Even on a victory Tuesday, Raiders coach Josh McDaniels had to answer some tough questions from reporters about his struggling offense, which has yet to score 20 points this season.
They got to learn some lessons in a 17-13 win against the Packers, but it’s clear that the Raiders offense, led by McDaniels and his playcalling, has to score at a higher clip if Las Vegas is to have a winning record.
“We’ve got to do a lot of things a little bit better,” McDaniels told reporters when asked about his offense. “There’s no one answer.”
He said the Raiders have done a lot of things well, but not consistently, and that he likes his team’s effort. Turning to optimism, he added that his offense hasn’t played its best.
“Hopefully our best is in front of us,” he said.
McDaniels also fielded questions about wide receiver Davante Adams, who had only four catches in the win on Monday night. Another issue, the lackluster play by the offensive line, also came up.
As a coach with a reputation as an offensive guru, these challenges should present an opportunity to shine as a play caller. He has a Hall-of-Fame receiver in Adams and a bevy of other skill players, but his line has played very poorly thus far. Somehow, he has to make his incomplete offense function at a higher level.
McDaniels’ quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, has to be a part of the solution as well. Perhaps the group just needs more time, as Garoppolo did miss one week with an injury and is 2-2 as a starter, even as he continues to get used to Adams and other playmakers.
The sooner McDaniels and his offense break the 20-point barrier, the better for this team and for this Raiders regime. Ideally for them, the resurgent defense can also continue to improve. Las Vegas has a chance to put it all together during a favorable upcoming schedule, starting with the Patriots in Las Vegas on Sunday.