Raiders’ defensive slump reaches six straight games

The Raiders have conceded 30 or more points in six games in a row, equaling a mark shared by four other teams. The most recent teams to reach that run were Detroit and Jacksonville in 2020. Las Vegas coach Klint Kubiak said on November 9 that he still believes the defense has more ability than it has shown recently and voiced support for defensive coordinator Rob Leonard, the staff and the players.

Kubiak pointed to uneven performances, including strong halves alongside poor starts, and said Las Vegas needs to sustain its play for all four quarters. Opponents getting ahead has also pushed the Raiders away from their preferred run-oriented offense: they have run the ball on fewer than 40% of plays in five of their past six games. Their sole win in that span came against the Jets, when they ran on 55% of plays.

The team added defensive end Kwity Paye, along with Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker at linebacker, in the offseason, and used draft picks on several defensive backs. Rookie Treydan Stukes and Hezekiah Masses have each started four games, while Jermod McCoy has gradually taken on more playing time after missing last season with a torn ACL. Opponents have focused on containing pass rusher Maxx Crosby, leaving other defenders opportunities to make plays.

Tight end Brock Bowers had seven catches for 111 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-17 defeat to San Francisco. Las Vegas also had several costly mistakes, including lost fumbles, a nullified touchdown and an end-zone interception. The Raiders are 0-5 against teams with winning records and 4-0 against teams with losing records. They host defending Super Bowl champion Seattle on November 15; Kubiak served as the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator last season.