Tag: Las Vegas Raiders

Categories
FEATURED

Las Vegas Raiders Part Ways with Head Coach Antonio Pierce

Antonio Pierce in the news confeence

Antonio Pierce stood at the podium during an end-of-season news conference, even though his future as the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach was uncertain.

The Raiders could have simply told Pierce that he was no longer needed and let him go without speaking to the media. However, Pierce was asked to represent the team again, and they sent mixed signals before announcing the next day that he had been fired after just one season as the head coach.

“We appreciate Antonio’s leadership, first as an interim head coach and this past season as the head coach,” the team said in a statement. “Antonio grew up a Raiders fan and his Silver and Black roots run deep. We are grateful for his ability to reignite what it means to be a Raider throughout the entire organization. We wish nothing but the best for Antonio and his family in the future.”

Pierce became interim coach midway through the 2023 season and finished with a 5-4 record. His players strongly supported him for the full-time role.

However, after a 2-2 start this season, the Raiders suffered a 10-game losing streak that put his job in danger. The team dealt with injuries, including to defensive linemen Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins, and the Davante Adams situation, which ended with his trade to the New York Jets. The Raiders finished with a 4-13 record.

Pierce was the fourth full-time head coach for the Raiders in the past decade, with Rich Bisaccia serving as interim head coach in 2021.

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones celebrates with teammates after an interception

Since Jon Gruden was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2001, the Raiders have had 13 head coaches, including interim coaches Bisaccia and Tony Sparano. That’s the most head coaches in the NFL during that time, with the Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins close behind at 11 each.

Pierce was one of three Black coaches hired last year, along with Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots and Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons. Mayo was fired Sunday, leaving Morris as the only remaining coach from that group.

Three coaches have been fired since the end of the season, with Doug Pederson of the Jaguars dismissed on Monday. Jacksonville has requested to interview eight candidates, including Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

As for the Raiders’ next move, Mike Vrabel has been mentioned as a possible candidate. He and Raiders minority owner Tom Brady were teammates with the Patriots, but Vrabel will likely be pursued by other teams with head coaching openings, including New England.

Owner Mark Davis has stated that Brady will have a significant role in the team’s operations, including the coaching search.

The team has other pressing issues. Las Vegas needs a franchise quarterback, something Pierce didn’t have. Aidan O’Connell has shown he can start but hasn’t demonstrated the ability or consistency to lead the team deep into the playoffs.

Making the playoffs would be a major goal for the next coach. The Raiders’ last playoff appearance was three years ago, and before that, they only made the playoffs once since losing in the Super Bowl after the 2002 season.

General manager Tom Telesco will need to address several gaps, especially at running back and wide receiver. The team also needs more depth on defense.

Pierce will likely try to stay in the NFL, possibly as a position coach. He had never been a coordinator before getting the Raiders job.

He probably won’t return to college due to an eight-year show-cause penalty given by the NCAA for violations he committed while on Arizona State’s staff from 2018-21.

On Monday, Pierce spoke about his hopes for his future with the Raiders, saying any discussion about his job status was “not inside the building.” He did acknowledge that a meeting with Davis and Telesco was coming.

It’s not typical for a coach to meet with reporters and then be fired, but it has happened before. For example, Matt Eberflus spoke with the media earlier this season just hours before the Chicago Bears fired him.

Categories
NFL (American Football)

Jakobi Meyers’ 25-yard touchdown puts the Raiders ahead in Las Vegas

Jakobi Meyers (NFL)

Jakobi Meyers entered Sunday’s game in Las Vegas needing 96 yards to reach his first 1,000-yard receiving season.

His 25-yard touchdown reception from Aidan O’Connell early in the second quarter not only brought him within 10 yards of the milestone but also gave the Raiders a 10-3 lead over the Chargers.

Meyers was off to a strong start, posting six catches for 86 yards in the first half.

Las Vegas Raiders players celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the 2nd half

That TD was his fifth of the season, and his second since November 1.

His career highs previously were 83 catches in 2021 with the Patriots and 807 receiving yards last year, along with eight touchdowns.

Categories
NFL (American Football)

Raiders’ Loss Secures Top Draft Pick: A Pivotal Moment in Search for Franchise Quarterback

Raiders’ Loss Secures Top Draft Pick A Pivotal Moment in Search for Franchise Quarterback
Raiders’ Loss Secures Top Draft Pick A Pivotal Moment in Search for Franchise Quarterback

The Las Vegas Raiders’ loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, dropping their record to 2-11, symbolized more than just another defeat; it secured them the top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. In a league where success often hinges on having an elite quarterback, this opportunity represents a potential turning point for the franchise.

However, drafting a quarterback is far from a guaranteed solution, as over half of first-round quarterback selections fail to live up to expectations in the NFL. The challenge lies not just in drafting a quarterback but in identifying the right one.

The Raiders’ struggles this season highlight deeper organizational issues, particularly at the quarterback position. The team has been plagued by poor leadership and decision-making, especially regarding the offensive staff.

As one former general manager explained, only a handful of NFL teams are ever confident in their quarterback’s ability to win a Super Bowl. Many teams are left scrambling to join even the hopeful tier, let alone the elite, making the quest for a franchise quarterback an ongoing and high-stakes endeavor.

Raiders’ Loss Secures Top Draft Pick A Pivotal Moment in Search for Franchise Quarterback
Raiders’ Loss Secures Top Draft Pick A Pivotal Moment in Search for Franchise Quarterback

The 2025 NFL Draft has already sparked speculation among fans and analysts, with names like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward gaining attention as potential top picks. While these prospects offer hope, their ultimate success will not be clear until years down the line.

For now, the Raiders face a pivotal offseason where they must decide whether to address their quarterback void through the draft, trades, or free agency. Regardless of the method, finding a reliable quarterback is non-negotiable for a team with a talented but underperforming roster.

Owner Mark Davis must seize this moment to reshape the Raiders’ future and revive a franchise known for its “Just Win, Baby!” motto. To captivate a generation of fans accustomed to mediocrity, the Raiders need to secure a quarterback capable of sustained success. The stakes are high, as the team’s ability to compete in the long term hinges on this decision. Without a true franchise quarterback, the Raiders are unlikely to reverse their fortunes.

Ultimately, the Raiders’ path to relevance and contention is clear: they must find their next franchise quarterback. The task is daunting, as franchise quarterbacks are rare, and the odds are stacked against success. Yet, the mandate from Raider Nation is unmistakable, and the pressure is on the team to deliver. Only by solving their quarterback conundrum can the Raiders truly embody their storied motto and bring winning football back to Las Vegas.

Categories
NFL (American Football)

Raiders TE Brock Bowers could have been Offensive Rookie of the Year in another season

Brock Bowers in a news conference

Poor timing might be the only thing stopping Raiders tight end Brock Bowers from winning the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is expected to win, and he will likely do so with ease.

However, Bowers deserves more attention for his incredible rookie season, which is the best ever by a tight end and among the best for any first-year pass catcher.

“Just look at the records and look at the stats,” said Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce on Monday.

Bowers has 108 receptions for 1,144 yards, surpassing Mike Ditka’s 1,067-yard record set 63 years ago. Ditka, a Hall of Famer, achieved his record in 14 games, while Bowers has played 16. Still, no other tight end has been able to break Ditka’s record, even with the extra opportunities.

Bowers also broke Puka Nacua’s rookie record for most catches in a season, which was 105, set just last year.

Ditka is the only tight end ever to win the league’s top offensive rookie award, a title he is likely to keep.

The problem for Bowers is that he’s putting up these numbers on a Raiders team with only four wins, which is not in the playoff race and can only spoil other teams’ chances.

