has stopped generating takeaways. After forcing a league-high nine turnovers during their 3-0 start, the Raiders have just one in the last three weeks. That is not good enough for a defense that is also struggling to keep points off the board.
Meanwhile, the offense has its own concerns…
Related: Raiders hung with Buffalo but it wasn’t enough
Ashton Jeanty Needs to Sit
The Raiders have a problem with last year’s first-round pick. A rushing average of 3.2 yards per carry and one touchdown through six games is not what teams expect from a running back drafted in the top 10. The struggles in the run game are not all on Ashton Jeanty, of course. Still, he has been inconsistent in pass protection, dropped several must-have catches and lacked the explosiveness fans are used to seeing from him. Something is off. Maybe he is having trouble adapting to the new offense, but anyone with eyes can tell something may also be wrong physically.
Whatever is going on, Jeanty is not going to battle his way through it. Neither the Raiders nor the second-year back is benefiting from him being on the field right now, so he needs to take a seat for a game or two. That is not to say Jeanty is a bust who should be benched for good. He simply needs a break to recharge and reset, and the Raiders need to use that time to figure out what is wrong.
Let Mike Washington carry the load and consider adding a street free agent to round out the backfield in the short term. Once Jeanty gets things sorted, he can come back and show everyone why he was worth such a lofty draft pick.
Speaking of the offense…
The Raiders Desperately Need to Add a Wide Receiver
It seems odd to focus on the offense after it scored 30 points. However, the defense was always going to struggle in this one. The Raiders could have outscored Buffalo, but they were hampered by one glaring need: The passing game cannot rely solely on Brock Bowers playing bully ball. Michael Mayer is a good tight end, and Tre Tucker’s speed is great when he catches the ball. That is all Las Vegas has, and it is nowhere near enough. Jack Bech is hurt and was underwhelming when healthy, Jalen Nailor is a generic depth receiver and Cody White was a nice story who belongs on special teams.
It’s time for reinforcements.
Adding one more quality receiver could open up a lot for the offense. Between Tucker’s speed and Bowers’ everything, the Raiders need somebody who can consistently beat opposing nickel defenders. Plenty of options are available, too. Las Vegas could take a big swing by calling the Commanders about Terry McLaurin, or it could kick the tires on Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jaguars for a cheaper price. Even grabbing Zay Jones off the couch would be an upgrade at this point. The Raiders have to do something at the position, and at 3-3, waiting for next year’s draft is not an option.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images