The Las Vegas Raiders fell behind early in their Week 5 matchup with the New England Patriots and never recovered. After a 45-17 loss, this week's veteran stock report offers little positivity and a lot of insight into what the team needs to clean up.
The Raiders inserted rookie Fernando Mendoza for Kirk Cousins in the fourth quarter, but their loss to the Patriots isn't on the veteran quarterback, who won't appear in this week's report. As our own Brad Berreman pointed out, Cousins isn't among the team's top issues.
The Raiders must address two recurring problems: an inability to run the ball consistently and a defense that has allowed an average of 34 points over the last three weeks.
The Raiders should consider a change at left guard, and their cornerback situation is one to keep an eye on going forward
LG Spencer Burford: Stock Down
Spencer Burford followed up a solid Week 4 performance with a dud against the Patriots. According to Pro Football Focus, he allowed five pressures on 42 pass-blocking snaps, the second-most on the team behind Kolton Miller (six).
The Patriots exploited the Raiders' weak left-side pass protection, and Burford should be concerned about his job security. Aside from Week 4, he's been a liability on passing downs and hasn't moved the needle in run blocking either.
Caleb Rogers has only lined up at right guard in two seasons. Early in September, Las Vegas signed Bryce Cabeldue, who played in Klint Kubiak's system with the Seattle Seahawks last year. He may be the next man up if the team benches Burford.
EDGE Malcolm Koonce: Stock Up
Malcolm Koonce had a decent outing, logging two tackles and a half-sack as he continues to build on a solid campaign. As a backup, the sixth-year pro has outperformed Kwity Paye and leads the team with three sacks.
Koonce could work his way back into the starting lineup, or at least get more snaps as the season progresses. If the Raiders' pass defense keeps trending in the wrong direction, they'll need him on the field for more than 45% of defensive snaps.
CB Eric Stokes: Stock Down
Even without two of his top three wide receivers, A.J. Brown and Mack Hollins, Drake Maye still torched the Raiders' secondary. Vegas corner Eric Stokes gave up big plays on the boundary.
According to Pro Football Focus, Stokes allowed a 26-yard completion and posted a 118.8 passer rating in coverage. He also missed a tackle. It's one problem when a cornerback gives up explosive plays, and worse when he can't wrap up tackles and allows yards after the catch.
Stokes' coverage hasn't been as tight as last season, but he can bounce back from a subpar performance.
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
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