Silver Minings: Raiders need to punch it in

There is a glaring need of improvement in key offensive area

The Las Vegas Raiders worked to upgrade the offense through the offseason as the new regime led by general manager John Spytek and coach Pete Carroll took over.

They hired Chip Kelly as the offensive coordinator. They traded for new quarterback Geno Smith and they drafted running back Ashton Jeanty and wide receiver Jack Bech in the first two rounds of the draft.

So, of course, they are looking for a jolt of electricity from the new-look unit that already features second-year superstar tight end Brock Bowers.

While the Raiders’ 2024 offense sagged in many areas, there is a key area that needs major improvement — at the goal line. According to a recent tweet by NFL analyst Warren Sharp, the Raiders ranked dead las tin the NFL last season when it came to touchdown conversion rate in goal-to-go situations.

That’s difficult to fathom. So, it’s up to Kelly, Smith, Jeanty and company improve from those rough numbers.

In other Raiders’ news:

• Redraft: PFF redrafts the 2026 draft. The Raiders get a familiar quarterback.
• Most improved? Yes, PFF thinks the Raiders are one of the most improved teams this offseason.
• Big impact: NFL.com thinks Smith will have a major positive impact on the Raiders after his trade this offseason.