Tag: Raiders vs. Saints

Raiders HC Josh McDaniels not giving up on NFL playoff run, says ‘our goals are still out there’

Raiders HC Josh McDaniels not giving up on NFL playoff run

The Raiders are fresh off an embarrassing loss to the Saints on Sunday, but coach Josh McDaniels isn’t giving up on Las Vegas’ faint playoff hopes.

The blowout defeat in New Orleans has much of the NFL asking what’s wrong in Las Vegas, with some wondering if McDaniels can survive his first year as Raiders coach. But when asked whether he still entertains thoughts of making a postseason run, McDaniels didn’t back down.

“Absolutely. It’s a long year. I believe we haven’t reached our best football yet,” McDaniels told reporters on Monday. “It’s going to take work and progress and improvement in order to do that. At this point in time, [no team has] qualified for anything, and nobody’s been eliminated.

“Consistency is going to be what we’re going to try to push for. If we can do that and start playing our best football and start stringing together some wins, you look up at the end of the year and a lot of things can happen. Certainly, that’s our goal. Our goals are still out there. We’re going to need to play better, coach better to earn them.”

Only three teams — the Jaguars, Steelers, and Texans — are currently below the Raiders in the AFC standings. And there are seven teams with winning records that would make the playoffs if the postseason started today. So the Raiders’ odds of making the playoffs are long. Of course, Las Vegas 2-5 record could tell you that much.

But at this point, a mere postseason push could do wonders for McDaniels and the Raiders. There’s almost no chance McDaniels will be fired after one season by team owner Mark Davis, but winning ballgames would relieve some pressure from ownership.

And since McDaniels will be back next year barring more embarrassing losses, he’d probably rather build momentum with his current players, including those who signed large contracts recently such as quarterback Derek Carr, wide receivers Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow, and tight end Darren Waller.

If the Raiders can’t display their potential in the weeks to come, the franchise could decide to start over and rebuild, including at quarterback, as guaranteed money in Carr’s contract rises dramatically if the Raiders decide to keep him after this season.

If Las Vegas opts to rebuild and move on from Carr, it would not only be a failure on the field, it would be a failure for the new regime’s game plan of pairing Carr with Adams. A postseason push could keep McDaniels’ vision intact and on pace for a breakout season in 2023.

Plus, it could actually provide entertaining football. And in Las Vegas, that’s nothing to be sneezed at, either. Because as bad as the Raiders season is now, it could get even worse with more losing. McDaniels’ real goal is to prevent this season from completely deteriorating, and keeping an eye on the playoffs can only help.

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Raiders winners and losers in 24-0 defeat vs. Saints

Raiders winners and losers in 24-0 defeat vs. Saints

The Raiders had a chance to win back-to-back games for the first time this season on Sunday but failed miserably in New Orleans, losing 24-0 against the Saints.

Las Vegas was simply dominated in every facet of the game and never had a chance. Incredibly, the Raiders’ offense did not run a play in Saints territory until backup quarterback Jarett Stidham entered the game in garbage time.

Coach Josh McDaniels got away from handing the ball to running back Josh Jacobs early and turned to play-action passes too soon. The Raiders’ offensive line couldn’t handle the Saints’ pass rush and the offense never got going. New Orleans notched 10 early points off turnovers, and the Raiders couldn’t recover.

Here are the winners and losers for the week, except there are zero winners. Such is the case when the Raiders (2-5) score zero points.

Loser: Coach Josh McDaniels

The Raiders looked unprepared and unready to play this game, and that falls squarely on the shoulders of McDaniels. Plus, a few suspect decisions from McDaniels added to Las Vegas’ misery.

Down just 7-0, the Raiders had a 3rd-and-1 opportunity. Rather than hand the ball to Jacobs, McDaniels ran a sweep with wide receiver Davante Adams. The play was stuffed for a loss. Then McDaniels opted for a fake punt, which failed. The sequence cost Las Vegas three points after a Saints field goal.

Plus, McDaniels called an ineffective pass play on 3rd-and-2 one drive later. The snap resulted in an interception and an eventual seven points for the Saints. McDaniels also had a bad coaches challenge on an incomplete pass to Adams along the sideline.

But worse of all, he went away from his bread-and-butter from the Raiders’ two wins: Josh Jacobs. Once the game got out of hand, that’s understandable. But McDaniels turned to play-action passes too soon and his offensive line didn’t respond, which actually helped create the blowout. Jacobs ended his day with just 43 yards on the ground and Vegas had only 38 rushing yards as a team.

