Tag: Brian Hoyer

Ballers & Busters for Raiders Week 7 loss to Bears

Ballers & Busters for Raiders Week 7 loss to Bears

One of the tougher tasks I have occasionally had in the 16 years I’ve been doing this series is finding anything positive in a seemingly complete collapse. This was one of those times.

The hapless Bears jumped to a 14-0 lead in this game and never looked back. The Raiders couldn’t stop the Chicago offense led by undrafted rookie QB Tyson Bagent. Mostly because they couldn’t stop the ground game and found themselves on their heels all game long.

It was so bad that even the final score didn’t accurately reflect the disparity. The final six points was a garbage time score after they were down 30-6. And honestly we all knew once the Raiders went down 21-3 in the third quarter, that was the clincher. After all, the Raiders offense hadn’t broken the 20-point barrier all season, and they were clearly not going to do it on this day.

But, as we typically do, let’s start with the glimmer of good before we go to the myriad of bad.

Ballers

DE Maxx Crosby

The best all-around edge rusher in the NFL is often the exception for the Raiders. Nearly every week he is not just a Baller, but the Top Baller. Even if that isn’t all that difficult to do on this team.

The defense didn’t hold up well most of the game, but every time they did, Crosby was the reason why.

The day began on a high note. The Bears won the toss and made the rare decision to start on offense. Then the Raiders forced a three-and-out, which immediately put them at an advantage. That advantage was created because on second down, Crosby got pressure to set up Bilal Nichols to make a tackle for loss and the Bears couldn’t dig out of it.

Down 7-0 to begin the second quarter, the Bears began driving again, picking up a couple first downs. Then Crosby burst into the backfield, forcing a holding penalty on his man and the Bears once again could not overcome it and punted.

Down 14-3 late in the second quarter, the Bears were threatening again. They moved into Vegas territory at the 47 and would get no further. Crosby flew in for the sack to put them back in their own territory with seconds left and that ended that.

That was as close as the Raiders would get. Still within two scores. Unfortunately Crosby can’t do it all by himself and the Bears were able to extend their lead, while the offense not only couldn’t close the gap, but actually made it worse with a late pick-six to turn this one into a laugher.

WR Jakobi Meyers

The Raiders had three scoring drives in the game. The first one featured a heavy dose of Meyers. He caught four consecutive passes for a combined 34 yards to put the Raiders in scoring range.

The second scoring drive featured a catch my Meyers to convert on third-and-three and a four-yard catch on second-and-goal from the ten.

He would later catch the Raiders only touchdown in the game. Even if it was a meaningless one in garbage time.

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Raiders 30-12 loss in Chicago contender for most embarrassing of Josh McDaniels’ era

Raiders debacle in Chicago contender for most embarrassing of Josh McDaniels’ era

As bad as the Raiders have been at times this season, they were actually 2.5-point favorites in Chicago Sunday. That’s because the Bears were one of the worst teams in the NFL and were without starting quarterback Justin Fields and starting an undrafted Division II rookie Tyson Bagent in his place.

The Raiders were without their starter as well, with Jimmy Garoppolo down with an injured back. In his place was 15-year veteran Brian Hoyer.

The thinking seemed to be that Hoyer was able to do enough last week to let the Raiders defense secure a 21-17 win over the Patriots. And with the Bears not figuring to be able to mount much of an attack on offense, Hoyer could at least be a steady presence over rookie Aidan O’Connell.

None of this game went the way the Raiders had hoped.

The Bears ran all over the Raiders’ defense while the Raiders offense was stuck in cement. And at QB, it was Bagent who was the steady presence while Hoyer completed just 17 passes for 126 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions — one a pick six.

The Bears jumped out to a 14-0 lead early and were up 21-3 by the end of the third quarter. Their third touchdown looking like the one that iced it because the Raiders offense hasn’t broken 20 points all season. They only managed 21 points last week because of a game-clinching safety.

But even being down that much with 12 minutes left in the game, after the offense failed to get a touchdown on seven attempts from the nine-yard-line and Josh McDaniels sent out the field goal unit.

A field goal and a pick six put the Bears up 30-6 with just over five minutes left.

The debacle had many people asking is this was the most embarrassing of Josh McDaniels’s time as Raiders head coach.

It’s a valid question because there have been at least two more losses that may give this one a run for its money.

Last season the Raiders faced the Colts with recent high school coach Jeff Saturday making his NFL head coaching debut. Saturday’s Colts would beat McDaniels’s Raiders and then fail to win another game.

A few weeks later, the Raiders would face the Rams with Baker Mayfield at quarterback having signed with the team two days prior and not even having had an official practice and Mayfield carved the Raiders up.

For what it’s worth, the Saturday/Colts loss got my vote.

