Close but no cigar.
We are at the stage of the season where we hear the phrase ‘if the season ended now’ every week.
Sometimes it is in reference to the play-off picture, and other times the draft seedings.
After a streak-extending ninth loss in a row, the Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the inside track to the number one overall pick.
How did we get here?
Completing 100% of fourth down attempts, having more total plays, less sacks allowed, less interceptions and more time of possession.
All of these would point towards the Raiders outplaying the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Yet somehow, Las Vegas still ended up losing by 15 points in Week 14.
Early on, the Raiders looked in danger of being blown-out, and quickly. They were down two touchdowns with one minute left in the first quarter.
After two offensive drives that went nowhere, this was looking like a long afternoon in South Florida.
Defence can not carry this team
Down 14-0, a wild sequence brought the Silver and Black some hope.
K’Lavon Chaisson continued where he left off against the Kansas City Chiefs, executing an incredible defensive play where he caught his own tipped pass to intercept Baker Mayfield.
Unfortunately it was in vain, as the Raiders immediately gave the ball back to Tampa Bay with yet more snapping issues leading to a fumble.
The defense then stepped up again to force their first fumble recovery of the season. Thankfully Aidan O’Connell was able to cap off this drive with a quarterback sneak to get Vegas on the board.
This was despite Antonio Pierce’s horrendous challenge, suggesting Tre Tucker had caught a pass in bounds. It was not close.
Again, the Raiders defense showed up on the next drive with a sack and near safety which forced a punt. This time their efforts only yielded a field goal which brought the game to 14-10.
This is where the game stayed until the fourth quarter where some interceptions – and should-have-been interceptions – allowed the Bucs to pull away to win 28-13.
Not all bad?
Hanging tough but losing is the best way forward for this iteration of team.
Show signs of development, allow rookies to flash potential and find out who will be here next year.
Doing this, all while being the current number one pick will allow Vegas to build a sustainable environment with the foundations for long-term success.
I have previously noted my love of fortifying both lines on the offense and defense, but I am now in the camp of looking at drafting a quarterback.
Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer, Jakobi Meyers, Sincere McCormick. There is talent on this team, but they need a quarterback that can be more than a hand-off machine to support them.
