Las Vegas Raiders and the art of blowing double-digit leads
By Keith Ricci
Las Vegas Raiders and the art of blowing double-digit leads
How does this happen?
So how does this happen? Who is to blame for this historic string of 2nd half collapses? It really takes failure in several aspects of the game, while the opponent slowly chips away – it’s a perfect storm. Let’s talk about what the Raiders did in the 2nd half during the four games.
To blow a double-digit lead, you must stop moving the ball on offense. In the 2nd half of those four games, 15 of the 19 (79%) Raiders drives ended in a punt or turnover. They averaged roughly 5 plays per drive – so either getting a quick first down and then punting or getting a first down followed by a quick turnover.
While their opponents in those four games averaged approximately 9 plays per drive – and scoring – so they’re getting fast first downs and moving the ball into the red zone.
The 2022 Raiders have the 2nd least amount of turnovers in the NFL right now. However, when they do turn the ball over, it seems to happen when they’re blowing a double-digit lead. Two of the Raiders three lost fumbles this entire season occurred on the final play in two of those four 2nd half collapses.
Additionally, 23% of all Raiders turnovers this season occurred in the 2nd half of those four games.
The offensive play call also becomes very conservative about one or two quarters too soon. Many teams will continue their first half dominance into the third quarter and then tighten up in the fourth quarter to protect the football and run the clock down. It makes you wonder conversations occurred at halftime.