I’m not sure 63 points is attainable for any NFL team in the final three weeks. That was historic. In terms of what to expect from the Raiders’ offense on Monday in Kansas City, I’m truly at a loss as far realistic expectations go. Remember, this team was shutout (coming off a bye week) four days before the 63-point explosion (the offense scored 49 points and the Raiders had two defensive scores).
The Raiders’ offense had scored more than 20 points twice all season before the Chargers’ game and had scored 46 points in the previous four games combined. So, truly who knows what we should expect in Week 16. With that said, I do expect a spirited offensive approach and if they do have some success at Arrowhead, I wouldn’t be shocked.
Guard Greg Van Roten has been tough. He has been excellent in pass protection and he has had some big moments in the run game. Van Roten was an after-thought signing in May. He was a roster bubble player who took over in training camp and has looked back.
Defense:
There are a lot of defensive players who are carrying their weight, which hasn’t happen a lot in recent season for this team. While there are choices, I’m going with the hot hand in third-round pass-rusher Malcolm Koonce. He has been exactly the help that Maxx Crosby has needed. Koonce has been coming on strong, according to PFF, and had registered, at least, four pressures in each of the past five games (Including Week 12 against the Chiefs). He had two sack with strip fumbles against the Chargers. One resulted directly in a touchdown and the other led to a touchdown. He’s an exciting force right now.
Well, that all depends on who the general manager and head coach will be. Then, the attention goes to quarterback and it could be Aidan O’Connell. So there’s so many unknowns. But let’s say, in the eyes of fans right now, I think the ideal offseason will be Champ Kelly stays as GM and Antonio Pierce stays as the coach and then they get in position to draft a quarterback such as Jayden Daniels (who was with Pierce at Arizona State) in the first round. Then, spend free agency and the rest of the draft filling out the roster, starting with more defensive help and some help on the offensive line. And, finding a way to keep running back Josh Jacobs. That all would make it a pretty productive offseason in Las Vegas.
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