1 Area of Focus for the Raiders in Week 3

The Las Vegas Raiders must fix several things before Sunday's matchup against the Washington Commanders.

Sep 15, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) reacts after a failed fourth down conversion during the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

On Monday night against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Las Vegas Raiders displayed multiple areas they could use improvement in.

Raiders Must Improve

Entering the season, the Raiders' offensive line was the position group with the most continuity on the team. Although Jordan Meredith was not a starter last season, he was on the roster and the rest of the starters on the offensive line had ample time to work with him.

Still, the unit must come together more than it has, which comes with time. Earlier this week, Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll explained how the unit is coming along.

"Well, we're giving us a chance. We're giving us a chance to make our plays. We get it all works together, the ball has to come out when the rush is hard and quick, and sometimes we did that, and other times we didn't. The reason Geno [Smith] had a chance to throw some late balls down the field is because the protection was so good,” Carroll said.

“But it's a work in progress and with Cap [Alex Cappa] coming in this week, late in the week, that was a little bit of an adjustment for us. And we just have to try to manage that more quickly. And as when you've been together longer, those transitions get smoothed over. So, were they a factor? Very subtle, but we definitely can be better, and we definitely know we will in time."

As the Raiders continue to gradually bring the offensive line along, they hope that doing so will help rookie running back Ashton Jeanty get going. Although Jeanty has a few things to work on himself, the Raiders' offensive line could be better, which would in turn help Jeanty.

"He ran the ball well. I thought he hit stuff well. And he went the wrong way on a play and so that was unfortunate and mixes up the whole play. Geno [Smith] goes this way. He goes that way. He's still getting it. We have a ways to go here, and I have no problem telling you that,” Carroll said. 

“He's going to get better and get more comfortable. He felt more comfortable in this game. He looked good running the football. And we need to just get to him more, just liked to get another eight or nine snaps to him and get around 20. That'd be really nice."

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