Jayden Daniels pauses in the news conference

His record-breaking performance came in Sunday’s 25-10 win over New Orleans, a game broadcast only in the markets of the two teams involved, due to the lack of national interest in two struggling teams.

Daniels further strengthened his case by leading Washington to a 30-24 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons Sunday night, a game with playoff implications. The Commanders are now 11-5 after finishing 4-13 last season, and Daniels, the second overall pick in this year’s draft, is a big reason for that impressive turnaround.

Daniels would be a deserving winner of the top offensive rookie award, but that doesn’t mean Bowers’ accomplishments should be overlooked.

Both players are having historic seasons, and perhaps in another year, Bowers would have taken home the honor.

“We ask the tight ends to do a lot,” said Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell. “I think tight end is one of the hardest positions to play. You have to learn a lot in the run game and pass game. I am super proud of him and I can’t say enough good things about the guy.”

Categories
FEATURED

The Raiders and Saints face off, both focused on shaping the future of their organizations

Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jack Jones celebrates with teammates after an interception

The future is now for the Las Vegas Raiders and New Orleans Saints.

Both teams are entering Sunday’s game in the Superdome trying to make the most of a tough season by figuring out who they want to keep and who should go.

The Raiders (3-12) were eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago during a 10-game losing streak that finally ended last weekend. The Saints (5-10) stayed alive in the playoff race — though only mathematically — until last Sunday, the day before their 34-0 loss at Green Bay.

“Naturally, it’s disappointing,” said Saints interim coach Darren Rizzi. “When the guys walk through the door here every day, you still expect them to be professional, accountable, come in with a great attitude, work hard and give back to the fans.”

Both the Raiders and quarterback Aiden O’Connell are taking a similar approach to this otherwise unimportant part of the season.

“You’re trying your best each week to put your best foot forward,” O’Connell said. “I definitely don’t take it for granted because I know how easily it can be taken away. And so, just being grateful to be able to play in the NFL, get to live out a dream, is just me, personally, kind of how I view it.”

New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons players in the 1st half

Both teams were 2-2 in September, but things quickly fell apart for both squads.

The Raiders went almost three months without a win before their victory against Jacksonville last Sunday.

The Saints lost seven straight after starting 2-0, and their Week 9 loss at Carolina led to the firing of third-year coach Dennis Allen.

Under Rizzi, New Orleans has gone 3-3. Rizzi believes that NFL players must stay focused on their careers, even when their teams aren’t in the playoff race.

“When someone puts the film on and watches this week’s game against the Raiders, there’s not a footnote at the bottom that says: ‘These are the circumstances,’” Rizzi said. “That’s their body of work. That’s their professional resume.”

Categories
NFL (American Football)

The outcome of Sunday’s matchup means more for the Jaguars and Raiders in the long run

Jacksonville Jaguars players celebrates in the 2nd half

The game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday isn’t exactly a highly anticipated event for CBS or the NFL.

Except, of course, for the fans of these two teams and those with bets or fantasy football playoffs at stake.

No matter what happens in this matchup between teams with a combined total of five wins, the real story for both teams will come in early January when the regular season finishes.

Both teams will face big decisions in several areas, meaning the last three weeks of the season will serve as an audition for many players who don’t have much experience or whose future in the NFL is uncertain.

“We know our situation,” said Jacksonville coach Doug Pederson. “We got it. We understand that. But I think these next three weeks really can set us up for the future, for the offseason, for next year and how we can build and where we need to add pieces and all of that kind of stuff, the development of our roster.”

It’s still unclear whether Pederson will be part of that future or if Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce will be in the team’s plans. NFL coaches usually don’t survive another season with records like these: 3-11 for the Jaguars and 2-10 for the Raiders, who are on a 10-game losing streak.

But there are reasons to think both coaches could return. The Jaguars had a 9-8 record in each of Pederson’s first two seasons, which included a playoff victory in 2022.