Loser: QB Derek Carr

Quarterback Derek Carr didn’t get the best blocking on Sunday, but he also had a hand in the Saints’ hot start. He missed WR Mack Hollins when he was wide open on Las Vegas’ first third-down try of the day. Carr had a QB rating of 25 in the first half and ended up with 101 yards on 15-26 passing with an interception.

And though his blockers struggled most of the day — and Carr has shown he can make all the throws when he’s protected — it’s Carr’s job to overcome that disadvantage, whether it’s fair to Carr or not. Instead, he shrank in the face of pressure and helped sink the Raiders’ chances.

Loser: Offensive line

This entry should be no surprise. The Raiders offensive line came back down to earth when McDaniels asked them to pass block more than he had in either of the Raiders’ two wins.

Even offensive tackle Kolton Miller had a rough day. He missed a block on the failed end-around sweep to Adams, allowed multiple pressures, and allowed at least one QB sack on the day.

Another veteran, center Andre James, struggled as well. His inexcusable whiff in pass protection in the fourth quarter was a good representation of the line’s inept play on Sunday.

Loser: WR Davante Adams/WR Hunter Renfrow

When WR Davante Adams agreed to be traded to the Raiders, this surely wasn’t what he had in mind.

Adams had just one reception on five targets, gaining three yards. His fellow wideout Hunter Renfrow also had just one catch and was targeted only twice, with one target ending in an interception. (Carr actually had decent protection on his interception, but he was apparently already rattled by an overall lack of blocking.)

Loser: Defense

The Raiders offense failed to score any points, but Las Vegas’ defense looked plenty bad in their own right. The unit failed to rattle Saints QB Andy Dalton, failed to cover New Orleans receivers, displayed unusually poor run defense, lacked aggressiveness, missed tackles, and just looked sluggish overall.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara had a field day, scoring three touchdowns. Thanks in large part to the Raiders’ lackluster play, he made his job look exceedingly easy.

There were multiple examples of this during the game, but on Kamara’s second touchdown, the Raiders looked uninterested in tackling him as he casually reached the football across the goal line.

Loser: DE Chander Jones

Though there were multiple individual defenders that could have landed on the loser list, such as CBs Anthony Averett, Rock Ya-Sin, and Amik Robertson, I’ve singled out defensive end Chander Jones.

He looked like a liability on the field, as he appeared to lack aggressiveness overall and was out of position on multiple running plays around the edge. His talent was supposed to prop up a patchwork defense put together by McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler, but Jones’ play has not been close to as advertised.

After the Raiders appeared ready to break out and start a winning streak thanks to an offense led by Jacobs, McDaniels tried to switch it up and pass more, only to remind everyone why he turned to the run game in the first place. Despite some favorable statistics on the season, the offensive line is simply not very good and can’t handle much more than a run-heavy game plan.

It now feels safe — and surprising— to call the Raiders a bad football team, despite their splashy offseason acquisitions, McDaniels certainly included. Can they prove that notion wrong? Time is running out to do so. They’ll have yet another chance to get on the winning track next week against the Jaguars in Jacksonville.

After near injury, Raiders SS Johnathan Abram brings second-half energy vs. Saints

It appeared Raiders safety Johnathan Abram was injured in the first half against the Saints, but he returned and made an impact.

Early in the Raiders’ win against the Saints, Las Vegas was struggling to contain Drew Brees and the New Orleans offense. But what happened to safety Johnathan Abram early in the contest was more concerning.

He appeared to be seriously injured after making a diving tackle during the Saints’ second series. Abram dove out of bounds, colliding with a cart placed near the boundary by the TV crew. He lay motionless as the telecast went to commercial.

He rose to his feet, however, returning to the sideline under his own power, and with a pep in his step, too. It was a relief for the Raiders franchise and its fans. Abram, the promising second-year pro, missed almost all of last season with a shoulder injury.

Soon thereafter, Abram returned to the game. He also helped the defense slow down the Saints, as best they could, in the second half. According to linebacker Nicholas Morrow, the coaching staff had one main request for the defense at intermission, and Abram happily complied.

“The message was to play with more energy. We got guys like Johnathan Abram. We got guys like Maxx Crosby. We got those young guys who are the catalyst of our defense; they get us going emotionally,” Morrow told reporters after the game. “And JA [Johnathan Abram], he went out there and made sure we stayed on with our energy, communicating. He went out there and basically stayed on his energy, just communicated on the back end.”

Though the Raiders enjoyed a historic victory Monday night, the defense remains a concern. It’s imperative that they maximize their potential, and energy, attitude and communication are important characteristics of a solid defense that can’t be underestimated. They’re extremely important.

Those happen to be Abram’s strengths, as are his physical skills. And after Abram returned from his frighting collision and was cleared by medical staff, he didn’t miss a beat. That attitude has to continue if Las Vegas is to win consistently.

