LANDOVER, Md. — The tone was set early. Within the Las Vegas Raiders’ matchup in opposition to the Washington Commanders, the opposition received going quickly after kickoff and did not let up till the sport clock hit zero on Sunday.
It began when Commanders extensive receiver Deebo Samuel put his workforce within the pink zone after a 69-yard kick return, establishing a speeding landing from quarterback Marcus Mariota on the opening drive. And the onslaught carried late into the fourth quarter when Mariota related with wideout Luke McCaffrey on a 43-yard landing to solidify a 41-24 defeat.
At Northwest Stadium, the Raiders had been overwhelmed down in all three phases regardless of the Commanders being down 4 starters together with beginning quarterback Jayden Daniels (knee).
Las Vegas, which entered the sport permitting 3.2 yards per rush (fourth-fewest within the league), gave up 201 yards on the bottom. Quarterback Geno Smith was compelled to run from stress all through the whole afternoon, whereas particular groups allowed a mixed 245 yards on punt and kick returns.
The Raiders’ efficiency did not present room for excuses. In reality, coach Pete Carroll did not make any. Las Vegas was merely outplayed, and the 74-year-old coach owned as much as it.
“It isn’t scheme-wise, it is simply bodily, I believe I did not get them proper,” Carroll mentioned after the workforce’s second lack of the season. “I am dissatisfied in myself that I did not see it coming.”
Carroll mentioned the workforce did not play properly throughout the board within the first half. After the Commanders jumped out to an early 7-0 lead, quarterback Geno Smith (19 of 29, 289 yards, three touchdowns) accomplished a 45-yard play-action go to extensive receiver Jakobi Meyers on the drive’s first play.
Nevertheless, they solely walked away with three factors after a pair of unsuccessful carries from rookie operating again Ashton Jeanty, and Smith’s go to tight finish Brock Bowers was damaged up ultimately zone.
The Raiders shortly received the ball again after Thomas Booker IV compelled Mariota to fumble on a 23-yard carry. However the offense did not capitalize, going three-and-out and punting the ball.
Hope did come close to the top of the second quarter. Smith accomplished a 9-yard landing go to extensive receiver Tre Tucker (8 catches, 145 yards, 3 touchdowns) to tie the sport at 10-10. Las Vegas could not money in on the momentum, permitting 10 unanswered factors earlier than halftime, together with a 60-yard speeding landing to operating again Jeremy McNichols.
“That is simply not the soccer we play,” Carroll mentioned. “…Should you quit massive performs, you are no good, and we had been no good right now.”
Stated defensive finish Maxx Crosby: “It would not matter if it is a quick week, there isn’t any excuses. All people has quick weeks in the course of the season, and it is simply the way you put together.”
The Raiders’ loss as soon as once more highlighted their points with the offensive line. Smith was pressured 18 occasions and sacked 5 occasions on 34 drop-backs. In three video games, Smith has been sacked 12 occasions and pressured 50 occasions.
However the workforce’s issues within the trenches scream louder within the run recreation. The Raiders had been held to 93 yards — the third straight recreation with fewer than 100 yards. Although Jeanty ran for a season-high 63 yards, he was hit at or behind the road of scrimmage on 11 of his 17 carries.
Jeanty has now been hit at or behind the road on 57% (27 of 47) of his rush makes an attempt this season.
“That is soccer in a nutshell. Should you can win the road of scrimmage, you’ll be able to win a variety of video games,” Smith mentioned. “Should you can win the road of scrimmage, you’ll be able to management the turnover battle, get first downs, convert within the pink zone, be nice in conditions, and you may win a variety of video games. There [are] a variety of issues that we are able to do higher, however I look ahead to getting it proper.”
The Raiders made a change on the road, beginning Alex Cappa at proper guard as a substitute of Jackson Powers-Johnson. The second-year lineman was cleared to play after lacking final week’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers with a concussion.
Carroll mentioned the choice to start out Cappa was primarily based on taking part in on a brief week and felt the unit had continuity going into Sunday. Cappa did not present a lot help. He was accountable for a team-high seven pressures. In the meantime, proper deal with DJ Glaze allowed two sacks and 7 pressures.
Carroll hinted that the workforce may be attempting to determine the best mixture alongside the offensive line.
“The competitors goes on,” he mentioned.