In the wake of the Las Vegas Raiders’ 20-13 stumble against the Miami Dolphins, the narrative remains frustratingly familiar. A strong defensive display overshadowed by the offense’s inability to capitalize.
The Raiders’ offense, despite being among the NFL’s top-paid, failed to deliver, scraping together just 36 yards on the ground, converting only four third-down opportunities and failing to score in the second half. The Raiders have scored just 19 total points in the third quarter this season and have a paltry three touchdowns in as many games.
Interim head coach Antonio Pierce, stepping in after Josh McDaniels’ departure, has yet to find the formula to spark the offensive unit. You can always count on Pierce to take responsibility and to acknowledge the Raiders offensive woes are now his problem to solve.
“There are lessons to learn. It starts with AP,” Pierce admitted post-game, acknowledging the need for better game management and play-calling to support his rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
While the recognition is admirable, it’s still up to Pierce to figure it out fast before the season slips away and perhaps his chances at scoring the Raiders’ head coaching permanently, too.
Las Vegas Raiders aren’t doing Aidan O’Connell any favors
Aidan O’Connell, who replaced Jimmy Garoppolo as the starter, has shown potential but also displayed the inconsistency of a rookie. His 269-yard performance was marred by three interceptions and moments of indecision, including two critical sacks. O’Connell’s lack of mobility, which kept him from being drafted in the higher rounds, was evident in the loss at Miami. Yet, he’s got great football intelligence and has shown he’s a quiet but assertive leader. Against the Dolphins, he was indecisive and just made some bad decisions.
O’Connell’s self-critique was telling: “I have to probably not be as predictable and use my legs a little bit,” he said, reflecting on his need to improve decision-making and execution.
Offensive play-caller Bo Hardegree has struggled to break free from the cautious approach that characterized McDaniels’ tenure. The Raiders’ offense, flush with weapons, seems hesitant, unable to build on the dynamism of plays like the 46-yard touchdown pass from O’Connell to Davante Adams.
Hardegree and Pierce are tasked with fostering an offensive strategy as assertive and effective as their defense yet the inconsistency shown early by Hardegree was directly responsible for their loss to the Dolphins. He put too much pressure on O”Connell asking the inexperienced signal caller to do too much.
“We gotta do a better job of managing the game and not putting us into situations where Aidan has to win the game,” Antonio Pierce said after the loss. And he is right. Hardegree seemed unsure of what he was trying to do. It was compounded by several defensive looks the Raiders didn’t see from Vic Fangio’s defense on tape in preparation for the game. Both Pierce and O’Connell confirmed this during their postgame press conferences.
The NFL can be a tough place and it’s understandable the Raiders coaching staff can be surprised by one of the league’s most respected defensive minds. Yet, where were the adjustments? Where was the recognition of what was happening? Instead, the rookie was hung out to dry and suffered through a rough second half.
The performance of the Raiders’ offense in Miami was reminiscent of how it looked under Josh McDaniels. Its unevenness often killed drives and allowed for little creativity. Pierce must do everything he can to avoid this.
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Las Vegas Raiders defense needs offense to pull its weight
Unlike Hardegree, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has guided the defense and has consistently risen to the occasion. The Las Vegas defense and his efforts, which included forcing three turnovers against the Dolphins, have been formidable. Yet, without an offense to match, their hard work is not reflected in the win column.
As the Raiders navigate through the season with a below-.500 record, the question looms: Can they resolve their offensive issues in time to salvage a playoff run? With the defense showing it can contain even the best offenses, it’s the other side of the ball that needs urgent attention.
The Raiders face not just opponents on the field but also the challenge of tapping the potential of an offense flush with weapons but lean on success. The Raiders have the talent to do better, and they must do better, or the season will be lost.
For Pierce, the mission is clear. Unlock the offense’s capabilities and solidify his leadership. The coming weeks will be critical in shaping not only the Raiders’ season but also for his future and the future of the coaching staff.