The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into the back half of the season (the 17-game schedule messes with the math) at 2-7. Let’s take a quick review of the first half and what it means for the final half of the season.
Quick summary of the first half:
It’s been pretty disappointing. Pete Carroll was brought to Las Vegas for his experience and bring competition. But this team is arguably worse than last season’s team that caused Antonio Pierce to go one and done. The Raiders are just mistake filled on a weekly basis.
Offensive MVP:
Brock Bowers. Even thought he missed three games and wasn’t healthy most of the first half. It’s been a rough season for the offense, but when given the chance. Bowers has shown he is an elite tight end. The Raiders must feed him as much as possible in the second half of the season.
Defensive MVP:
Maxx Crosby. The seven-year star pass-rusher keepings is his dominant self. He has five sacks and a whopping 13 tackles for loss. Maxx isn’t the problem.
Rookie of the first half:
Ashton Jeanty. It hasn’t been the completely dynamic and dominant start to his career that many expected from the No. 6 overall drat pick. But he’s been, by far, the Raiders’ best rookie and he’s had his moments even though he’s averaged less than four yards per carry in seven of nine games. He does have seven touchdowns already. He’s one of the Raiders’ least concerns.
Best surprise:
The defense. It’s had some bad days, but also they’ve kept Las Vegas in some games as well.
Worst surprise:
The Carroll-Geno Smith tandem has been a disaster. There was excitement when Carroll was hired and that grew when he traded for quarterback Geno Smith. The two had success together in Seattle. But both have been miserable in their roles all season long. That was not what the organization and fan base signed up for.
Bold prediction for next quarter:
The Raiders’ next four opponents are at home against the (Dallas Cowboys 3-5-1), at home against the Cleveland Browns (2-7), at the Los Angeles Chargers (7-3) and home against the Denver Broncos (8-2). They are playing two straight games against bad team. If the season is not going to be a total embarrassment, they must take advantage. Still, I’d see the Raiders winning once in the next quarter and go into the final quarter with a 3-10 record.
See More:
