Raiders’ 2025 Challenges: A Deep Dive into Their Season Struggles
Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images
The Las Vegas Raiders head into their bye week with a lackluster 2-5 record, following a painful defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7. The match ignited scrutiny over the choice of quarterback Geno Smith, whose performance has raised eyebrows and stirred dissatisfaction among fans and analysts alike.
Struggles in the Air: A Closer Look
Currently, the Raiders boast one of the league’s weakest air attacks, sitting fourth worst in the NFL with just 182.7 passing yards per game. Only the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans have fared worse. This dismal performance has not gone unnoticed, particularly in light of Smith’s troubling stats, which include 10 interceptions against merely seven touchdowns.
While much of the blame has landed on Smith’s shoulders, discussions have emerged highlighting the role of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. Analysts like Mike Florio and former quarterback Chris Simms have pointed fingers, suggesting that Kelly’s approach may not be adequately challenging for opposing defenses.
Simms expressed concern during the October 20 edition of “Pro Football Talk,” stating, “I think Chip Kelly is probably the first guy they’re looking at and go, ‘I don’t know if we should have done that.’ He looks like he’s in over his head as far as an offensive coordinator.” His remarks indicate a belief that Kelly’s offensive strategy has become too simplistic, raising questions about the ability to adapt against seasoned defenses like those led by Steve Spagnuolo.
Voices from the Locker Room: Ashton Jeanty Speaks Out
In the aftermath of the Chiefs game, Ashton Jeanty took to the media, encapsulating the team’s sense of urgency without placing blame on coaches or players. “Just a terrible performance by us as a team,” Jeanty reflected. "We couldn’t stop them on defense… we couldn’t get going at all. So, you’re going to lose a lot of football games like that.”
His conviction emphasizes the need for personal accountability and collective improvement. “We just got to be better… can’t point the finger,” he asserted, urging teammates to focus on self-reflection and growth.
The Bye Week: A Time for Reflection and Renewal
As the team gears up for their bye week, they cling to the hope that this pause will serve as a rejuvenating interlude. After a promising start to the season, the Raiders quickly found themselves entangled in a four-game losing streak. While they managed a bounce-back win against the Tennessee Titans in Week 6, the subsequent loss to the Chiefs leaves the squad in a state of uncertainty.
Jeanty shared his thoughts on the timing of the bye. "I mean, a bye is good either way,” he commented, noting the necessity for players to recuperate physically and mentally. “But once again, whether it’s a bye or not, we’ve got to get back to work and figure out how to get better.”
The Future: Trade Deadline and Season Strategy
As the NFL trade deadline looms, the Raiders face crucial decisions that could influence their direction in the upcoming seasons. With 2025 already feeling like a transitional year, the franchise may lean towards developing young talents like Jeanty and exploring options to acquire draft capital. The focus on building for 2026 will likely be paramount as they assess the potential for roster adjustments.
The Raiders’ performance this season has brought forth a multitude of questions about the coaching strategies, player capabilities, and the team’s overall direction. With improvements sought on multiple fronts, both the coaching staff and players must act decisively to redefine their approach and regroup as they navigate the second half of the season.
Eduardo Razo is a sports journalist covering the NFL for Heavy.com, with previous experience at NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area. He has also contributed to The Sporting News and served as an editor for Athlon Sports. Follow him for more on Raiders and NFL developments.