Have Raiders Resolved Critical Issue?
In the Las Vegas Raiders' first 12 games of last season, they lost the time-of-possession battle 10 times. One of the two times they won, they did so by less than two full minutes.
In Week 3, the Carolina Panthers possessed the football for 13 more minutes than the Raiders. In Week 9, the Cincinnati Bengals possessed the football for 12 more minutes than the Raiders. In Week 17, the Los Angeles Chargers possessed the football for 17 more minutes than Las Vegas did.
During a 4-13 campaign featuring a 10-game losing streak, there is plenty of blame to be shared, and for the Raiders, there were more issues than what met the eye.
Las Vegas addressed most coaches and players tied to last season's debacle through the NFL Draft and free agency. However, their trouble holding onto the football has undoubtedly factored into their roster decisions this offseason, even under a new regime.
The Raiders were not a very good team last season. However, no matter how good a team is or is not, how long it has the ball usually directly correlates to winning or losing a game. This was certainly the case for the Raiders last season.
Last season, the Raiders' quarterback and running back situation left much to be desired, as did their offensive line. The Raiders have addressed these issues by trading for Geno Smith, drafting Ashton Jeanty, and adding to their offensive line in free agency and the draft.
While the additions of Smith and Jeanty logistically handle the Raiders' two most pressing offensive needs from last season, they also allow the Raiders to take control of games instead of having the other team do so, as happened one too many times last season.
Smith gives the Raiders a quality starting quarterback with more starting experience than any quarterbacks Las Vegas trotted onto the field last season. However, Smith is also a field general who can guide the Raiders aggressively if needed, instead of only as a game manager.
Jeanty allows the Raiders to run the ball, keep the clock running, and protect a questionable Raiders defense heading into the season. Las Vegas now has a versatile offense with a competent starting quarterback, running back, and offensive coordinator, Chip Kelly.
The Raiders' defense has many unknowns entering next season, while the offense has been revamped. Las Vegas' defense may be near the bottom of the league this upcoming season, but it will not matter much if things go as planned on the offensive side of the ball.
Find us on X (formerly Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and Instagram @HondoSr and talk to us about the Raiders and their time of possession!
While here, check out our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE to discuss the Raiders and their time of possession!
Related articles
Browns trade proposal for Dak Prescott in Cowboys blockbuster deal
Jennifer Aydin Just Bought Daughter Gabriella Aydin a BMW: "Mom Life"
Kristen Doute brushes off Jesse Lally’s claim that estranged wife Michelle Saniei is a ‘hooker’
'He Would Have to Have The Greatest Summer': Shedeur Sanders’ Chances At Starting Browns QB Position Gets Real Talk From Mark SchlerethThe Latest
Seahawks great Brandon Mebane: Why national media doesn't see Seattle as a threat
Brandon Mebane spent 13 seasons in the NFL, with the first nine being as a member of the Seattle Seahawks. A third-round pick in 2007 out of Cal, Mebane was there for the Legion of Boom years and helped the Seattle ...
Broncos’ Dre Greenlaw gets encouraging update from Sean Payton
The Denver Broncos have every reason to trust quarterback Bo Nix following a splendid rookie campaign, but they are also aware that a top-notch defense is presently the franchise’s best chance to make legitimate noise in the AFC. The team ...
What the Elle! Will Lisa Yamada’s New Role Take Luna Away From Bold & Beautiful?
Though The Bold and the Beautiful may never stage an actual trial for double murderess Luna Nozawa, Lisa Yamada may still have her day in court: The in-demand actress has been cast in Prime Video’s Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle, our sister site Deadline reports. The comedy, ...
The New York Giants have the chance to pull off the funniest trade ever by taking advantage of Derek Carr's shocking retirement
The NFL world was hit with some shocking news on Saturday as New Orleans Saints QB Derek Carr announced that he is retiring. This puts the Saints in a challenging situation without a true veteran QB option on their roster. The team is now ...
It's up to Bears DC Dennis Allen to get most out of athletic draft picks
“Right now, they don’t know whether it’s pumped or stuffed in terms of the football,” Allen said. “But from a physical skill-set standpoint, they fit the type of player we’re looking for.” Linebacker Ruben Hyppolite II’s eyes widened as he explained ...
