Raiders’ Future at a Crossroads Amid Struggles
Focus on the Draft and Quarterback Search
The Las Vegas Raiders are not intentionally trying to lose games; however, securing a high draft pick could play a crucial role in establishing their long-term success. With hopes of acquiring a franchise quarterback, the organization is at a pivotal point after several years marked by mediocrity and limited playoff appearances.
Currently standing at a disappointing 2-4, the Raiders suffered significant losses against the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers by a total margin of 35 points. The upcoming schedule appears daunting, as they face tougher opponents in the weeks ahead. They will begin with an away game against the struggling 1-4 Los Angeles Rams, where betting odds currently favor the Rams by 5.5 points. After this matchup, the Raiders will host the two-time Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs before a visit to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Unlike the Raiders, who are in search of a reliable quarterback, these upcoming teams boast established quarterbacks, showcasing their strength with a combined four championships and six Super Bowl appearances over the last five seasons. The Raiders had their sights set on procuring a quarterback in this year’s draft, which saw six quarterbacks selected within the first twelve picks. Unfortunately, they picked at 13th, missing out on the opportunity.
General Manager Tom Telesco considered trading up for a quarterback in his inaugural year with the Raiders, although the extent of potential relinquishment remained uncertain. Coach Antonio Pierce has a personal connection to Jayden Daniels, who was picked second overall by the Commanders. Unfortunately for the Raiders, Washington and the teams that selected the top three quarterbacks showed no willingness to trade their spots.
While the Raiders could have pursued one of the remaining quarterbacks, they were regarded as lesser options compared to the top-three. Telesco appears poised to trade star receiver Davante Adams as a strategy to gather assets for a potential leap in next year’s draft. Nonetheless, Pierce’s recent remarks about Adams remaining with the team indicated no immediate moves are forthcoming.
Considering that Adams has a back-loaded contract that is not guaranteed beyond this year, trading him could be beneficial. It would be counterproductive to release him without securing any compensation. Retaining a part of Adams’ salary to facilitate a trade now would be a more favorable long-term strategy rather than short-sightedness.
Amid these challenges, the Raiders witness how young quarterbacks can revitalize franchises, with teams like the Texans reveling in excitement over C.J. Stroud, the Bears with Caleb Williams, and the Commanders with Daniels—all of whom were selected among the top two picks over the past two years. The Raiders aspire to be in a similar position next year.
Current Team Performance
Defensively, the Raiders have shown some promise, securing three sacks on Sunday. This marks the third consecutive game in which they have achieved at least that number, tying for the league’s third-longest active streak. Additionally, they have recorded multiple sacks in their last five games, the longest such streak since their impressive performances in 2020 and 2021.
However, there are notable areas in need of improvement. The Raiders effectively scored on their opening drives in the past two weeks but struggled to maintain momentum during subsequent possessions in their losses to the Broncos and Steelers. Pierce acknowledged the necessity for the entire organization—players and coaches alike—to adapt better during games. Las Vegas found the end zone for a total of 14 points in their opening drives yet managed only 17 throughout the remainder of both contests.
Player Development and Challenges
Looking ahead, the Raiders have promising prospects from last year’s draft, as all three of their picks from the first two days started against the Steelers. First-round selection Brock Bowers is quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s top tight ends, while second-round pick Jackson Powers-Johnson has potential as a standout guard. Third-rounder DJ Glaze notably contained Steelers pass-rushing threat T.J. Watt, limiting him to no sacks.
Conversely, the team is plagued by untimely mistakes, committing six turnovers over the past two weeks. Against Denver, they accrued eleven penalties totaling 79 yards, and although they reduced penalties to four against Pittsburgh, two crucial roughing-the-passer penalties on third downs directly impacted the game’s outcome.
Injury updates remain sparse, with no new information on Davante Adams, who is dealing with a hamstring issue, or fellow wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who is recovering from an ankle injury.
A significant statistic looms: for the first time in franchise history, the Raiders have trailed by double digits through all six of their games this season. The last team to experience such a trend was the 2021 Detroit Lions.
As the team prepares for their next challenge, Las Vegas will take on the Rams, who come off a bye week, this Sunday.
