The Las Vegas Raiders have had a disappointing season, to say the least. After high expectations and hopes for a return to playoff contention, the reality has been far from what fans and experts predicted. It seems that everything that could have gone wrong for the Raiders has gone wrong this season. One particular area of concern has been the performance of their defense, especially in their recent game against the Dallas Cowboys.
The Raiders’ defense has been a major disappointment this season, and their game against the Cowboys was no exception. In fact, it highlighted some concerning statistics that have been plaguing the team all season long. Let’s take a closer look at these stats and what they mean for the Raiders moving forward.
First and foremost, the Raiders’ defense has struggled to stop the run all season long. Against the Cowboys, they allowed a whopping 143 rushing yards, with running back Ezekiel Elliott accounting for 87 of those yards. This has been a recurring issue for the Raiders, as they currently rank 25th in the league in rushing defense. This inability to stop the run has put a lot of pressure on the rest of the defense, and it has shown in their overall performance.
Another concerning stat for the Raiders’ defense is their lack of turnovers. In their game against the Cowboys, they failed to force a single turnover, which has been a trend for them this season. In fact, the Raiders rank dead last in the league in turnovers forced, with only 8 on the season. This is a major problem for any defense, as turnovers can often be the difference between a win and a loss. The lack of turnovers also speaks to the lack of playmaking ability on the Raiders’ defense.
One player who has been a major disappointment for the Raiders’ defense is cornerback Damon Arnette. Against the Cowboys, he allowed 5 receptions for 85 yards and a touchdown. This has been a recurring issue for Arnette, who has struggled all season long. In fact, he currently ranks as one of the worst cornerbacks in the league, according to Pro Football Focus. This is not what the Raiders had in mind when they drafted him in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
But it’s not just Arnette who has underperformed on the Raiders’ defense. The entire unit has failed to live up to expectations, and it has been a major factor in their disappointing season. The lack of pass rush has also been a major concern, as the Raiders rank 29th in the league in sacks. This has put a lot of pressure on the secondary, and they have not been able to hold up.
So, what does this all mean for the Raiders moving forward? Well, it’s clear that changes need to be made on the defensive side of the ball. Whether it’s through personnel changes or coaching adjustments, something needs to be done to address the issues that have plagued the Raiders’ defense all season long. The good news is that there is still time to turn things around and salvage the season.
The Raiders’ defense will have a chance to redeem themselves in their upcoming game against the Washington Football Team. This will be a crucial game for the Raiders, as they look to get back on track and make a push for the playoffs. It will also be a chance for the defense to prove that they are capable of making the necessary adjustments and improvements to help the team succeed.
In conclusion, the Raiders’ defense has been a major disappointment this season, and their game against the Cowboys only highlighted the concerning stats that have plagued them all year. However, there is still time for the defense to turn things around and help the team make a push for the playoffs. It will take a collective effort from the entire unit, but with the right adjustments and improvements, the Raiders’ defense can still be a force to be reckoned with. Let’s hope they can rise to the challenge and help the team finish the season strong.