Las Vegas Raiders players celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the 2nd half

It’s possible this season was just a rare off year. This is Pierce’s first season as the full-time coach, and the Raiders’ already struggling roster has been hit hard by injuries. There are also reasons not to keep both coaches.

Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence hasn’t become the elite quarterback that many expected when he was picked first overall in the 2021 draft.

Pierce’s coaching decisions for the Raiders have faced criticism, especially his many conservative choices in a league that often rewards being aggressive.

For now, both teams are playing a game that won’t affect the NFL standings but will impact their draft position in April.

It’s not an ideal situation with the season coming to a close.

“Listen, man, we’re not winning,” Pierce said. “I don’t know what else to tell y’all. We’re not winning. Do I want to win? Hell yeah, I want to win. Do I want to keep sitting here looking at the same … thing every week, having the same discussion with y’all? No.

“We’ll keep chopping wood, and at some point, the damn thing will break and go our way.”

Categories
NFL (American Football)

The Raiders continue to pressure opposing quarterbacks, even in the absence of their key pass rushers

Maxx Crosby in the 2nd half

Maxx Crosby’s announcement last week that he would miss the last three games of the season due to ankle surgery was the latest and most serious setback for the Raiders’ already weakened defensive line.

For most of the season, the team has also been without Christian Wilkins and Malcolm Koonce, two big losses that have hurt the defense.

However, one of the few things the Las Vegas Raiders have done well this season is maintaining a pass rush that is showing improvement.

The Raiders have recorded 12 of their 32 sacks in the past three games, which ties them with the New Orleans Saints for the fourth-most sacks during that period. This includes three sacks in the Raiders’ 15-9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night, their first game since Crosby decided to end his season.

“We want to be disruptive, not just with sacks, but the pressures, being around the quarterback, making him uncomfortable,” said coach Antonio Pierce. “I thought you saw that (Monday) night.”

This continued success came despite missing key players like Crosby, Wilkins, and Koonce, who together had 31 1/2 sacks last season.

Replacing those kinds of numbers isn’t as simple as just saying “next man up,” and the defense has struggled, allowing 26.9 points per game, which ranks 27th in the NFL. They are ranked 12th in total defense, allowing 329.5 yards per game.

But the players filling in have stepped up and done their part to help the team. They’ve made the most of their chances to show what they can do.

“That’s kind of what happened for me,” said defensive tackle Adam Butler. “As guys went down, I got more playing time, and it opened up a chance to show what I can do in this league.”

Las Vegas Raiders players celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the 2nd half

Butler, now in his seventh season, has started 13 games this season, after not starting any last year, though he played in all 17 games. Those 13 starts match his career total before this season.

Butler finished last season with five sacks while playing in a backup role, and this season he has 3 1/2 sacks with three weeks left to play, including Sunday’s home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Rookie Jonah Laulu has also benefited from the situation, getting more playing time than expected. Laulu, playing in his hometown of Las Vegas, recorded his first career sack against the Falcons and has 10 tackles in the past two games.

“I’m just always appreciative, grateful and thankful for this opportunity,” Laulu said. “I’m happy I made plays, but I’m never satisfied. I feel like I have so much to prove.”

Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has managed to keep the pressure on opposing quarterbacks even without the key players he hoped to have.

The impact on the defense has been noticeable.

In the last three games, the Raiders rank 10th in pass defense, allowing an average of 209 yards per game, and they have held their opponents to under 20 points twice.

“I can’t speak for anybody else, but for me, I’m like a military soldier,” said Butler. “If your brother goes down, if you’ve got to carry him across the finish line, so be it. … If I have to take 100% of the snaps, that’s what I have to do.”