The mere fact that we’re asking this question is saying a lot. That in just 24 games as head coach of the Raiders, we have three losses that are so completely embarrassing that it’s hard to say which one takes the prize.

And it’s not like the Raiders have played well otherwise and this game comes out of nowhere.

After a 17-16 win over the Broncos in the season opener thanks to the Broncos missing a field goal and an extra point, the Raiders rattled off three straight losses. Then, despite the offense scoring 17 and 19 points, they managed to put together consecutive wins against struggling Packers and Patriots teams to pull to .500.

The Bears came in bad enough most figured the Raiders — despite clearly being one of the worst teams in football — would still be able to get the win to pull to a winning record. Not only did they fail to do that, but it was never close.

It isn’t often a team is even put in a position to face either a recent high school coach in his debut or a quarterback who was signed two days prior, or an undrafted former Division II rookie making his first start. Let alone look as terrible as the Raiders have in those matchups.

For that reason, it’s hard to imagine McDaniels will have another game this season that will measure up to the level of embarrassment we saw Sunday in Chicago. But I won’t rule it out. They have ten more games this season to top it.

Report: Brian Hoyer to start at QB for Raiders with Jimmy Garoppolo out

Report: Brian Hoyer to start at QB for Raiders with Jimmy Garoppolo out

Both Aidan O’Connell and Brian Hoyer have played for the Raiders this season. For that reason, Josh McDaniels was able to play the mystery starting QB shell game this week with Jimmy Garoppolo missing with a back injury.

McDaniels said before practice Friday that he would wait until after practice to make his decision. Well, practice is over and that decision have been made according to Dianna Rusinni — it’s Hoyer.

Honestly, the only surprise here would have been if he went with O’Connell. The fans were calling for O’Connell to start earlier this season due to a standout preseason by the rookie. But he struggled in his one start.

Hoyer on the other hand came in for Garoppolo last week and led the Raiders on two scoring drives (both field goals) to preserve a 21-17 win.

In each game Garoppolo has started this season, Hoyer has been his primary backup while O’Connell has been inactive.

After starting the season 1-3, the Raiders have won two straight to pull to 3-3 on the season — mostly on the strength of their defense.

In that regard, Hoyer would seem to give the Raiders the best chance to win. Especially when you consider the Bears are without starting QB Justin Fields, so Hoyer may simply be asked not to lose the game for them.

QB Jimmy Garoppolo, CB Nate Hobbs both OUT Sunday for Raiders, no starters announced

QB Jimmy Garoppolo, CB Nate Hobbs both OUT Sunday for Raiders, no starters announced

Prior to Friday’s practice, Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels confirmed Jimmy Garoppolo will not play Sunday when the team travels to Chicago to face the Bills.

This would suggest Garoppolo will not be on the field for their final practice just as he had missed the first two practices this week with a back injury.

Garoppolo suffered the back injury in last Sunday’s game against the Patriots. He left the stadium via ambulance at half time and was replaced by veteran backup Brian Hoyer.

“It’s a medical decision,” said Josh McDaniels of Garopppolo’s non-availability for the game.

As to who will start in his place, McDaniels was tight lipped about it.

When Garoppolo missed a start earlier this season due to a concussion, it was rookie Aidan O’Connell who got the nod. But every game this season it has been Hoyer as the primary backup.

“Both guys are having a good week practicing,” McDaniels said Friday of Hoyer and O’Connell. “We’ll see how today goes and we’re just going to make the decision. At the end of the day both of them are going to be ready to go. I have confidence in both of them. The good thing is both of them have played already, so that’s a unique situation. In six games we’ve have three quarterbacks who have all competed in close games. So, I am confident in both of them.”

While it’s possible McDaniels is still making his decision on a starter, it’s more likely he’s already made his decision, but would rather not reveal that decision.

McDaniels also said cornerback Nate Hobbs will miss his fourth straight game with an ankle injury. His replacement will be a combination of Amik Robertson and Tyler Hall

Hall has been called up from the practice squad the past few weeks due to Hobbs being out. He held up well enough to this week earn being signed to the active roster. Both he and Robertson started the past two weeks.

Bears will not see Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 7

Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup against the Bears.

When the Chicago Bears host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, it will be a matchup of backup quarterbacks.

According to Vegas Nations’ Vincent Bonsignore, Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been ruled out for Sunday’s game with a back injury. Further, Las Vegas continues to evaluate whether former Bears quarterback Brian Hoyer or 2023 fourth-round pick Aidan O’Connell will get the starting nod in the Week 7 matchup.

Hoyer helped guide the Raiders to a 21-17 win over New England last Sunday. The Michigan State product took over for the injured Garoppolo in the second half, completing 6-of-10 passes for 102 yards.