“Honestly, it was just energy,” Morrow said. “Just keep our energy up. Don’t let them win.”

Sometimes, football is as simple as that. Energy. Attitude. Don’t let them win. After two games in 2020, Abram is solidifying his role on an evolving defense, showing his teammates that even if you get knocked down, you’ve got to get back up and make it clear that you’re there to stay.

Raiders RB Jalen Richard shakes off fumble, redeems himself with TD in win vs. Saints

The Raiders showed plenty of trust in their backup running back, Jalen Richard, in Las Vegas’ big win vs. the Saints on Monday night.

The Raiders scored to open the second half against the Saints on Monday night, and their struggling defense forced a New Orleans punt on the ensuing possession. Las Vegas had the ball, up 24-17, and was poised to take control of the game.

But as the Raiders offense drove down the field with momentum in hand, running back Jalen Richard fumbled the chance away. On a third-down toss play that looked promising, Richard took his eye off the ball, and for the moment, momentum was lost.

But Richard got another chance on the next drive — on the same toss play, even — and he cashed in, this time for a touchdown run on a third-and-long attempt, giving the Raiders a 31-17 lead. Las Vegas eventually won, 34-24, in the club’s first game in Allegiant Stadium.

Coach Jon Gruden acknowledged his running back’s mistake, and he praised Richard’s professionalism.

“Jalen’s fumble was obviously a key play in the game. We had a play set up, I think, for big yardage,” Gruden told reporters after the big win. “We were gonna get a first down there, I believe. It looked good. Unfortunately, he just mishandled it.

“You really got to tip your hat to Richard. To come back and make a play like he did to redeem himself. And that’s what a professional has to do. You gotta have a thick skin. [Offensive coordinator] Greg Olson showed a lot of confidence to give him another shot.”

It wasn’t just the coaching staff that showed confidence in Richard, his teammates did, as well. For starters, the defense didn’t hang their heads after Richard’s fumble, forcing the potent Saints offense to punt once again, giving Richard his chance for redemption.

But that doesn’t mean the mistake was easy to fight through.

“It’s always a downer when you make a mistake on the field,” Richard told reporters after the game. “But we always talk about snapping clear. All my teammates were behind me. I’m happy the coaching staff and my teammates got faith in me to give me that play again.”

While Gruden gave credit to Richard, and rightfully so, of course, he also gave credit to Olson, which is also clearly justified. But some credit also goes to Gruden. He’s historically quick to bench a running back after such a mistake. Richard doesn’t get many carries, making it easier to sit him down.

So Gruden showed faith in Richard, too. Since the diminutive player is one of the few that have survived Gruden’s three-year roster purge, that’s no surprise.

But it was a surprise to see Richard in there again, running the same exact play he had messed up earlier. It’s fortuitous that he got the chance — and not only for this game. It’s a long season, and Las Vegas will need contributions from everywhere. Richard’s rejuvenated confidence will help him make more plays for his trusting head coach, Jon Gruden.

After a high-scoring Week 1, Raiders offense faces tough test against Saints

The Raiders offense looked fantastic against the Panthers, but can they keep it up Monday night against the Saints?

Scoring more touchdowns was a focal point of an abbreviated Raiders offseason, and the offense, led by coach Jon Gruden, promptly tallied 34 points Week 1 against a young Panthers defense.

But a more imposing test awaits Las Vegas on Monday night against the experienced Saints, in the first-ever game at brand new Allegiant Stadium.

Besides facing a more seasoned club this week, the Raiders could be without offensive tackle Trent Brown, who left last week’s game early with a calf injury. With or without him, Las Vegas has to worry about pass-rusher Cameron Jordan. The five-time Pro Bowl defensive end usually lines up on the offensive right side.

The Raiders’ offensive front overcame Brown’s injury last week, however, not allowing Carr to be sacked. If Las Vegas is to maintain momentum on offense, continued protection up front is a good start.

That’s because according to Carr, the Raiders have their work cut out for them at every position on the field.

“They’re talented on all levels,” Carr told reporters on Wednesday. “A lot of teams nowadays, you can find some spots where you can pick and choose where to go. They got a great secondary. And not just talking corners, they got multiple safeties that can play football at a high level. Multiple linebackers that can run and hit and their d-line is disruptive.”

Carr will no doubt keep a keen eye on Saints linebacker Demario Davis, an All-Pro in 2019. Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, a two-time Pro Bowler, patrols the secondary.

And the QB knows that after he stood upright in the pocket all day against the Panthers, the Saints’ defensive line, led by Jordan, will have a special focus on knocking him off his rocker.

