Week 13 against the Los Angeles Chargers was just the latest frustrating outing for the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense. After holding the offense in check for the first half, the offense didn’t take advantage of it and could only muster seven points.
The defense eventually broke, and the game got out of hand. The Raiders ended up losing 31-14. Defensive end Maxx Crosby had another excellent game, having 2.0 sacks and four tackles for loss. However, he let his frustration show toward the end of the game.
After the Chargers converted a big third down, quarterback Justin Herbert started taunting the Raiders. Crosby got annoyed and shoved the quarterback to the ground with a light push. He was called for a 15-yard penalty and will likely be facing a fine from the NFL.
Herbert and Crosby know each other well after playing twice a season for several years. Herbert didn’t sound too upset about the incident.
“Yeah, I think it was just an emotional game,” Herbert told reporters after the game. “I was excited for the third down, and he’d been getting after us all day, and so I think it’s just one of those plays where emotions got the best of us. I’ve got a ton of respect for him as a player. … I could have kept my cool a little bit better, too.”
Herbert Broke Hand vs. Raiders
There was a point in the game where backup quarterback Trey Lance had to replace Herbert, who hurt his hand. Herbert eventually came back into the game with his left hand in a glove.
After the game, it was revealed that he suffered a serious injury. Herbert broke his left hand and will be undergoing surgery. Despite that, he claims he won’t miss anytime.
Luckily, Herbert throws with his right hand, so it shouldn’t hurt his throwing. What will make it difficult is hiking the ball under center. The Chargers will likely run many more plays out of the gun going forward. Los Angeles is heading toward a playoff berth, so they can’t afford to have their star quarterback miss any time.
Pete Carroll Addresses Continued Offensive Struggles
It’s safe to say that Crosby likely wouldn’t have shoved Herbert if the Raiders were winning the game. Every week, the defense has no shot of competing thanks to the offensive incompetence.
The Raiders fired offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and replaced him with Greg Olson, but it didn’t help. Head coach Pete Carroll wasn’t expecting an overnight turnaround.
“Offensively, to have an expectation that we’re gonna flip-flop and all of the sudden be ripping, would’ve liked to have seen that but that didn’t happen,” Carroll said. “We’re a ways away.”
While the offense played poorly, it was at least a bit more effective than it had been in recent weeks. Carroll spoke about what stood out to him on the offensive side of the ball.
“Everybody communicated really well,” Carroll said. “We had no problem functioning and all that. In a couple days time, that’s a nice accomplishment by those guys but we’ll get a lot better.”
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