HENDERSON, Nev.
— Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce was questioned on Monday regarding the aspects of the offense he could depend on for critical execution.
“No,” Pierce responded succinctly.
This response encapsulates the current struggles of the Las Vegas team offensively as they approach the midpoint of the season, and statistics support this bleak outlook.
As they gear up for their game against Cincinnati, the Raiders find themselves near the bottom of the league in several categories, including scoring, total yardage, rushing effectiveness, and conversions on both third and fourth downs.
They stand mediocrity in passing, which has contributed to their disappointing 2-6 record. The team is in the midst of a four-game losing streak, averaging 16.5 points per game during this stretch, ranking fifth worst in the NFL.
Pierce aims to cultivate an offensive identity that is tough and resilient, reminiscent of his playing days with the Giants, yet he continues to search for a cohesive offensive strategy.
“I don’t believe any NFL team with a fresh offensive coordinator and quarterback is seamlessly working together just yet,” Pierce noted.
“But for us, my goal is to establish a strong run game. I want to be aggressive and deliver long passes downfield.”
He further stressed the importance of integrating down and distance, play calling, and execution, stating, “It’s a collaborative effort.”
Pierce acknowledged some bright spots, particularly regarding the Raiders’ ability to begin games strongly. They scored touchdowns on the opening drive in three of their last four outings.
However, it has been after those initial drives that adjustments from both teams have led to the Raiders’ struggles.
This lack of offensive stability hasn’t been entirely unforeseen.
Star wide receiver Davante Adams had missed three games due to a hamstring issue before being traded to the Jets. The newly promoted top receiver, Jakobi Meyers, was sidelined for two games with an ankle injury before his return last week.
The Raiders continue to search for a franchise quarterback. There were no high expectations for Gardner Minshew, who was brought in on a two-year, $25 million deal during the offseason.
Seen as primarily a bridge quarterback, the hope was that Minshew could keep the team competitive while they searched for a genuine star at the position.
However, Minshew has faced challenges with turnovers, leading the league with 11, which resulted in him being benched for Aidan O’Connell after five games.
Minshew regained his starting position quickly when O’Connell suffered an injury during his first game this season.
In a recent loss to the Chiefs, Minshew delivered his strongest performance of the year, throwing for 209 yards, scoring two touchdowns, and achieving a passer rating of 117.9.
“I felt like we did a solid job of extending drives and maintaining possession,” said Minshew.
“We showed moments of promise on third downs. Now we need to figure out how to avoid those three-and-outs and quick drives to be more consistent.”
However, his performance was dampened by a costly fumble that allowed Kansas City to increase its lead to 14 points late in the game.
Minshew’s struggles weren’t solely due to his own performance. He faced the additional challenge of leading an offense hampered by a running game averaging only 79 yards per game, placing them 31st in the league.
The combination of inadequate run blocking, compounded by injuries across the offensive line, and subpar showing from running backs has contributed to dismal results.
Much was anticipated from Zamir White after an impressive performance at the end of the previous season, but he has struggled to find his footing this year after suffering a groin injury early on.
His playing time has dwindled as Alexander Mattison has stepped in, yet neither has showcased their potential, together accumulating just 429 rushing yards at an average of 3.1 yards per carry.
White has returned from injury but has managed only 12 yards on five carries. Pierce emphasized the need to involve him more to help establish rhythm in the offense.
“Sometimes, the flow of the game doesn’t allow for that, but we must find consistent ways to integrate him into our strategy,” Pierce remarked.
White expressed eagerness to contribute more consistently.
“With every play, I’m thinking, ‘I just want to be part of it right now,’” White stated.
“I’m willing to do anything to assist the team.”
The overall lack of productivity has led to an offense that has scored fewer than 20 points in half of their games this season.
Whether it stems from player execution issues or first-year offensive coordinator Luke Getsy’s play selections, it’s clear the Raiders are currently unable to perform effectively.
“No single person is to blame,” Mattison concluded.
“There isn’t one specific situation or part of the game that we can point to. It’s a collective shortcoming.”