Categories
NFL (American Football)

Bengals Embarrass Raiders in Week 9 Blowout, Leading to Firing of Offensive Coordinator and Coach Pierce’s Job on the Line

Bengals Embarrass Raiders in Week 9 Blowout, Leading to Firing of Offensive Coordinator and Coach Pierce's Job on the Line
Bengals Embarrass Raiders in Week 9 Blowout, Leading to Firing of Offensive Coordinator and Coach Pierce's Job on the Line

Sunday’s Week 9 NFL games delivered several surprises, with one of the most notable disappointments stemming from the matchup between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Las Vegas Raiders. The Bengals, favored by -7.5 odds, entered the game seeking redemption after a tough loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8. Meanwhile, the Raiders were reeling from a four-game losing streak and struggling to turn their season around. The stage was set for a clash at Paycor Stadium, but the outcome would be more lopsided than anticipated.

The Bengals lived up to their favored status by delivering a decisive 41-24 victory over the Raiders. Cincinnati’s quarterback Joe Burrow led his team to improve their record to 4-5, while the Raiders fell to a dismal 2-7. This marked the Raiders’ seventh loss in nine games, further deepening their season’s struggles. The defeat highlighted the stark contrast between the Bengals’ drive for improvement and the Raiders’ ongoing issues on both sides of the ball.

Bengals Embarrass Raiders in Week 9 Blowout, Leading to Firing of Offensive Coordinator and Coach Pierce's Job on the Line
Bengals Embarrass Raiders in Week 9 Blowout, Leading to Firing of Offensive Coordinator and Coach Pierce’s Job on the Line

The loss left Raiders fans frustrated and searching for accountability, with much of the criticism directed at head coach Antonio Pierce. Social media platforms were flooded with calls for Pierce’s firing, with fans describing his decision-making as “embarrassingly bad” and demanding his resignation. Many felt the loss epitomized the team’s broader struggles under his leadership, adding to the pressure on the embattled coach.

In response to the backlash, the Raiders made significant staff changes, firing offensive coordinator Luke Getsy along with offensive coaches James Cregg and Rich Scangarello. Despite fans’ outcry, Pierce retained his position as head coach, leaving many to question whether these moves would be sufficient to reverse the team’s fortunes. The organization’s decision reflects a cautious approach to addressing the team’s challenges while avoiding further immediate upheaval.

The changes are a pivotal moment for the Raiders, with fans hopeful they will lead to improved performances on the field. However, if results don’t improve quickly, the chorus of voices calling for Pierce’s removal is likely to grow louder. For now, the spotlight remains on the Raiders’ ability to regroup and salvage what remains of their season amid mounting pressure and scrutiny.

Categories
NFL (American Football)

Pierce’s status with the Raiders is unclear, but there are valid reasons to consider re-signing him

Mark Davis and Antonio Pierce before the game

Mark Davis didn’t give a clear answer about the future of Raiders coach Antonio Pierce when asked by reporters at last week’s NFL owners meeting.

Davis said he didn’t want to talk about it, but mentioned that Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco would be evaluated separately. This didn’t sound promising for Pierce, especially with Telesco able to point to a draft that brought in a potential AP Offensive Rookie of the Year in Brock Bowers and two starting offensive linemen.

What this really means is unclear, but Pierce has to be feeling uncertain, especially with Las Vegas (2-12) on a 10-game losing streak after Monday night’s defeat to Atlanta.

The Raiders have a chance to break the streak on Sunday against struggling Jacksonville (3-11), with the Raiders as 1-point favorites at BetMGM Sportsbook.

There are reasons to think Pierce could return. This is his first full season as head coach—last year the Raiders were 5-4 after he took over as interim coach. He didn’t have a top quarterback, lost his star running back to free agency, and then saw injuries affect almost half of his defense, as well as his quarterbacks and running backs.

On top of that, there was the Davante Adams situation early in the season before he was traded to the New York Jets. His trade removed a major distraction, but it also left the Raiders without a likely future Hall of Fame receiver.

Antonio Pierce in the news conference

One of the most encouraging things for Pierce is that his players aren’t just going through the motions waiting for the season to end. They play as though they are still fighting for a playoff spot.

“It’s not really about them fighting for me,” Pierce said. “We’re fighting for one another. We understand where we’re at. We get what’s going on.”

