Raiders winners and losers in 20-9 defeat vs. Bears

Raiders winners and losers in 20-9 defeat vs. Bears

Losers

Jon Gruden

Jon Gruden’s offense was the toast of Las Vegas when the Raiders were 3-0. Now? It’s a completely different story. The Raiders have started slowly in all of their games this season, but lately, Gruden and Carr are struggling to find footing even as the game goes on.

One glaring issue is short-yardage situations. Down 7-3 to the Bears, Carr ran the ball himself on 3rd-and-short, getting slammed dangerously to the turf in the process. The play was more fit for a read-option QB, not Carr, and made little sense.

Gruden went for it on fourth down, too, but a Josh Jacobs run was stopped in its tracks at the Bears 27-yard line. Chicago took the ball, and all the momentum, and drove 73 yards in 16 plays to take a commanding 14-3 lead.

The Raiders moved rookie OT Alex Leatherwood to guard and inserted reserve OT Brandon Paker to take his place against Chicago, but the offensive line played as poorly as it had been before. Without a serviceable front line, it appears questionable that Gruden’s offense can function at all. And with Gruden calling shots on personnel, he’s got nobody to point the finger at but himself.

Alex Leatherwood/Brandon Parker

The Raiders new right side of the offense line faced a difficult challenge in Mack and a sack-happy Bears defense, but they had numerous breakdowns that left Carr hanging out to dry. Each player committed multiple costly penalties, as well.

Mack’s first sack against his former team came after he bowled into Leatherwood’s side, creating a path to Carr and leaving Leatherwood a mere spectator.

And on a failed 2-point conversion for the Raiders, Parker barely got a hand on Mack before he took Carr down again.

Parker’s incredible whiff was a poor representation of the Raiders in every way. How can that be their best option at right tackle? Parker’s lack of skill on that snap put Carr’s health, and Las Vegas’ season, in serious danger. It’s fortunate Mack and Carr are old friends. A dangerous missed block like that often leads to disaster.

Bryan Edwards

Even when there were plays to be had on offense, folly ensued. Wide receiver Bryan Edwards dropped a deep bomb from Carr that would have been good for a 60-yard gain.

Carr made a slick move in the pocket and delivered a skillful throw, but to no avail. The drop occurred on the Raiders’ first drive of the second half, right when the Raiders had a golden opportunity to change momentum. On a day when nothing went right for Las Vegas, the play was too fitting.

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