Silver And Black Pride
While the weather forecast calls for a high of 93 degrees and sunshine on Tuesday, it’s looking pretty gloomy for the Las Vegas Raiders. After getting blown out by the Washington Commanders last Sunday, the Raiders have suffered back-to-back losses and the offensive line is arguably the team’s biggest problem. The latter is the primary focus of the Week 4 NFL Power Rankings roundup.
26. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week: 24
The Raiders made some fun and interesting additions this offseason, especially on the offensive side of the ball, but nothing is really working as it should right now. The blocking up front hasn’t been the sole reason for the unit’s struggles, but it’s at the top of the list of concerns right now. Geno Smith might not make it through the season if he keeps taking hits and sacks at this rate. And it’s hard to get the ball to your first-round running back if there are no holes through which Ashton Jeanty can run. That’s not to suggest Jeanty hasn’t been disappointing on his own, which I would say he has. But given the limitations, including Brock Bowers playing hurt, it’s hard to put much blame on the rookie. Combine that with allowing 41 points to a backup-QB-led team, and the vibes seem pretty dour. — Eric Edholm
Kolton Miller (82.6) and Jordan Meredith (62.6) are the only Raiders offensive linemen with a grade from Pro Football Focus above 60, the baseline mark for PFF, and Meredith barely crosses the threshold. That, combined with Edholm’s note about the defense struggling against the Marcus Mariota-led Commanders, is the primary reason why the outlook for the Silver and Black is low right now.
23. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week: 22
This Ashton Jeanty stat is absolutely mind-blowing and hopefully instructive for Raiders fans who keep wondering why he isn’t being force-fed 35 times a game. One hundred and one percent of his rushing yards this season have come after first contact. One. Hundred. And. One.
Adding to this, PFF currently has Jeanty tied for fourth among running backs with 13 missed tackles forced when running the ball. So, it may not seem like it, but the Boise State product is doing a lot of what he showed in college; he just has defenders in his face as soon as he touches the ball.
23. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week: 22
The Washington Commanders don’t have a legitimate pass-rusher on their roster. No, Von Miller doesn’t count at this stage of his career. This fact makes the Raiders’ inability to properly protect quarterback Geno Smith even more alarming.
Washington sacked Smith five times, hit him on eight occasions and applied numerous pressures. The Raiders offensive line is in shambles right now, because it’s struggling to win one-on-one matchups and pick up games. If Las Vegas can’t...
