Reasons for optimism despite Las Vegas Raiders loss in opener

Sep 11, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is pressured by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) as he sets to throw a pass in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) is pressured by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) as he sets to throw a pass in the third quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 11, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is sacked by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The morning after a Las Vegas Raiders loss is never easy for Raider Nation. Coming off the heels of the Las Vegas Raiders’ regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers, focusing on the good might be difficult. Be that as it may, the Raiders had a chance to walk away with a victory late in the game.

So, despite the ugly turnovers and sacks, the team displayed the same willpower as they did last season when faced with tons of adversity.

What exactly is there to be happy about if you’re a Raiders fan? Well, plenty actually. You have to remember it’s Week 1. Arguably, it’s the sloppiest football week of the entire year. Now, let’s be clear, no one’s making excuses for the Raiders.

However, the issues with the roster reared their head in a big way. For example, head coach Josh McDaniels trying out different offensive line combinations in the first game is a red flag. Some would argue that he did that historically with the New England Patriots. That’s an invalid point mostly because the Raiders don’t have nearly the same quality of linemen, save for Kolton Miller.

Nevertheless, we’ll save the concerns for another time. As far as the positives, let’s get started with the defense.

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