Predictable, Overmatched, and Stuck: The Raiders’ Real Problem

THE RAIDERS WILL NEVER WIN UNTIL THEY DO THIS…

If you’re looking for honest answers after Sunday’s shutout loss in Philadelphia, this postgame podcast is for you. I break down why the Raiders had no chance in a 31–0 loss to the Eagles, what Kenny Pickett’s first start really showed (and didn’t), and why this game crystallized the one thing the Raiders must do to begin a true rebuild. We also dig into the extended looks at rookies like Caleb Rogers and Darien Porter, what they showed against elite competition, and why the Eagles may have provided a blueprint for how the Raiders can eventually climb out of this hole. Watch the full postgame reaction above for a clear-eyed breakdown of where this team stands — and where it has to go next.

CRAZY STATS

After a 31-0 loss you’re gonna end up with a couple of these 😬

• The Raiders’ longest play of the game vs. the Eagles was 11 yards — tied for the shortest longest gain for any team this season (Jets in Week 6 vs. the Broncos)

• The 75 total yards the Raiders gained vs. the Eagles are the second-fewest yards in any game in franchise history. They had 58 yards vs. the Chargers on October 22, 1961

• With the loss on Sunday, the Raiders became the first team since the 2002 realignment with 10 seasons of 12 or more losses. The Browns can actually tie them with one more loss.

RAIDERS FALL FLAT IN PHILLY

RECAP

The Raiders were thoroughly spanked by the Eagles in Philadelphia on Sunday, losing 31–0 and extending their losing streak to eight games. Las Vegas’ offense was unable to move the ball consistently, finishing with just 75 total yards, while Kenny Pickett — making his first start in place of the injured Geno Smith — managed only 64 passing yards and an interception on a day where the Raiders offense once again failed to gain any traction and get into a rhythm. Jalen Hurts bounced back from recent struggles with a poised performance, completing 12 of 15 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, Las Vegas struggled to slow the Eagles down, as they controlled the line of scrimmage and dominated possession from the start. Philadelphia outgained the Raiders 387 to 75, holding onto the ball for the bulk of the game and cruising to a shutout victory — marking the Eagles’ first shutout since 2018. Though there were bright spots in individual effort, the overall performance underscored the Raiders’ ongoing offensive struggles and defensive lapses. At 2–12, the Silver & Black continue to search for answers as the season winds to a close.

ANALYSIS

This felt like a rinse-and-repeat performance from the Raiders, mirroring what we’ve seen for most of the season. Offensively, things looked fine on the scripted opening drive, and Kenny Pickett was able to get the short passing game going early. But once the Raiders struggled on first and second down, they quickly moved away from the run. That led to predictable third-and-long situations, longer-developing plays, and — once again — the offensive line collapsing as the sacks began to pile up.

Defensively, the Raiders had no answers for a physical Eagles attack. Philadelphia ran the ball 47 times for 183 yards, just one week after the Broncos used a similar blueprint and gashed Vegas for 152 yards on 31 carries. The issues didn’t stop there. Dallas Goedert repeatedly found space in the secondary, hauling in six catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns — and it easily could’ve been three if not for a drop in the end zone. The Eagles also hit the Raiders with explosive plays, completing four passes of 15 yards or more on the night.

It was a breakdown in complementary football on both sides of the ball. I get into it in much more detail in the postgame podcast, but this game made one thing clearer than ever: the Raiders must invest heavily in the offensive line and find a coach who can establish a real foundation and be given time to develop it. Until that happens, it won’t matter who the quarterback is moving forward.

HAVE THE RAIDERS ALREADY THROWN IN THE TOWEL?

After the 31–0 loss in Philadelphia, questions about the Raiders’ competitiveness naturally followed. We shared Pete Carroll’s comments in our Quote of the Day section above, and it’s clear he doesn’t believe his team has quit. Still, after another flat performance, it’s a fair question to ask — especially when it’s evident that not everyone in the building believes the energy and response were where they needed to be.

That sentiment was underscored by Ashton Jeanty’s candid comments after the game:

There’s no arguing with that. Keep scrolling to see why the Raiders may be making things harder on themselves in the run game than it needs to be — and how Kenny Pickett hinted at what opposing defenses might be exploiting.

MISS ANYTHING?

Catch up on some of our recent stories:

ARE THE RAIDERS TIPPING PLAYS?

The Raiders’ rushing attack has been anything but effective this season. They rank dead last in the NFL in rushing yards per game, average yards per carry, and second to last in rushing attempts per game, so it came as little surprise that they couldn’t get anything going against an ultra-talented Eagles front. It also shouldn’t be surprising that the run game is the area Pete Carroll has been most disappointed in offensively this season.

A major reason for that lack of production on the ground is the offensive line. Quite simply, the Raiders don’t have the personnel up front right now. But if you listen closely to Kenny Pickett’s postgame comments, it sounds like the problem goes beyond just talent. According to Pickett, the way the offense is being called — whether it was under Chip Kelly or now Greg Olson — may be making life easier on opposing defenses.

There’s no question the Raiders need to upgrade the offensive line personnel to make meaningful progress. But even if that happens, predictable play-calling and tipping tendencies will continue to hold this offense back. Until those issues are addressed, it won’t matter who’s lining up behind center or how much talent they add up front.

WHAT’S NEXT?

We’ll catch up with Pete this afternoon and get more of his thoughts on the loss to the Eagles and where they go from here now that he’s had a chance to look over the film.

Also, keep an eye out for the next episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast dropping on Wednesday for more takeaways and analysis on the team.

Catch ya next time,