Las Vegas Raiders fall to 0-3 after comeback versus Titans falls short

The Las Vegas Raiders’ comeback fell short once again as the Silver and Black move to 0-3 following their loss to the Tennessee Titans.

The Las Vegas Raiders have dug themselves into an 0-3 hole that nobody, much less themselves, could have expected through three weeks of football. The frustrating theme has been that the Silver and Black, in large part, have not been blown out or thoroughly outmatched amid their three-game skid. The Raiders have generally placed themselves in a situation to come away with the victory, only to fall short.

That same script was apparent in Sunday’s 24-22 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

In the first half, the Raiders defense could not get off the field as Tennessee found the endzone on each of their first three possessions. Not only did the Titans have their way against Las Vegas’ defense, they quite literally ran through them with much ease. After averaging a career-low in rushing yards per attempt heading into Sunday’s contest, Derrick Henry totaled 85 rushing yards and a touchdown with an average of 4.3 yards per carry.

Despite a Derek Carr to Davante Adams touchdown in the first half, the Raiders defense was outmatched and outhustled through the first two quarters of football as the Titans led 24-10 at halftime. To their credit, the Raiders’ defense did not allow another point scored in the final two quarters.

But that milestone would only be hindered by the Raiders’ lack of efficiency in the red zone, which continues a similar struggle from a season ago.

Raiders struggle in a big way inside the red zone

While the Titans went a perfect 3-for-3 in the red zone, Las Vegas countered by going just 2-for-6 on red zone opportunities Sunday afternoon. To make matters more frustrating, the Raiders would only further limit themselves by leaving with zero points on red zone opportunities, failing to come away with even a field goal. Carr’s lone interception of the day came on a bobbled pass to Darren Waller, who felt the pressure coming and could not hold onto the potential touchdown catch.

Another week, another game in which Las Vegas helped beat themselves with a lack of execution. Mack Hollins’ 158 yards and a touchdown on eight receptions was a lone bright spot in the afternoon, but it was overshadowed once again in a performance where both the offense and defense have yet to put together a complete game.

Davante Adams’ five targets for 36 yards and a touchdown feels like much to be desired. It’s up to Josh McDaniels to scheme him open, and for Carr to connect. Chandler Jones continues to remain quiet, finishing with just one solo tackle and one quarterback hit. Despite an interception in the fourth quarter, Las Vegas’ defense can be much improved in regard to takeaways.

Staring at an 0-3 record, is it time to panic for the Raiders? The answer may be subjective, but the reality is that Las Vegas has dug itself into a hole that is already a tall task to overcome. As the Raiders prepare for a home matchup against the Denver Broncos with a road trip to Kansas City right after, it’s safe to say that every game from here on out is a must-win if Las Vegas hopes to tread water in the postseason chase.