What’s going on is a struggling Raiders team that needs more fixes than just at quarterback, though improving the position would be a good start.

How much of the team’s problems are Pierce’s responsibility is something Davis, possibly with advice from new minority owner Tom Brady, will need to figure out. Rumors about Mike Vrabel replacing Pierce as head coach have been circulating, partly because Vrabel and Brady were teammates in New England. However, Vrabel could be a candidate for several coaching positions.

Davis might decide to change coaches or give Pierce another season. The Raiders have had four head coaches since 2017.

“Me and Mark Davis talk often, and the conversations have been the same as they always are, very positive,” Pierce said on Tuesday.

When asked if he expects to be back next season, Pierce responded, “I’m under contract.”

Categories
NFL (American Football)

The Falcons edge past the Raiders 15-9, maintaining their position alongside the Buccaneers in the NFC South

Kirk Cousins stretches before the game

Kirk Cousins threw his first touchdown pass in five weeks, and the Atlanta Falcons did just enough on Monday night to beat the struggling Las Vegas Raiders 15-9, staying in the race for the NFC South.

The Raiders tried to make a late comeback, with quarterback Desmond Ridder throwing two desperation passes into the end zone in the final 10 seconds. The first pass was incomplete, and the second was intercepted by Jessie Bates III.

The Falcons (7-7) ended a four-game losing streak and stayed one game behind the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Atlanta holds the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Las Vegas (2-12) lost its 10th straight game, the longest active losing streak in the NFL. The Raiders are tied with the New York Giants for the worst record in the league. It’s the fifth-longest losing streak in the team’s history and the worst since they lost 16 games in a row a decade ago.

Cousins had no touchdown passes and eight interceptions in his last four games, which led to questions about whether rookie Michael Penix Jr. would replace him at quarterback. Falcons coach Raheem Morris stuck with Cousins, who signed a four-year, $180 million contract this season, instead of the eighth overall pick in the NFL draft.

Cousins didn’t ease concerns about his play, passing for only 112 yards with an interception. His 30-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Drake London with 14 seconds left in the first quarter gave Atlanta a 7-0 lead. It was his first touchdown pass since throwing three in a 27-21 win over the Dallas Cowboys on November 3.

Desmond Riddler runs with the ball in the 1st half

The Falcons got the rest of their points from two field goals by Younghoe Koo and a safety by defensive lineman Zach Harrison.

Bijan Robinson ran for 125 yards, and London caught three passes for 53 yards, making his career total 219 receptions. London passed Calvin Ridley’s 217 catches for the most by a Falcons player in their first three seasons.

Atlanta kept Ridder from hurting its playoff chances. Ridder, who started 13 games for the Falcons last season before being traded to Arizona, struggled most of the night in his first start this season. He filled in for Aidan O’Connell, who was inactive due to a bruised left knee. Ridder threw for 208 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

The injury-plagued Raiders gained just 249 yards and have trailed by double digits in every game this season.

O’Connell wasn’t the only missing player. Defensive end Maxx Crosby announced on Saturday that he would undergo season-ending ankle surgery, and the Raiders were missing about half their starting defense.

Las Vegas also lost running back Sincere McCormick, who had recently become the starter, to an ankle injury early in the second quarter.

Categories
NFL (American Football)

Maxx Crosby has announced that he will have ankle surgery and will miss the remainder of the Raiders’ season

Maxx Crosby in the 2nd half

Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby will have ankle surgery and miss the rest of the season, adding to the list of injuries that have hurt Las Vegas.

The Raiders, who are currently on a nine-game losing streak with a 2-11 record, are missing about half of the defense that was expected to start the season.

Las Vegas will play the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night.

“I can feel bad for myself and make excuses but I … refuse,” Crosby wrote on social media. “I will get this surgery & be on a war path for greatness every day and be back the best version of myself. I truly believe in my soul that I’m changing the game one snap at a time and changing the way this position is viewed.”

