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

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.

Reasonable expectations for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 Week 9

In Week 9, the Las Vegas Raiders will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars, and here are some reasonable expectations for them Sunday.

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.