The Las Vegas Raiders are facing significant challenges as they prepare for their upcoming game against the Denver Broncos without wide receiver Jakobi Meyers. Meyers was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier this week, yielding a fourth- and sixth-round pick for the team. With a record of 2-6 and the trade deadline now passed, the Raiders are shifting their focus toward the future while gearing up for their remaining nine games.
Fans have expressed concerns regarding the underperforming offensive line. One such inquiry came from Matt Berger, who asked, “What will it take for this offensive line to function as expected? Is it a scheme issue, a talent issue, or coaching? Perhaps a combination of all three?” In response, Vincent Bonsignore acknowledged that there is ample room for improvement, noting that the Raiders currently average the fourth-fewest rushing yards per game in the league, at 89.1. Additionally, they have allowed 21 sacks, placing them among the teams with the highest totals.
To address these issues, the potential return of left tackle Kolton Miller, who is recovering from an ankle injury suffered in Week 4, could be a significant boost. The offensive line as a whole must demonstrate greater consistency. Right guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, a second-round pick for 2024, has showcased both brilliance and struggles in his rookie season, indicating he remains a work in progress but has potential as a foundational player. Meanwhile, Jordan Meredith has experienced a mixture of successes and setbacks in his inaugural season at center, and third-round pick DJ Glaze still has room for development at right tackle.
Another factor complicating the situation is the lack of continuity. The Raiders have cycled through five offensive coordinators, including interim coaches, over the past three seasons. There is hope that as the players gain more experience and practice together, they can develop the chemistry needed for improved performance. The coaching staff also holds high hopes for rookie third-round picks Caleb Rogers and Charles Grant, though they prefer to avoid rushing them into action.
In another inquiry, Dan O”Neil asked about the status of Kolton Miller. Bonsignore indicated that Miller might not be ready to resume practice for another week or two, emphasizing that the team is taking precautions with one of its most valuable players, who recently signed a three-year contract extension during training camp.
Mark Holmlund brought up the effectiveness of Chip Kelly“s offensive scheme for quarterback Geno Smith. Bonsignore noted that Smith has proven he can succeed within this system, highlighting his impressive performance during the Raiders” Week 1 victory over the New England Patriots. Additionally, Smith orchestrated a strong offensive showing in the fourth quarter and overtime of the close game against the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday. However, consistency remains a concern, as Smith has thrown 11 interceptions this season, which is tied for the highest in the league. The Raiders” offense is currently averaging only 16.5 points per game, ranking them as one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league. This lack of production was not what the organization envisioned when they traded for Smith in March and subsequently extended his contract.