Crosby isn’t just the latest major defensive injury; he’s a key player on that side of the ball and one of the team’s top locker-room leaders. He has also been a role model, having played four seasons in a row without missing a game until this year.

However, Crosby played through an injured ankle late last season and wasn’t fully healthy after hurting it again on Sept. 15 at Baltimore. He ended up missing the game on Sept. 29 against the Cleveland Browns.

“I have absolutely zero regrets with my process, my approach, and my discipline to this game,” Crosby said. “Instead of sitting out for over a month with my first high ankle sprain @ Baltimore, I only missed 1 game and came back and fought all year because that’s who I am.”

Maxx Crosby celebrates in the 1st half

Crosby has 7 1/2 sacks and 17 tackles for loss this season. He’s just half a sack away from becoming the third Raiders player since 1982 to reach 60 career sacks.

But now he will have to wait until next season to reach that milestone after getting injured a week ago at Tampa Bay.

“As much as it pains me not to go to war with my brothers and for the fans, I truly believe everything happens for a reason,” Crosby said.

Quarterback Aidan O’Connell, who has a bruised left knee, is listed as questionable. He has not practiced the last three days, but coach Antonio Pierce is hopeful that O’Connell will play.

If O’Connell doesn’t start, the Raiders will turn to Desmond Ridder, who would face his old team. Ridder started 13 games for the Falcons last season.

Also, cornerback Nate Hobbs, who has been out since Nov. 3 because of an ankle injury, did not receive an injury designation and was a full participant in practice on Saturday.

Defensive tackle Adam Butler (concussion) is questionable, and cornerback Sam Webb (back) is doubtful.

Categories
NFL (American Football)

The struggling Falcons aim to stay in the NFC South race as they take on the slumping Raiders

Atlanta Falcons players celebrates after the win

With just four games left in the regular season, the playoffs may already be starting for the Falcons, who are struggling at a critical time.

Atlanta is heading into Monday night’s game against Las Vegas with a four-game losing streak, which isn’t as bad as the Raiders’ NFL-worst nine-game skid.

Given how poor the Raiders’ season has been, it’s important for the Falcons to take advantage of this opportunity. They are 6-7 and one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC South. Since the Falcons won both meetings with the Buccaneers, they hold the tiebreaker advantage.

“There is definitely more (urgency) into this game than in most games,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said. “We are essentially playing playoff-type football right now. All these games become must-wins except the only thing that’s different right now is you don’t go home.”

The Falcons have a relatively easy schedule ahead, with three of their last four opponents having a combined 7-32 record going into this weekend. Only the Washington Commanders (8-5) have a winning record.

“Definitely feel a sense of urgency,” Atlanta defensive tackle Grady Jarrett said. “There’s not much, if any, room for error. We have to control what we can, and that’s the next game.”

Las Vegas Raiders players celebrate after scoring a touchdown in the 2nd half

Coach Morris has been asked multiple times in the last two weeks about the struggles of quarterback Kirk Cousins and whether he might switch to rookie Michael Penix Jr. Morris has said he will stick with Cousins, even though he has thrown eight interceptions and no touchdown passes during the Falcons’ losing streak.

Las Vegas (2-11) has many questions, including whether Aidan O’Connell or Desmond Ridder will start at quarterback. Other uncertainties include coach Antonio Pierce’s job security and the possibility of the Raiders receiving the first overall draft pick.

O’Connell hurt his left knee last weekend against the Bucs, but the injury wasn’t as serious as it seemed at first. If he can’t play, Ridder will face the Raiders, a team for which he started 13 games last season.

Then there’s the question of Pierce’s job. Mark Davis gave a vague answer when asked whether the coach would be kept.

Despite all the struggles the Raiders are facing, they could end up with the No. 1 draft pick and possibly land the franchise quarterback they desperately need.

However, Pierce and his players aren’t focusing on that. They want to finish the season strong, and one way to do that is by trying to spoil the Falcons’ playoff chances.