It’s safe to say the Raiders weren’t all that high in the power rankings to start this season. But they are lower now after their showing in the season opener against the Chargers.
If this were based on defense alone, the Raiders would be much higher. But unfortunately they don’t have an elite QB and their offensive line showed it very much still has major issues. Those are pretty important, obviously, and their ranking across the networks reflects that.
ESPN
Current Ranking: 28th
Last Week’s Ranking: 27th
Author: Paul Gutierrez
Author’s Take:
The No. 13 draft pick had a solid performance in the Raiders’ loss to the Chargers. Though Bowers did not start, he led Las Vegas in targets (eight) and catches (six) for 58 receiving yards. Bowers, who sat out practice the final two weeks of the preseason nursing a foot injury, also played 68% of snaps on offense. His numbers are sure to go up as the Raiders find their footing going forward.
NFL Media
Current Ranking: 30th
Last Week’s Ranking: 29th
Author: Eric Edholm
Author’s Take:
It’s early, but the way Antonio Pierce handled a late fourth-and-1 call in Sunday’s loss discouraged me. The Raiders were down 16-10 halfway through the fourth quarter and at the Chargers’ 43-yard line — and they punted. Yes, two short-yardage runs were stuffed earlier in the game. But Gardner Minshew wasn’t playing badly outside of his fluky fumble, so the lack of faith in the ability of this offense to gain 1 yard in a critical spot … well, that speaks volumes. I don’t think the Raiders can play this passively and win many games. I’m not saying Pierce needs to go full Dan Campbell, but then again, what’s wrong with going full Dan Campbell? Isn’t Campbell sort of the archetype Pierce should be emulating? When you’ve got nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose. It can’t hurt to take a bolder approach against a pent-up Ravens team and Lamar Jackson in Baltimore this Sunday.
CBS Sports
Current Ranking: 30th
Last Week’s Ranking: 31st
Author: Pete Prisco
Author’s Take:
The defense was solid against the Chargers, but the offense didn’t do enough. But that defense will keep them in games.
USA Today
Current Ranking: 30th
Last Week’s Ranking: 29th
Author: Nate Davis
Author’s Take:
After getting whacked by the Bolts, they got to travel cross-country to visit the salty yet rested Ravens. Can you say Silver and Black and Blue?
Yahoo! Sports
Current Ranking: 25th
Last Week’s Ranking: 24th
Author: Frank Schwab
Author’s Take:
Antonio Pierce can motivate. That’s why he was hired as the full-time coach. But an absolutely inexcusable punt, on fourth-and-1 from the Chargers’ 43-yard line with less than seven minutes to go and the Raiders trailing by six points, is a blaring alarm. Pierce has to prove he’s good at all facets of the game, including managing it. That punt was a massive failure in that category.
Fox Sports
Current Ranking: 30th
Last Week’s Ranking: 29th
Author: David Helman
Author’s Take:
We’ll see how long the vibes last now that Antonio Pierce isn’t an interim hire. The Raiders’ first-year coach drew plenty of criticism when he decided to punt on fourth-and-1 from the Chargers’ 43-yard line midway through the fourth quarter while training by six. That decision led to a 92-yard Chargers touchdown drive, effectively ending the game. Fair or not, these are the types of moments that form a coach’s reputation. Pierce can’t afford to be on the wrong end of too many.
Sharp Sports Analysis
Current Ranking: 30th
Last Week’s Ranking: 27th
Author: Pamela Maldonado
Author’s Take:
The offensive line struggled with consistency and pass protection, allowing 4 sacks on Gardner Minshew, while the offense committed 3 turnovers (2 fumbles and an interception). Overall, while the defense showed some promise, holding the Chargers’ passing attack in check for most of the game, the offense and coaching struggled significantly. Antonio Pierce’s decision to punt on fourth and one from the Chargers’ 43 while down six in the fourth quarter is an early contender for the worst punt decision of the year.
Pro Football Focus
Current Ranking: 22nd
Last Week’s Ranking: —
Author: Thomas Valentine
Author’s Take:
Gardner Minshew was surprisingly impactful, but the Raiders couldn’t marry the passing game with a consistent rushing attack. The running back duo of Zamir White and Alexander Mattison rushed 18 times for 65 yards, both earning sub-55.0 PFF rushing grades and failing to eclipse 4.0 yards per attempt.