“You got to put yourself in the Saints’ shoes,” Carr said. “They turn the film on, what are their coaches saying? ‘This guy wasn’t touched all week. They went up and down the field. We have to hit them.'”

The Raiders certainly figure they can hit back with running back Josh Jacobs, who had three rushing touchdowns last week. Also, Gruden must hope wide receiver Henry Ruggs III will be healthy by Monday, as he’s missed practice due to a knee injury suffered Week 1. The speedster could help loosen the New Orleans defense, opening the rushing and quick-passing attack.

“Just the threat of that speed makes people play, instead of eight yards deep, they play nine yards deep. They want to get out of their pedal faster and it opens some things up,” Carr said.

He added that when multiple defenders cover Ruggs and tight end Darren Waller, check-down throws and rushing plays can turn into sizable gains. “It’s all about yardage. That’s how we play and I believe in it. If we throw accurately, little plays like that after you show them those deep shots, the run game should be there, and accurate balls underneath, that’s what this offense has built on for years. And a lot of great players have made a living doing that. And we’re trying to do the same thing.” 

The plan worked perfectly against the Panthers. Coach Gruden knows that was just one week, however. “Well, we’ve got a long way to go,” he told reporters on Thursday. “There were some good things we did; there were some things that we have to do a lot better.”

Gruden mentioned he was happy with only having three penalties and no turnovers in Carolina after having to skip the preseason. That helped the offense excel.

“We had as good a balance as we’ve ever had,” Gruden said. “We had 30 runs, 30 passes and nine different receivers. And we scored points and won the game in the fourth quarter.” 

The offense could have barely played better than they did last week, and they have no reason to think they can’t do the same on Monday night, not until another NFL team slows them down. It will take another solid effort up front, aggressiveness through the air when needed, and a repeat performance from Carr and Jacobs as they pepper the defense with steady gains.

And the offense will have to remain mentally tough to maintain it’s high-scoring pace. The Saints defense is formidable, so Carr and company are bound to have a miscue or two. And the Raiders can’t let a couple of mistakes ruin their first game amid the bright lights of Las Vegas.

“I really like the next-man-up mentality, every coach says it,” said Gruden, referencing last week’s game. “We had the lead, we fell behind and we showed some mental toughness. That’s what I’m most proud of. We got a mentally tough group of guys.”

Carr steers Gruden’s offense, and he can’t blink, no matter what challenges await. He’s been in the spotlight before, however, and the Raiders’ leader on the field is ready to score some more points. “[I’m] excited for the challenge,” he said. “Any time you can play a team like this, you get excited.” 

Raiders QB Derek Carr on Monday night’s casino-rooftop halftime show: ‘Welcome to Las Vegas’

The Raiders play their first game in Las Vegas on Monday, and though there will be no fans, there will be a casino-rooftop halftime show.

Monday Night Football is always a big deal in the NFL. But Monday Night Football in Las Vegas? With the new Las Vegas Raiders making their debut? That’s something else altogether.

Unfortunately, fans aren’t allowed inside Allegiant Stadium to watch the home team take on the Saints. But the Raiders and their new city are putting on a halftime show fit for a high-roller. Internationally-known rock ‘n’ roll group, The Killers, will play a set from the Caesars Palace rooftop. The show will be televised by ESPN and ABC.

“Welcome to Las Vegas, right?” said quarterback Derek Carr with a chuckle, when told about the show during his conference call with reporters on Wednesday. 

The Raiders’ first game in Las Vegas is a huge deal, no matter the date. But Monday Night Football makes the game even more special for all involved.

Carr explained that watching football on Mondays was an important part of growing up, and the primetime game still carries weight as he prepares for this week’s contest. 

“I don’t know how many Monday night games I’ve played, but it never gets old. It never loses how cool it is,” he said. “And we wish our city here, Las Vegas, we wish they could experience it with us. I’m sure they will be around somewhere. I’m sure there is a certain street or strip that they’ll be on that our fans will be at. Hopefully, it still feels the same energy.” 

There certainly is a strip for fans, both new and old, to meet up at—the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. And they’ll undoubtedly be in the area to watch the game and concert. Carr says the city is already Raiders-crazed, even if fans can’t attend the game.

“There is still a feel around town, ‘Oh, the Raiders are playing in town,’” Carr said. “So, it’s still exciting and I got people driving up next to my car and waiving and going nuts and stuff.”

If fans are going berserk early in the week, Monday night should be a celebration to remember in Las Vegas, especially if the Raiders beat the Saints. And with a halftime show on a casino rooftop, it’s obvious that the Raiders’ tenure in the entertainment capital of the world is off and running.