The Las Vegas Raiders‘ losing streak extends to three games after their 10-7 loss to the Denver Broncos on November 6 at Empower Field at Mile High. Moreover, it was the Silver and Black’s offense that was nonexistent, and eventually, the inability to generate offense came back to haunt them.
With the Raiders’ offense struggling, all eyes are on offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, especially considering Brock Bowers wasn’t a focal point of the attack after having 12 receptions for 127 receiving yards and three touchdowns against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 9.
After the loss to the Broncos, former Raiders wide receiver James Jones called out Kelly for not trying to get the ball to Bowers, who only had one reception for 31 receiving yards.
“Offensively, we got to do better,” Jones said on “Raiders Postgame Live.” “I know I come up here every single week and ask, ‘What’s our identity?‘ I don’t know. Chip don’t know neither. That’s the problem. We don’t know if we want to run it, and we don’t know if we want to throw it. What’s our identity?
“… I expected to see more of Brock Bowers. We’ve got a lot of young players out there, and I know Brock’s young, but he’s our superstar. We can’t depend on young players to win primetime games like this. Yes, he got some opportunities, but I’m more concerned about Brock Bowers. How do you go into a game as an offensive coordinator and not find a way to get the ball to him? He’s the best player on the field.”
Raiders’ Chip Kelly Remains Under Fire
Heading into the Week 10 game against the Broncos, Kelly was facing criticism over the usage of Ashton Jeanty. Nonetheless, the Raiders coach fired back at his critics over his playcalling.
“I think he leads the league in rookie rushing, doesn’t he? Carries,“ Kelly told reporters on November 4 (h/t Vegas Sports Today). “I think everything we do game plan-wise is about winning that game. It’s not about how many touches. Maybe some fantasy people are a little disturbed, but we’re not coaching for fantasy people.
“We’re just trying to win games. He’s our No. 1 back, and we’re running the ball; he’s running a bit in the pass game the other day, and he’s starting to be involved in that and trying to get him more involved in that way. He’s continuing to grow; he’s doing a heck of a job. Really excited that we have him.”
Raiders QB Geno Smith Is Now Banged Up
Veteran quarterback Geno Smith is the one who found Bowers often in the loss to the Jaguars. Nonetheless, the Raiders’ signal caller is now banged up but remained in the game.
Smith injured his quad in the second half, prompting Kenny Pickett to briefly step in. Despite the discomfort, Smith pushed through and continued taking snaps, though it was clear he wasn’t at full strength.
Carroll said postgame that Smith likely has a quad contusion, an injury that shouldn’t sideline him, especially with the Raiders having extra time before Week 11. It’s been a challenging season for Smith, who threw his 12th interception, currently the most in the NFL.
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