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Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Jaguars in 2022 Week 9

By Pete Hernandez III

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 30: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs onto the field prior to the start of an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 30, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 30: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders runs onto the field prior to the start of an NFL game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on October 30, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 23: Derek Carr #4 celebrates Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Morris/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 23: Derek Carr #4 celebrates Josh Jacobs #28 of the Las Vegas Raiders scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium on October 23, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Morris/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Jaguars in 2022 Week 9

Better efficiency on third down

The Raiders converted just 5-of-14 third downs last Sunday (35.7%) and the Carr-led offense never moved the chains past the 50-yard mark in their 24-0 shutout. On the season, Las Vegas ranks 19th with a 39.76% third-down conversion percentage.

Getting better at converting on third-down means setting up short-yardage situations, which is a result of improving on their poor early-down offense.

Against the Saints last Sunday the Raiders averaged a pedestrian 2.6 yards per play on first and second down. Las Vegas also had four offensive penalties, and it continued the trend of the Raiders beating themselves with each drive. The ensuing result was six of their 14 third downs being third-and-long situations.

The Silver and Black simply made things harder with every offensive miscue.

The better early-down offense is a result of discipline and execution, an x-factor that the Raiders hopefully hone in on with their second east coast road game. It sounds like a broken record because it is one, but Las Vegas can’t afford to come out flat early on. The tale of two halves is what has dug them into this 2-5 hole. Executing from the start should make it easier on third down, which in turn should give some life to an offense that needs a spark.

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