Las Vegas Raiders vs 49ers 2022 Week 17: Things we learned
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders were finally eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday, and here are some things we learned in the loss.
On Sunday, the Las Vegas Raiders once again built a double-digit second half lead, and once again, they were unable to hang onto it. Up 24-14 against the San Francisco 49ers in the third quarter, the same story repeated itself, as Las Vegas lost for the fifth time this season under those same circumstances.
Here, we look at three things we learned in Week 17.
Las Vegas Raiders vs 49ers 2022 Week 17: Things we learned
The Defense needs a big improvement
Over the past few weeks, the Las Vegas defense has played much better and has helped keep the team in games as the offense struggled. On Sunday, the defense struggled in a big way, mostly due to the fact that the team placed Chandler Jones and Denzel Perryman on IR earlier in the week.
Going into next offseason, the defense needs some big improvements, as Tre’Von Moehrig and Nate Hobbs took big steps backward in Year 2. The secondary is going to get a facelift, and the front-7 should see big changes as Patrick Graham looks to fill in pieces that fit his scheme.
Jarrett Stidham could be a legitimate option at QB1 in 2023
One thing that really stood out during the 37-34 overtime loss to San Francisco was the play of Jarrett Stidham. Taking over as the starting quarterback from nine-year veteran Derek Carr, Stidham played a fearless brand of football that we have not seen from the position in quite some time.
He ran the ball when needed, took big shots downfield, and outside of the interception in overtime, a pass he was hit as he threw, he played a nearly perfect game. Looking ahead, he may be a legitimate option for the Raiders as their starting quarterback in 2023.
Davante Adams is better than advertised
On Sunday, Davante Adams put another stamp onto what has been a legendary season for the Raiders, setting the franchise record for receiving yards in a season. Adams has been a constant all season long, and even after the team benched his best friend in Carr, he went out there and showed why he is considered one of the best wideouts in the game.
For now, the attention turns to Week 18, where the Silver and Black will play host to the Kansas City Chiefs. The 2022 season did not turn out as planned for the Raiders, and going into next offseason, you can expect plenty of changes up and down the roster.