The Raiders started hot but slowly fell apart against the Bills in Buffalo on Sunday, losing 38-10. The Bills converted multiple fourth-down plays, dominating time of possession after Vegas took a 7-0 lead on a touchdown catch by wide receiver Davante Adams.
The Raiders’ roster shortcomings were on full display, as their offensive and defensive lines struggled against Buffalo’s players. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo felt the heat, throwing two interceptions. Bills QB Josh Allen had a lot of time to throw the football and used it well, tossing three touchdowns with no picks.
And incredibly, Raiders running back Josh Jacobs finished with negative rushing yards. It was a terrible day at the office for Las Vegas, and coach Josh McDaniels must find the answers. Here are this week’s winners and losers, as the Raiders’ good vibes from Week 1 have become a distant memory.
Winner: WR Davante Adams
Early on, it appeared Garoppolo and Adams would lead the Raiders to victory. The two displayed improved chemistry, especially on the game’s first drive. Adams caught a big third-down conversion before ultimately notching the afternoon’s first touchdown.
In the end, Adams had just 84 receiving yards, as the Raiders offense slowly fell apart against Buffalo. For the Raiders to reach their potential on offense, Garoppolo and Adams must find their groove.
Unfortunately, Adams was in the game after it was in hand for Buffalo and suffered an injury that forced him to the locker room. The play happened on a questionable pass from Garoppolo. But overall, their improved chemistry was a step in the right direction.
Winner: WR Tre Tucker
Rookie WR Tre Tucker suited up after being inactive Week 1 and made a positive impact. He ran for 34 yards on a sweep play in the first half, showing his speed and play-making ability.
Tucker also appeared to draw a pass interference penalty on a deep throw from Garoppolo, but the flag was picked up. It’s unclear how much playing time Tucker will have moving forward, as he took the place of injured WR Jakobi Meyers. His performance on Sunday should give him confidence to perform when called on.
Loser: C Andre James
The Raiders offensive line had a rough day. Jacobs never got rolling and Las Vegas ended up with just 55 rushing yards. Their pass protection was decent, but Garoppolo felt the heat on one crucial play in the first half, leading to an interception that turned the game.
It appeared that center Andre James didn’t do his job on a screen pass, barely putting his hands on the lineman across from him before running to the flat to block. It’s unclear what his exact responsibility is on that play, but conventional technique says he needs to slow the defender’s forward momentum before releasing to block.
Garoppolo’s pass was tipped after he rushed the throw, and moments later, the Bills tied the game at 7-7. The Raiders defense had actually held the Bills to a 3-and-out on their first drive, and the Raiders had a chance to build on their lead. This miscue ruined those chances.
Loser: QB Jimmy Garoppolo
The Raiders’ bad day on offense wasn’t all due to poor line play. Garoppolo’s second interception was squarely his fault; he had all day to throw before tossing a pick on a check-down to Jacobs. Bills linebacker Matt Milano wrestled the ball away on a pass that was too high for the Raiders running back.
Garoppolo had trouble finding any of his receivers besides Adams. Jacobs was second on the team with five receptions and no other wideout had more than a single catch. The lack of a running game and the loss of Meyers certainly didn’t help, but this was a step backward for Garoppolo and the passing game overall.
Loser: RB Josh Jacobs
It should be no secret why Jacobs lands on the loser list this week. It was a career-worst rushing output for the Raiders’ No. 1 back, the leader in NFL rushing yards just a season ago.
Through two weeks, the Raiders’ run blocking has not been what it was last year, either. If McDaniels’ group is to succeed, this part of the team needs to be a strength, not a weakness as it was on Sunday.
Loser: DE Maxx Crosby
As usual, defensive end Maxx Crosby gave a supreme effort and made his share of tackles on Sunday. He lands on this week’s loser list because he needs help from his fellow defensive lineman and isn’t getting much support.
The Bills paid extra attention to Crosby, who was often chipped or double-teamed. As long as the rest of the line fails to perform, mostly in regards to pass rush, Crosby will continue to see more than one blocker on nearly every play.
With last year’s big free agent signing, DE Chander Jones, still away from the team, Malcolm Koonce started opposite Crosby. Rookie Tyree Wilson also saw playing time, as did DE Isaac Rochell. It doesn’t matter how it happens, but Vegas desperately needs other linemen to step up, especially on the edge.
The Raiders are now 1-1 on the season, but it appears there is a lot of work to do on both sides of the ball for Las Vegas. McDaniels’ roster has star power with Crosby, Adams, and Jacobs; but the rest of the roster must fill in the gaps.
They’ll get their chance next week in the Raiders’ home opener against the Steelers. Despite this awful performance in Buffalo, Las Vegas can turn their early season around with a home win against a beatable Pittsburgh squad. By the looks of things at the moment, McDaniels may have to work some magic for that to happen.
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