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In Week 7, the Raiders were completely shut out by the Kansas City Chiefs, falling 31–0 in what quickly became a rout. Their offense managed just 95 total yards, three first downs, and failed to convert a single third down. It was a performance that exposed nearly every weakness, especially in offensive play calling and execution. (silverandblackpride.com) Overall, the Raiders sit at 2–5 entering Week 9 after a bye week, having dropped four of their last five. Early in the season, they showed sparks in the ground game with RB Ashton Jeanty and signs of life via TE Brock Bowers, but consistency has remained elusive. Their offense ranks among the worst in EPA per play, particularly on rushing downs, while their pass game has been inefficient under Geno Smith. Defensively, they’ve had moments but have too often yielded big plays and struggled in pass coverage and on third downs. Turnover differential and hidden-yardage metrics also tilt heavily against them, and their road struggles—part of their division woes—amplify concerns about their ability to contain high-octane offenses.
Injuries
Las Vegas Raiders: Name – Position – Status Brock Bowers – TE – Probable (practiced fully; knee brace removed) (silverandblackpride.com) Adam Butler – DT – Probable (silverandblackpride.com) Maxx Crosby – DE – Probable (silverandblackpride.com) Lonnie Johnson – S – Out (silverandblackpride.com) Jakobi Meyers – WR – Probable (silverandblackpride.com) Aidan O’Connell – QB – Out (silverandblackpride.com) Isaiah Pola-Mao – S – Probable (silverandblackpride.com)
Coaching & Scheme
Offensively, Las Vegas under Pete Carroll continues to oscillate between aggressiveness in passing and desperation, especially when the run game falters. The front office and coaching staff leaned heavily on rookie RB Ashton Jeanty early, and while Jeanty offers flashes—quick cuts, burst through gaps—the offensive line often fails to sustain blocks, leaving him behind the chains. Geno Smith’s role has become tethered to play-action, pre-snap motion, and on early downs; predictability has allowed defenses to take away stretches and force negative EPA rushes. Targets like Brock Bowers return healthy, offering a matchup weapon in the seam, but the balance and timing must improve. Defensively, Patrick Graham has built a unit that can still rush the passer—Maxx Crosby and Adam Butler returning help—but they are routinely exposed in coverage and in pool of explosive pass plays. The secondary shows weakness in contested catches and late-zone assignments; opponent success rates on third downs are well above league average. On rushing downs, they fare better, as their front four can control gaps and limit rushing EPA. But when teams lean pass-heavy, Vegas struggles both in communication and in limiting deep shots. Red zone defense remains shaky.
Matchup Analysis
Facing Jacksonville, the Raiders’ most glaring mismatch is their inability to slow down a sanitary, efficient Jaguars offense commanded by Trevor Lawrence. Jacksonville plays at a medium pass rate, favoring clean pockets and quick reads—precisely where the Raiders’ secondary has been most vulnerable. With cornerbacks and safeties depleted—most notably without Travis Hunter now on injured reserve—the Jags will look to stress Las Vegas’ back end with tempo and intermediate route combinations. (reuters.com) On the other side, the Raiders must find ways to get their ground game functioning again. Jeanty needs lanes—which depend on the interior line and Butler’s presence. If the pass rush can’t generate pressure, the Jaguars’ offensive line will allow Lawrence time, especially against zone-blitz concepts. Brock Bowers’ return gives them a mismatch against linebackers, offering an outlet to break negative plays. Offensively, converting third downs—something they've failed at in recent stretch—becomes essential. Defensive front must win early against JAX’s offensive line to force second-long downs.
Team Summary
The Raiders are a team in need of repair. Their identity is muddled: projected to lean ground, but too often forced airborne; supposed to control line of scrimmage, yet allowing consistent penetration; meant to be opportunistic, yet losing turnover battles. They are still dangerous when their key players are healthy—Crosby, Bowers—but outside aberrations like blowout losses, they haven’t stitched together complete games. To win this matchup, Las Vegas needs three things: Establish Jeanty’s run game early to keep Jacksonville off-balance; protect Geno Smith so he can extend drives; and tighten up the back end so explosive plays are minimized. They also must win the possession battle and force traffic onto Lawrence. Given Vegas’ home field, there’s some leverage, but momentum, mental errors, and inexperience remain strong headwinds.
Key Takeaway
The Raiders must rediscover balance—run first to open pass, defense generating pressure—to make this competitive. Without it, Jacksonville’s methodical attack and a healthy core will overwhelm.