The opportunity were there two weeks ago against Miami and again Sunday against Kansas City, but the Raiders aren’t taking advantage of the NFL’s top teams.
Las Vegas came within a Hail Mary pass of forcing OT against the Dolphins, but couldn’t overcome three turnovers or capitalize on three takeaways.
The Raiders then went out to a 14-0 lead against the Chiefs. The rest of the way, Kansas City outscored Las Vegas 31-3.
The Raiders have made huge plays in the past, but they have mostly come against faltering clubs.
There aren’t many of those opponents on the schedule anymore. Only one of the remaining five clubs is winless.
Perhaps the vacation comes at a good time for the Raiders (5-7). It’s also an opportunity for athletes like defensive end Maxx Crosby to get some extra rest. After being labeled as questionable that week, he played with a tightly bandaged knee against the Chiefs.
“Twelve straight weeks in the National Football League, that’s tough,” interim coach Antonio Pierce remarked. “That’s tough on the body and our guys.” They clashed. Maxx Crosby did an excellent job coming in.
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