O’Connell made his first start back on Oct. 1 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The Long Grove, Ill., native completed 24-of-39 passes for 238 yards and one interception.

The Bears are expected to turn to undrafted rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent on Sunday, with starting quarterback Justin Fields sidelined because of a dislocated thumb.

Former Michigan State football QB Brian Hoyer comes in relief to lead Raiders to win

Brian Hoyer came in relief to lead the Raiders to a win over the Patriots on Sunday

Brian Hoyer has carved out a very nice career for himself in the National Football League. While spending some years as a starter, he has been a very solid backup for several teams around the league, amounting to what is currently a 15-year career in the league.

Now, with the Las Vegas Raiders, Hoyer was called upon to replace starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo against the New England Patriots.

In a 13-10 game early in the second half, Garoppolo had to leave the game due to injury, handing the keys over to Brian Hoyer.

In relief, Hoyer led the Raiders to a 21-17 win over his former team. He finished 6-for-10 for 102 yards.

Contact/Follow us @The SpartansWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Michigan State news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Cory Linsner on Twitter @Cory_Linsner.

Raiders lose QB Jimmy Garoppolo to back injury before half time vs Patriots

Raiders lose QB Jimmy Garoppolo to back injury

Late in the second quarter in the Raiders’ Week six game against the Patriots, Jimmy Garoppolo led the Raiders down the field into scoring range. The final play of the drive, Garoppolo found Jakobi Meyers for 17 yards. Meyers was stopped just short of the sticks, and Garoppolo was hurt on the play.

He headed for the bench and was holding his back, grimacing. Then he headed for the locker room. A few minutes later, he was seen being loaded into an ambulance.

This would seem to suggest there was at least concern the injury could be more than just a back issue.

Brian Hoyer replaced Garoppolo in the game and a short time later, the Raiders officially ruled Jimmy G OUT.

Hoyer came in and on his third play connected with rookie Tre Tucker on a 48-yarder which was the longest catch of the season for the Raiders. The drive still stalled and the Raiders added a field goal to make it a 16-10 game.

When Garoppolo was lost to a concussion a couple weeks ago, it was rookie Aidan O’Connell who got the start. Should this injury be serious, the Raiders will have to decide if they want to go with O’Connell again or give the veteran Hoyer the start.

Raiders reportedly ‘leaning toward’ starting rookie QB Aidan O’Connell Sunday vs Chargers

Report: Raiders ‘leaning toward’ Aidan O’Connell as starting QB vs Chargers

What a six days it’s been. Sunday night Jimmy Garoppolo started against the Steelers in the home opener, playing every snap. Brian Hoyer was the backup for the game and Aidan O’Connell was inactive, just as he has been every game this season. Now a report from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says the Raiders could start O’Connell against the Chargers Sunday.

Ok, we know how it started and how it’s going, but let’s see how we got here.

Last Sunday night, we all waited in the press conference room following the game for Garoppolo to come in and take the podium. Josh McDaniels had already spoken and 15 minutes had gone by when Raiders head of media relations Will Kiss came in and told us all the Jimmy G would not be speaking. That he was in the concussion protocol.

This came as a shock to us all considering he played the whole game and there was no clear indication of a hit that could have been the culprit. There was a hit by Minkah Fitzpatrick on a blitz, but with a closer look, it didn’t appear as if he made significant contact with the helmet.

The point is, most of us thought he would be fine. That his evaluation was probably just precautionary.

Garoppolo did miss Wednesday’s practice, which suggested the evaluation came back with something concerning. When he took the practice field on Thursday, he was still in concussion protocol, so that too seemed like just part of his inevitable return.

Come the final injury report, he was Questionable. Still pretty standard stuff.

Then come Saturday he was downgraded to OUT. I joined a lot of people in being stunned at the development.

Many fans had been calling for O’Connell to be the next man up since the beginning of the season after the fourth round rookie lit up the preseason. But Hoyer remained the primary backup to Garoppolo and that didn’t change through this past week. The only thing that changed from O’Connell’s previous status was that he was going to actually be active for the first time.

Then come 10pm Pacific time — not six hours since Garoppolo was officially ruled out — this report that the team could be seriously considering starting O’Connell over Hoyer.

Well, consider me and much of the rest of the media shocked. Which would be, like, the third or fourth time this week regarding who will be lining up at QB for the Raiders on Sunday.

Not because I don’t think O’Connell deserves a shot. I mean why not? But just because there was no indication it was a possibility until now. Just a few hours ago, it appeared Garoppolo was starting and Hoyer was next man up. That all may have changed. And with kickoff literally 15 hours away.

Maybe this is real, maybe it’s just gamesmanship. I’m done being schocked. We shall just have to watch and see who trots on the field with the Raiders starting offense tomorrow.

