The Raiders got embarrassed again by the Jaguars at home. This one wasn’t as bad as some of the other losses this year — at least the Raiders showed up and competed. The offense looked a lot better with Brock Bowers back. However, it came down to the last play. The Jaguars’ defensive tackle made a play, knocking down the Raiders’ two-point conversion.
Before everyone moves on to the Seattle Seahawks, we should acknowledge the play was there. Regardless, the Raiders wouldn’t have been in that situation if they had converted an extra point earlier in the game. The Raiders’ special teams have been the one constant over the last 20 years. At one point, Daniel Carlson looked like a franchise kicker. The past couple of years, he’s been more pedestrian. You can’t have that as a winning team, let alone a team trying to establish an identity and get their season right.
Luckily, the Raiders don’t have to wait long for a chance at redemption. They will take on their AFC rivals, the Denver Broncos, today. Yes, they are on short notice. Yet this is a team they know well. Vegas dominated the Broncos up until losing to them last year. A win here could give the Raiders some hope. They desperately need it, considering they’re winless in the division.
They will be without their No. 1 receiver, Jakobi Meyers, who they traded to the same Jaguars team that beat them. The Raiders will miss him, as he has been the most consistent receiver since he came to Vegas. He is a versatile guy who can fit in pretty much any offense. My question: Why did it take so long to trade him? If you were only going to get a fourth- or sixth-round pick, the Raiders should’ve made that trade at the beginning of the season or in the draft.
Luckily, the Broncos will be without their No. 1 corner, Pat Surtain. Denver still collectively has a great defense. The Raiders’ offense is going to need its best outing. Expect much of the same formula. The Raiders are going to rely on Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty in the passing game. They will try to make some big plays to Tre Tucker. They will try to get Michael Mayer going.
The real test for the offense will be keeping Geno from making mistakes. That starts with having great protection. The Raiders allowed a few sacks last week. This Broncos defensive line isn’t quite as athletic as Jacksonville, but collectively, they play more physical and tough. The Raiders need their offensive line to have a great game.
Defensively, the Raiders gave up too many points, but they didn’t play that bad. They didn’t give up many big plays and kept Brian Thomas under 100 yards receiving. They kept Travis Etienne under 100 yards rushing, despite him getting 22 carries. They forced an interception, and Maxx Crosby got a sack.
However, the Broncos offense is playing more dynamically than years past. Bo Nix is proving he can manage an offense. J.K. Dobbins is showing he has gas in the tank. RJ Harvey has had dynamic flashes. Courtland Sutton has somehow gotten better. Vegas has a much tougher test this week. They need to force a turnover, and they need to get consistent pressure from players other than Crosby.
At the end of the day, the Raiders just need to show some pride. Their record is what their record is, but we want to see them go out there and knock the piss out of the Donkeys.
