It is time to state the obvious: the hunt for the first overall pick in April is on for the Las Vegas Raiders.
On Sunday, the Raiders’ losing streak was extended to eight games, suffering yet another blowout loss to the Philadelphia Eagles 31-0.
With the game clearly going against the Raiders in every possible way, let us take a look at the major aspects that did the team in as the race to the bottom picked up speed.
Offensive issues
The only thing Kenny Pickett’s first start highlighted was just how systemic the Raiders’ issues on offense are.
The Raiders only put up 75 yards of total offense as they struggled moving the ball. The offensive line suffered its sixth straight game of giving up four sacks or more. They only converted three of their 12 third down attempts.
Say what you will about Geno Smith’s shortcomings on offense, but this game made it clear the issues extend far beyond whoever is at quarterback.
Defensive issues
Patrick Graham’s defense did little to curb the momentum of the Eagles.
Jalen Hurts shook off a rough game against the Chargers with three touchdowns against the Eagles with minimal resistance. Multiple scoring drives went longer than six minutes to tire out the Raiders defense. Outside of a sack from Maxx Crosby, pressure did little to get the Eagles off of their rhythm.
Sealing fate
Players and coaches try not to tank for their own futures, but the Raiders flew in the face of that logic.
After a terrible day such as this, it feels as though the Raiders are just going through the motions as a dreadful season comes to a close. If head coach Pete Carroll and the rest of the staff want to ensure they get another season to turn things around, they need to get a much better effort out of their players. Otherwise, a game in two weeks against the New York Giants could very well be for the first overall pick, and a loss could guarantee a fourth Raiders head coach in as many seasons.
