In losing to the Indianapolis Colts, 44-27, the Las Vegas Raiders managed to endanger their postseason aspirations. Moreover, this team looks rather disjointed, searching for answers that may not readily appear. With the season teetering on the brink of failure, the team dismissed defensive coordinator OPaul Guenther. After this latest debacle, you would be hardpressed to disagree. Yet, what precipitated Guenther’s dismissal will wait for another time. For, now, let’s delve into this defeat.
Lack of Punch
While the score looked terrible, the Raiders did possess the opportunity to gain yardage on the ground. Yet, they chose to veer away from the run, selecting to air the ball out. Now, that brings up the issue of whether Josh Jacobs’ ankle could enduring the trauma. His injury affected the gameplan, but questions exist. Why didn’t the Raiders feed Devontae Booker? After tallying solid games on the ground, Vegas chose to use Booker on four carries.
Same Ol’ Abram
Entering the season, people exuded a palpable excitement regarding Johnathan Abram. The hard-hitting safety’s play captivated the coaches and fanbase. Yet, as the season wore on, cracks began to form. In Sunday’s game, you witness the full Abram experience. First, he launches himself into a Colts’ player after the whistle. As a result, his actions cost the Raiders fifteen yards and kept a drive alive for the Colts. Next, Abram took an impossibly wrong angle, allowing TY Hilton to streak by for a long touchdown. When will Jon Gruden and the staff hold him responsible? The toughness does not play when teams can exploit a serious lack of cover skills. Abram resembles a fish out of water in coverage and should play closer to the line. However, he must reel in his emotions for the betterment of the franchise.
Meaning
The Raiders remain on the outside, looking in. With three winnable games, you will see them hopefully play with a semblance of desperation.
