Raiders Opinion: Overcoming Red Zone Failures In 2022 -

The Las Vegas Raiders profoundly struggled in the red zone over the last three seasons, despite serious offensive talent.

Over the last three seasons, the Las Vegas Raiders have not achieved a red zone touchdown percentage higher than 54 percent (meaning that, from the red zone, the Raiders would score a touchdown fifty-four out of a hundred times). Of the three statistically disappointing years, the 2021 season was surprisingly the team’s worst, at 51 percent. For reference, the highest red zone touchdown percentages in the last three years have been 66 (San Francisco), 80 (Green Bay), and 75 (Tennessee).

Middle Of The Road Production, At Best

Although the Raiders’ fifty-two percent average does not seem that far off, Las Vegas has not been able to rise from the bottom ten in this category. Fortunately, the Raiders have added a player deserving of credit for Green Bay’s impressive eighty percent average in 2020, Davante Adams. While playcalling has rightfully received the brunt of the blame for the Raiders’ struggles, this excuse will not be good enough when the 2022 season rolls around. In adding Adams to Hunter Renfrow, Darren Waller, and Bryan Edwards, the Raiders have no reason not to find themselves ranking near the top.

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Advanced Weaponry, Minimal Results

Considering the unique builds and skillsets of the team’s receiving corps, the Raiders’ red-zone targets could now classify as an arsenal, making it incredibly difficult for opposing defenses to pay respectful levels of attention to each major target. In the Raiders’ Week Nine, 16-23 loss to the New York Giants, Daniel Carlson was called on to kick three red-zone field goals, as the Raiders scored a touchdown one out of the four times the team entered within the Giants’ 20-yard line.

Expanded Expectations, Zero Excuses

Seeing how well the Raiders have improved on both sides of the ball this offseason, the team is now ready to take the next step toward becoming a playoff contender. This step involves coaching decisions and finding what works and when, as opposed to simply putting names on a roster. Frankly, with no draft picks in the first two rounds, it could be difficult to find a player to add to a starting spot on the Raiders roster, meaning the final major personnel moves of the 2022 offseason may have already been made.

The Long Plan For 2022

Being done with their blockbuster moves may not be a terrible thing for the Raiders, as they are riding in from a playoff appearance, a 10-7 record, and one of the most turbulent seasons in their team’s history. Now, the 2022 season brings a solidified coaching staff, roster, and two superstar acquisitions. While rosters alone do not win games, this season will test Derek Carr and first-year coach Josh McDaniels, and red zone success is one of the main spots to monitor for growth. Should the Raiders show improvement there, then this should lead to an all-around successful season. The Las Vegas Raiders can improve on 2021 with better execution.