Never a dull moment with the Raiders, I tell ya.

Staff predictions for Chargers vs. Raiders in Week 4

Find out who the Chargers Wire staff is picking between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

The Los Angeles Chargers kick off Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 1:05 p.m. PT.

Who is going to come out victorious?

Here is a look at the predictions from each of our writers at Chargers Wire:

Gavino:

Despite missing a handful of key players to their respective injuries, I still expect the Chargers to light up the scoreboard against a struggling Raiders defense. On the flip side, Las Vegas has not scored more than 18 points this season, and they are rolling out rookie Aidan O’Connell while Jimmy Garoppolo is out with a concussion. These two teams always play each other tough, so I expect a close battle, but ultimately, Los Angeles comes out on top.

Chargers 30, Raiders 24

Alex K:

Even without Austin Ekeler, Mike Williams and Corey Linsley (heart), this Chargers offense shouldn’t have any problems moving the ball against a Raiders defense that ranks 28th in defensive DVOA. LA has been a top 5 unit on offense this season and has yet to score less than 24 points in a game. With Raiders Jimmy Garoppolo out due to concussion protocol, a banged-up Chargers defense should still be able to hold their own.

Chargers 30, Raiders 21

Alex I:

The Chargers are coming into this game yearning for the BYE week health-wise. Joey Bosa, Derwin James and Austin Ekeler are just a few of the Chargers’ premier players expected to miss the contest against the Raiders. Corey Linsley and JT Woods are also out, as they were placed on the NFI list today. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and cornerback Nate Hobbs are out for Las Vegas. It will be a battle of attrition in Los Angeles.

Ultimately, my trust in this game lay in Justin Herbert to lead the offense to a win. The uncertainty at quarterback for the Raiders has to be taken advantage of. Considering Hobbs ‘ absence, he and Allen can stay hot as they head into the BYE.

The defense does trouble me, though. No Bosa or James is significant in this one. The back half of the defense will also be trying to re-integrate J.C. Jackson after his healthy scratch, as they’re down multiple safeties.

Still, the Chargers’ offensive firepower should win despite the defense. It’ll be a shootout late, but the Bolts survive.

Chargers 27, Raiders 24

Juliette:

I predict this will be the first game of the season in which Brandon Staley could potentially hold a team under 21 points. Even though multiple defensive starters are out or limited going into Sunday’s game, the Chargers should still be poised to come out on top, with the Raiders being forced to play a backup quarterback. Corey Linsley will also be out on Sunday. Still, QB Justin Herbert has been in this position before, and with the rest of the line holding strong, he should still be set to make some necessary plays – and we might even get to see rookie WR Quentin Johnston be more utilized in the unfortunate absence of Mike Williams. This will be an opportunity for Johnston to have his NFL breakout game playing alongside Keenan Allen and Joshua Palmer.

Chargers 27, Raiders 17

Raiders standouts on Day 2 of joint practices with 49ers

Raiders standouts on Day 2 of joint practices with 49ers

That’s a wrap for Raiders joint practices with the 49ers. It was an eventful couple days in some way. If by those ways you mean the Raiders defense which was getting their hands on the ball several times.

Here are the standouts from today’s practice:

LB Robert Spillane

The linebacker who has had all of one takeaway in his career, had a couple interceptions today. One came in 11-on-11s, the other in 7-on-7s.

CB Marcus Peters

The veteran former All Pro had interceptions on both days of the joint practices and his swagger is clearly rubbing off on the rest of the secondary.

WR Jakobi Meyers

With Hunter Renfrow not practicing, and Davante Adams going down injured on the first play of team sessions, Meyers was the only starter left. He had a touchdown on a slant to finish off the first drive of team sessions.

All QB’s

All three Raiders quarterbacks showed well today. Jimmy Garoppollo led the first team to a touchdown to Jakobi Meyers and two-point conversion to DeAndre Carter. Then Brian Hoyer nearly had a three-play touchdown drive which began with consecutive long completions to Keelan Cole and ended with a deep ball to Phillip Dorsett who wasn’t able to keep both feet inbounds in the back of the end zone. Aidan O’Connell had the best long ball completion of the day to fellow rookie Tre Tucker.

DE Issac Rochell

On more than one rep in DL vs OL drills, Rochell got through to the QB. First, driving his man back and then putting on a swim move to get into the pocket. Then getting his man off balance and shucking him aside to get pressure.

DE Maxx Crosby

Crosby was lined up across from the 49ers right tackle Colton McKivitz for a rep in drills. He made mincemeat of him, first leading him upfield before spinning inside to crash the pocket.

DT Adam Butler

The best spin move from the inside came from Butler who was able to leave his man flat footed with the move to get pressure.