Instant reaction following Raiders crushing playoff loss to Bengals
Instant reaction following Raiders crushing playoff loss to Bengals
The Raiders need to nail the draft in April
It goes without saying, but we all knew this Raiders team had several weaknesses, and they were exposed today. The offensive line needs lots of fine-tuning, in particular, a right tackle, another starting offensive guard, and possibly another swing lineman. Regrettably, holes in the defense were also exposed. The Raiders need to add depth at the cornerback slot. This needs to be a priority. The lack of options in trying to guard Ja’Marr Chase was laughable, though the play calling by Gus Bradley only helped to exacerbate the problem.
Though players such as Hunter Renfrow, Zay Jones, and DeSean Jackson all made key plays, the Raiders don’t have a true number one receiver. At least not one with the caliber of talent like Chase. This upcoming class in April will have several wide receiver prospects, and there will also be options in free agency. Whoever is calling the shots in Vegas this offseason will need to address this issue as well.
Overall, the Raiders’ coaching staff was literally outcoached as the team also killed its own momentum throughout the game. The play calling was shoddy on defense, and there was a questionable lack of aggressive play-calling with regards to the offense. All in all, there will be plenty of changes this offseason following this tough loss, but the Raiders aren’t too far off from returning to the playoffs either.