The Las Vegas Raiders are now facing significant turbulence after a humiliating 34-18 loss to the Denver Broncos, dropping their 2024 season record to 2-3. This marks the third instance the team has suffered a double-digit defeat, raising concerns about their trajectory.
Despite being without key players—Davante Adams was sidelined, and Maxx Crosby played through an injury—the team initially took an early lead in the first quarter. However, they crumbled soon after, unable to maintain momentum. Head coach Antonio Pierce and his staff are in scramble mode, trying to stabilize a team that is suddenly riddled with questions.
One of the biggest decisions they now face is at the quarterback position. Gardner Minshew was benched mid-game, replaced by Aidan O’Connell, but the rookie struggled to spark the offense against a dominant Broncos defense. It’s uncertain who will start under center in Week 6 when the Raiders face the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Compounding their issues, the Raiders took a major hit with Christian Wilkins undergoing surgery for a foot injury, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The defensive lineman had been an integral part of their front seven, with 17 tackles, two sacks, and six quarterback hits. Wilkins, who signed a four-year, $110 million deal in free agency, is now out indefinitely, leaving a massive gap in production along the defensive line. There’s a real possibility that he could miss the remainder of the season.
The situation feels dire, with the Raiders grappling with multiple setbacks. What began as a promising start to the season has quickly devolved into a crisis, with the trade deadline approaching and critical decisions looming if the team intends to stay in the playoff conversation.
In the immediate term, the focus is on the defense, which is stretched thin. With Crosby dealing with his own limitations, he won’t be able to shoulder the load alone. The team will need several players to elevate their game, but it’s uncertain who will emerge as the difference-maker in a unit now struggling to find its identity.
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