Last week’s blog was fitting for the Raiders’ performance. Although the Raiders only lost by a score, they never really felt in control.
Silver and Black roamed all over SoFi but it wasn’t enough for the team to deliver. The scary part is, this team seems to be regressing and moving in the wrong direction.
Yes, Adams is gone but he has been hurt all year anyways. Now, the team needs a WR, QB and a RB too. This team needs to find answers quick as the Chiefs come to town.
Kansas City has looked like its best version of itself. Kareem Hunt has had a resurgance. The team just traded for DeAndre Hopkins. He and Travis Kelce have both torn up the Raiders in the past. Xavier Worthy is lightning quick. This is not the same team the Raiders beat last year.
Don’t forget Kansas City fields a fast defense that is stout against the run. The Raiders need Zamir White to look as good as he did last year when they beat they Chiefs. Alexander Mattison has been good for some chunk plays, including pass receptions out of the backfield.
Vegas also needs to sprinkle in some trick plays. Jakobi Meyers is back this week. He and Tre Turner can turn trick plays into explosive gains.
Defensively, the Raiders have to pressure Mahomes. Their DBs have actually been solid this year. If they can find a way to force Patrick Mahomes into a mistake, they have a chance.
Again, expect the Chiefs to try and wear the Raiders down with the run. They’ll try to convert on big plays too.
The Raiders don’t need to re-invent the wheel this week. They need to control the clock with the run game and keep the Chiefs defense off the field. They need to force turnovers and get home to the quarterback. Vegas needs to convert big plays and stay discipline against big plays from the Chiefs.
Either way, the Raiders just need to play with some heart. If they can rebound this week, it looks good on Antonio Pierce. However, another loss means they’ve dropped a game to the entire division. And they lost two additional LA home games. None of that is great for his job stability. A win here gives them at least some hope for .500. Stop the bleeding and Just Win Baby!
