The Las Vegas Raiders had been untouchable within the first three weeks of the 2021 NFL season.
They opened their marketing campaign with an exciting 33-27 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Monday Evening Soccer.
Because the Ravens went on a zero blitz, Derek Carr discovered a wide-open Zay Jones for the walk-off landing.
The Raiders quarterback completed the sport with a formidable 34 completions for 435 yards and two touchdowns.
ZAY JONES @barstoolecu pic.twitter.com/vjdRsD76nQ
— Barstool North Carolina (@BarstoolNCdavid) September 14, 2021
Darren Waller additionally had 105 receiving yards and a landing, whereas Josh Jacobs had two dashing scores.
Jon Gruden’s crew proved that their win was not newbie’s luck once they received in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.
Carr had one other stellar sport with 28 completions for 382 yards and two touchdowns.
Nevertheless, it was Henry Ruggs III’s time within the highlight with 5 catches for 113 yards and a rating.
third & 10, 4Q. Bunch proper, Henry Ruggs III runs the publish. Steelers convey 6 man stress with Cowl 1 behind. Carr pumps to Waller, who’s remoted at prime, to attempt to have an effect on the FS. Carr trusts Ruggs to outrun the protection, which he does for the landing.#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/OHjbjDf2gh
— Ryan Holmes (@Rholm22) September 21, 2021
The Raiders pillaged the Miami Dolphins with a 31-28 victory in Week 3.
Daniel Carlson transformed a 22-yard area objective to take care of Las Vegas’ win streak.
As soon as once more, Carr led the best way with 26 completions for 386 yards and two touchdowns.
Peyton Barber additionally added 111 dashing yards and a landing.
So completely happy for former participant Peyton Barber and his efficiency in the present day for the Raiders in opposition to the Dolphins in a 31-28 win. 26 touches for 142 yards. Excellent participant, however a fair higher individual! pic.twitter.com/WTtptWNXdv
— Tim Horton (@CoachTimHorton) September 27, 2021
Regardless of the win, the Miami sport began an alarming development for the Raiders, particularly on protection.
They gave up 28 factors to a Dolphins crew that scored 17 in opposition to the New England Patriots.
Every week later, Miami failed to attain versus the Buffalo Payments.
Surrendering 28 factors to a crew that misplaced its beginning quarterback to harm signifies blown defensive coverages.
Since scoring TDs on 3 straight drives vs Dolphins, #Raiders have 3 TDs on their final 25 drives
— Josh Dubow (@JoshDubowAP) October 11, 2021
However whereas Gus Bradley needed to make changes in stopping their opponents, the Raiders offense received contaminated by the protection’s woes as nicely.
The descent was evident throughout their showdown in opposition to division rival Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders Can’t Generate Factors
The Chargers raced to a 21-0 halftime lead as a result of the Raiders protection couldn’t determine Justin Herbert.
The sophomore quarterback from Oregon threw landing passes to Donald Parham Jr., Jared Cook, and Austin Ekeler to turn out to be the primary NFL participant to finish 500 passes earlier than their twentieth begin.
Las Vegas tried to mount a second-half comeback however got here quick after scoring simply two touchdowns.
In the meantime, Ekeler added a dashing landing to make the ultimate rating 28-14.
The Chargers protection additionally received lively with 4 sacks and an interception courtesy of Derwin James.
And it was at this specific second when Raiders followers began operating for the exits as quick as they might. 😆⚡⚡⚡⚡💙💙💙💙#33 @DerwinJames THANK YOU! pic.twitter.com/USDRPbxT0i
— HERBIE’S MOMMA! 😍🏈⚡💙 Do not disrespect my baby! (@RiversGirl17_) October 8, 2021
Carr completed the sport with 196 yards, a far cry from his common of 401 yards within the first three video games.
The Raiders had 213 whole yards whereas the Chargers completed with 380.
Los Angeles additionally dominated the run sport, 168-48, whereas the Raiders gained a paltry 3.8 yards per play.
Week 5 was a nightmare for Carr and the Raiders as a result of they failed to attain a passing landing in opposition to the Chicago Bears.
Worse, he threw an interception to DeAndre Houston-Carson.
The Bears had been at an obstacle as a result of David Montgomery didn’t play.
#Bears RB David Montgomery, who left with a knee harm, could have an MRI tomorrow, supply stated. The preliminary perception primarily based on early assessments is that the hyperextended knee didn’t result in a significant harm. However the further assessments will inform the total story.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 3, 2021
Nevertheless, they nonetheless scored a dashing landing courtesy of Damien Williams.
Justin Fields related on a landing move to Jesper Horsted, and Cairo Santos added two area objectives to offer Chicago a 20-9 win.
Weeks in the past, the Raiders had been lighting up the scoreboard and filling the stat sheet.
Now they’ll’t beat a crew that averages lower than 17 factors per sport and with out their prime backfield choice.
The Raiders are hoping to shake off their struggles in Week 6 in opposition to a strong Denver Broncos defensive unit.
#Broncos open as 3-point favourite vs #Raiders, per @SuperBookCO. Appears like must-win if Denver is to publish successful document, contend for playoffs. Till Broncos beat good crew, questions will stay about their legitimacy. Denver has been outscored 34-13 in first half final 2 weeks
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 11, 2021
In any other case, they’ll endure a three-game dropping streak after trying spectacular of their first three video games.
https://www.thecoldwire.com/raiders-offense-puts-up-another-dud-performance-in-week-5/ | Raiders Offense Places Up One other Dud Efficiency In Week 5