Is anyone else’s blood boiling after the Las Vegas Raiders’ loss to the San Francisco 49ers?
It was an all-around terrible game and the kind of ugly contest that should have worked in Las Vegas’ favor. Instead, the Raiders suffered another embarrassing defeat, and this one was largely self-inflicted.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw a pick-six and two more interceptions, tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer each lost a fumble at a costly moment, and the defense allowed 30-plus points for the sixth consecutive week. The offense looked solid on most of its snaps, but five game-altering mistakes erased any chance of a comeback.
Let’s start with how the second half slipped away, then turn to the defensive problems that have haunted this team all season. We’ll wrap up with a rare bright spot on special teams.
The Raiders Gave Another Game Away
The second half was the kind of stretch that makes you question whether players are throwing games.
The Raiders started the half with the ball and a chance to pull within a score of the San Francisco 49ers. Instead, Kirk Cousins muffed the snap and panic-launched a pick-six. The offense bounced back nicely to get that touchdown back, and Treydan Stukes then picked off Brock Purdy to set up the offense at the San Francisco 31-yard line. Two plays later, though, tight end Brock Bowers fumbled it away. A few minutes after that, tight end Michael Mayer fumbled at the goal line right after the defense had come up with a fourth-down stop in 49ers territory. As if the third quarter were not bad enough, Cousins killed two more drives in the fourth with interceptions on underthrown balls to Tre Tucker.
Nobody is actually accusing anyone of throwing games, of course. Honestly, though, that explanation would have been easier to accept than what actually happened. On the fumbles, part of the blame belongs to the 49ers, who are good at punching the ball out. It is also fair to wonder whether the tight ends felt the need to press for extra yards to help dig the team out of a hole. The interceptions are harder to excuse, since they can all be chalked up to Cousins’ advanced age. He simply cannot get the ball where it needs to be consistently.
All right, enough piling on the offense, which looked solid apart from those five bad plays. The defense deserves its own share of the criticism.
Related: Loyalty To Rob Leonard Could End Up Costing The Raiders
Rob Leonard Needs to be Fired
Even without counting the pick-six, the Raiders defense gave up 30-plus points for the sixth consecutive week. Against a very good 49ers offense, it was always going to be an uphill battle, but the performance, especially in the first half, was unacceptable. It was not a matter of talent, either. Great plays by a handful of individuals kept the score from looking much worse. The common denominator this week, and all season, was coaching.
The run fits are virtually nonexistent, the pass-rush scheme is incoherent, and opposing receivers are constantly running around wide open in the secondary. Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard has not helped matters by asking defensive tackles to drop into coverage. A month ago, it was easy to say Leonard and the defense just needed time to grow. Nine weeks into the season, this unit has not gotten any better. Something has to change.
The defense has been a disaster, but the game was not a total loss. Let’s wrap up with something positive.
Dylan Laube is Becoming an Elite Kick Returner
Dylan Laube has been a revelation on special teams this season. In an era when the rules have limited the impact of kickoffs, the Raiders seem to have figured out something with the former New Hampshire running back. Laube has found exactly how to attack opposing coverage units, thanks in large part to his excellent vision and great burst. Together, those traits have helped him average a staggering 33-plus yards per return.
Laube is having a breakout season in his third year. After spending his first two seasons struggling to find an impactful role, he has finally found his best contribution to the team, and the timing could not be better. Next season is the final year of his rookie contract. If he keeps up his current play, an extension will likely be in his future.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images