Buffaloed: Bills Trample Overmatched Raiders, 38-10

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The Raiders ran into a Bills team that was desperate to rebound after Monday’s loss. Buffalo embarrassed Vegas, 38-10.

After a strong win last week, the Las Vegas Raiders fell back to Earth. The Bills, winning in all phases of the game, humbled the Raiders, 38-10. While staying away from home for two weeks to prepare for the season, Vegas left their soul in West Virginia. The loss evens the team at 1-1. Similarly, the Bills emerge with the exact same record.

Lifeless Rush

Now, you cannot place the blame for the lack of pass rush on Maxx Crosby. In his defense, the Raiders’ best defender saw constant double teams and plays flowing away from him. As a result, you’d expect the book end on the opposite side to feast. However, the Raiders possess an entire defensive lineman room without burst, except for Crosby. Chandler Jones’ absence would not solve the issue today. Plus, he does not appear mentally prepared to take the field in a meaningful way. Meanwhile, Tyree Wilson plays more like a three-technique than an edge rusher. With zero burst on the perimeter, Wilson failed to make a dent. In addition, the interior of the defensive line accomplished nothing today.

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One Man Show

In reality, the Raiders did not perform well on offense. Plus, the breakdown of passes looks peculiar. Outside of Davante Adams, only one wide receiver caught a pass. That was Hunter Renfrow, who tallied one catch on one target. Granted, we all know that Adams plays at an elite level. Where are the other wideouts? Jimmy Garoppolo looks shaky today. In essence, he featured a couple of lofty hospital balls. In order to succeed, the Raiders must use all of their receiving threats.

Anomaly Or Pattern?

The Raiders faced a team desperate for a win at home. Yet, this game stopped being close early. Next week, Vegas welcomes the Pittsburgh Steelers to town. Pittsburgh enters missing key components and looks prime for the taking. However, the Raiders cannot take any team for granted. Today’s loss feels like an indictment of Patrick Graham more than anything else. That defensive line is crafted to his preferences. As a result, any quibble or issue should fall on his should. The defense looked slow, undisciplined and unathletic upfront. Either they will fix this next week or this season becomes a nightmare marathon.