Anything can happen in the NFL…a win is a win…and there are no apologies. Therefore, the Raiders are starting to make some noise after back to back wins have gotten them to a 3-3 record.
Critics will say that they have not beaten anyone of note with wins over the Broncos (1-5), Packers (2-3) and Patriots (1-5). Critics will also point out that the Raiders have not looked particularly great in these wins…scraping by to pull each one out. These are all true statements. However, the Raiders can only play the teams on their schedule…all three of these games should have been wins…and they were. The 2023 version of the Raiders is finding ways to win games that they should win…which has not been the case in recent history. Therefore, there are no apologies.
Week 7 presents another very winnable game for the Silver and Black as they head to Chicago to take on another one win football team. The Bears will be without Justin Fields in this game which makes it all that more important that the Raiders find a way to win.
Brian Hoyer will be starting at QB this week with Jimmy Garoppolo sidelined with a back injury. Hoyer will be counted on to manage the game…play mistake free football…and let the defense win this game for them. That’s an odd thought for Raider Nation as we’ve suffered through some horrendous defenses in recent years, but Patrick Graham’s unit is starting to shape up as a formidable group. Since halftime of the Charger game in Week 4, the defense has played really well and led them to victories over the Packers and Patriots. Maxx Crosby’s relentless effort will be needed again this week in Chicago.
Meanwhile, the offense has been putrid. They are one of the worst units in the league, scoring the 5th fewest points per game. The money that is invested in that side of the ball, paired with the fact that Josh McDaniels is supposed to be an offensive mastermind, there are no excuses for this.
Davante Adams has started to show frustration this week with his lack of involvement. Adams’ frustration is warranted as he is one of the best weapons in the league and there is no explanation for why a struggling offense would not be leaning on its best player. Hoyer needs to get Adams involved early and often.
As bad as the Raiders have looked so far this season…they are sitting at 3-3. They should be 4-3 heading into a Monday Night Football matchup with the Lions. Following that matchup, they welcome both the Giants and Jets to Allegiant Stadium. It is not unreasonable to think that the Raiders could be sitting at 6-4 before facing the Dolphins and Chiefs.
If the defense can continue to build on the recent momentum they’ve found…and the offense begins to find its way…the Raiders have a great opportunity to be a surprise playoff contender this season. Everything is still on the table for them. Whether it’s ugly or not, there will be no apologies…Just Win Baby!