The Raiders lost another close game that could have easily been much worse. Yes, they picked off Pat Mahomes but there wasn’t much else for good news.
Still, it was great to see the Raiders play with pride after a tough loss the week prior. It seems like the locker room is still responding to head coach Antonio Pierce. Of course, that could easily change if they don’t generat offense soon.
Vegas failed to establish the tun. Neither Zamir White nor Alexander Mattison could average more than a yard per carry. Vegas did get the ball to Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers. Both caught more than 5 catches.
Vegas will start rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson at center this week since Andre James is out. He should add some surge at the point of attack for the run game. Dylan Parham is questionable to play. That could hamper the running game more.
The Raiders also gave up five sacks last week. They can’t do that this week versus the Bengals. Cincinnati is among the league’s worst at sacking the QB. Kansas City was in a similar spot before breaking out versus the Raiders last week. This Bengals veteran defensive line is quick and stout.
Vegas’ offensive line and running game needs to perform better if they want to control games. Cincinnati is desperate to string together wins. Otherwise, they will fall too far behind the pack in the AFC North.
Luckily, Bengals receiver Tee Higgins will be out with injury. The Bengals have not been great on the run either. Their defense has also taken a step back.
Regardless, Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase has the size and speed to give the Raiders problems all day. Cincinnati QB Joe Burrow is a threat over the top and he is sneaky with his rushing ability. We know the Raiders can’t cover tight ends and Bengals TE Mike Gesicki is a sleeper.
Raiders edge Tyree Wilson finally got into the sack column last week. Wilson needs to keep developing. Maxx Crosby will be back this week. They will have their work cutout versus a mobile Burrow and an improved offensive line. Cincinnati is in the middle of the pack for sacks allowed. The Bengals will be down starter Orlando Brown at left tackle. Their right tackle is also a rookie.
In the end, the Raiders need to get after the quarterback, limit big plays in the pass game and stay disciple against the run. Last week, a turnover kept them in the game. They can do it again this week.
Offensively, it would be great for the Raiders to get the running game going. We would all love a pass play for more than ten yards too. I am not sure if this offense is capable of either, but they need to show some progress soon. It would not surprise me if they move on from OC Luke Getsy if the offense struggles. The Raiders need to show some offensive progress headed into the Bye Week.
The Raiders could play the Bengals tight as they did the Chiefs and Rams. They could suffer a let down like they did versus the Broncos and Panthers. We won’t know, especially in an early game outside.
Vegas could be only a few big plays from losing bad. They could also dominate a team that is struggling across the board.
Again, the Raiders need to play their brand of football. Run the ball, push the ball down the field, take advantage of turnovers and don’t allow any big plays. Let’s just stop the bleeding and get a win.
