Raiders' Struggles on Offense Are Foundational

The Las Vegas Raiders have switched their play-caller and their quarterback. Many of the same problems on offense remain, proving the problems are foundational.

The Las Vegas Raiders have one of the most talented offensive rosters in the National Football League. However, through 13 games this season, they have yet to consistently play well enough for that talent to translate to victories. 

Las Vegas fired Coach Josh McDaniels for his inability to get the most out of the offense. However, many of the same issues that plagued McDaniels' offense in his final eight games remain. 

Sacks, penalties, the inability to get their best players the ball, and the inability to convert on third downs were all staples of the previous coaching staff's offense this season.

The Raiders nearly allowed more sacks in the first half against the Minnesota Vikings than in their previous three games combined, and they only converted on one of their eight third-down attempts in the first half, in addition to committing three penalties. 

At halftime, Josh Jacobs had 28 yards rushing on eight carries. All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams had four catches for 25 yards, and the Raiders offensive line allowed four sacks. 

The second half wasn't much better, as the Raiders struggled in the third quarter, when Las Vegas had only two possessions. The Raiders punted on one of the possessions and had a red zone turnover by wide receiver Hunter Renfrow on the other.

There isn't a good time for a turnover, let alone in the red zone. However, a red zone turnover in the third quarter of a 3-0 loss meant Renfrow's fumble was more than a regular turnover. It was a game-defining turnover that exemplified how this season has gone for Las Vegas. 

Five weeks after McDaniels was fired, Interim Coach Antonio Pierce is forced to answer many of the same questions about the offense he inherited as the mastermind of the offense and many of the roster decisions behind it.

Needing to execute better has arguably been the biggest issue of the season for the Raiders. Las Vegas has many of the same issues, even with a new coach, offensive coordinator and rookie quarterback. Thus, it proves their problems on offense is in the foundational structure of the offensive roster. 

One of the most expensive offensive rosters in the National Football League scored zero points in four quarters against the Vikings. This offseason, the Raiders will have to look within and make changes to their offense.

The Silver and Black will turn around quickly and host their AFC West rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, on Thursday, December 14, at 8:15 p.m. EST/5:15 p.m. PST.

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