Las Vegas Raiders offense out of sync, fall to the Chicago Bears 20-9
The Las Vegas Raiders offense got off to another slow start as they suffered a 20-9 loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 5.
Week 5 would be the week to get back on track as the Las Vegas Raiders returned home to face the Chicago Bears. At 3-1, the Raiders have set themselves up as frontrunners in the race to win the AFC West, though issues remain to be fixed if Las Vegas hopes to secure a spot in the postseason.
Namely, the Raiders have to ensure they get away from the slow offensive starts and execute from start to finish. Heading into Sunday’s game against Chicago, Las Vegas recorded 10 straight games without scoring a point on the opening drive.
Back home against the Bears would provide the next opportunity to right the ship, and it would come against a familiar face in Khalil Mack, who would play against his former team in front of the home fans for the first time since being traded away in 2018. Week 5 would also be a test for the Raiders defense, as they faced first-round rookie quarterback Justin Fields.
Following a back-and-forth first quarter that saw both teams struggle to find the endzone, penalties proved to be the thorn in the Raiders’ side. After what looked to be a surefire Josh Jacobs touchdown, Las Vegas settled for a 3-0 lead to end the quarter.
Raiders offense continues to struggle
In the second quarter, penalties again plagued the Raiders, with numerous roughing the passer calls benefiting the Bears. Justin Fields capped off a 13-play drive with a touchdown pass to Jesper Horsted, giving Chicago a 7-3 lead. The Bears took command of the second quarter time of possession with a 16-play drive that resulted in a 14-3 lead courtesy of a Damien Williams rushing touchdown.
Out of sync was the theme of the third quarter, as Las Vegas’ offense could not connect by any means. A Bryan Edwards drop downfield and a Darren Waller missed opportunity highlighted the disconnect.
To illustrate the type of day it was for the Raiders, fans collectively held their breath at the start of the fourth quarter when Derek Carr missed four plays as a result of a quarterback sneak. Nathan Peterman kept the drive alive until Carr returned to the field. Las Vegas marched down until Josh Jacobs connected on a goal-line rushing touchdown, narrowing the deficit to a score of 14-9.
But the Raiders could never spark the comeback from (another) slow offensive start. A Derek Carr interception and lack of pass protection allowed Chicago to seal the game with two field goals, securing the win 20-9.
dark. Next. Raiders vs Bears: 3 Bold Predictions for Week 5
Another week, another slow start for the Raiders offense. After Las Vegas managed to overcome the previous two sluggish starts (and almost succeeded in the comeback against the Chargers), Week 5 could prove to be the wake-up call. For Jon Gruden, he must realize that this offense is too talented to allow sluggish starts like this on a weekly basis. If the running game is stagnant, one must adapt early on and not wait until the second half. If Las Vegas fails to adapt, they risk squandering any advantage of their 3-1 start to the season.