There is no drama when it comes to Las Vegas Raiders game under Pete Carroll.
They get drubbed week in and week out.
Sunday was no different as they were completely outclassed by the Denver Broncs in a game
that ended at 24-17. But in no way was this one a one-score contest. The Raiders scored 10 points in garbage time (including a field goal as time expired) and they were never really competitive after the first quarter.
The Raiders have trialed by 14 points in nine games this season. They are 2-11, have lost seven straight games and are have lost 11 straight AFC West games.
Carroll’s team is just a sleepwalking and Sunday’s game will do zero to end the speculation that Carroll may go one-and-done as the team’s head coach.
Raiders’ quarterback Geno Smith hurt his shoulder and left in the fourth quarter, being replaced by Kenny Pickett. After the game, Carroll said he think Smith may be OK.
It wasn’t all bad for the Raiders on Sunday, though. The Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints both won and the Raiders are now projected to have the No. 2 overall draft pick next April, which would put themselves in position to draft a top quarterback.
So, there’s that.
Here are some key aspects of the game:
Offense still stink:
The Raiders’ offense had a great first drive and then was awful for the rest of the game in the second game under Greg Olson as the interim offensive coordinator, taking over for the fired Chip Kelly. Las Vegas hasn’t scored more than 17 points for five straight games. The Raiders had just 76 yards of offense in the first half. And the Raiders allowed four or more sacks for the fifth straight game.
Broncos break trend, dominate:
The Broncos, who have won 10 straight games, trialed in their first 12 games. That streak ended Sunday. This was a much different game than in Week 10 when the Broncos beat the Raiders 10-7. Denver dominated this game and Bo Nix completed 31 of 38 passes for 212 yards. The Broncos held the ball for 39 minutes and three seconds. It was a domination.
Receiving numbers:
Rookie Jack Bech led the Raiders with six catches for 50 yards with some coming in garbage time. But it was his biggest output of the season.
Low-impact game by Jeanty:
It was another rough running game for No. 6 overall draft pick Ashton Jeanty. He had 30 yards on 10 carries with his longest carry being just six yards. He is averaging 2.6 yards a carry and 31 yards rushing in the past seven games. Not great.
Third-round woes continue:
Like last week, the Raiders had trouble on third down on both sides of the ball. The Broncos were 7 of 12 on third down and the Raiders were three of nine. That played a role in the lopsided time-of-possession battle.
Special teams woes continue:
Carroll fired special teams coach Tom McMahon after Week 10 when his unit made a lot of mistakes in a loss to Denver. The unit has not been great under interim coach Darius Swinton. In the second quarter, Denver’s Marvin Mims returned a punt 49 yards for a score. it was the second time the Raiders have allowed a punt return for a score this season.
Maxx sets record:
Maxx Crosby registered his 24th tackle for loss this season. It set a Raiders’ team record. He has four games to add to his remarkable accomplishment.
Kelly hurt:
Raiders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly was taken off the field on a cart in the second quarter with the entire team on the field to support him. He was ruled out quickly with a knee injury, which is usually not a good sign. He had been rotating with rookie Dairen Porter. If the injury is serious, Porter, a third-round pick, will get a big increase in play time.
Rogers starts:
For the second straight week, rookie guard Caleb Rogers started and played the whole game. He did rotate with Atonio Mafi last week. Alex Cappa started at center and Jordan Meredith was held out.
Not a good defensive start:
The Raiders’ defense has been good to start games, but struggled for the second straight week. The Broncos cruised down the field on a 14-play, 81-yard drive that took eight minutes, 54 seconds off the clock.
Good offensive start:
The Raiders answered right back with an excellent drive of their own culminating in a 15-yard touchdown pass from Geno Smith to tight end Brock Bowers to make a 7-7 game at the end of the quarter. Smith was very strong on the drive as he completed all six of his pass attempts for 53 yards and Ashton Jeanty ran well. A very smooth start under Greg Olson in his second game as the Raiders’ interim offensive coordinator.
Crosby honored:
There was a pre-game ceremony to honor Crosby, who last week was named the Raiders’ Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee. Way to go, Maxx.
Opposing fan takeover:
Every time I’m at Allegiant Stadium, it’s so wild to see the place taken over by visiting fans. The stadium had to be, at least, 60 percent orange. It’s a problem that is not going away. After the game, Carroll said the team wants to earn to get their home fans at games and he wants to be around when it happens. We shall see.
