The Las Vegas Raiders came into their Week 14 rematch against the Denver Broncos looking for a spark. Just a few weeks earlier, they’d managed only seven points against Denver’s elite defense on Thursday Night Football-a performance that led to the firing of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. The hope was that promoting quarterbacks coach Greg Olson, a seasoned play-caller, would jumpstart an offense that had been stuck in neutral.
And yes, the Raiders did put more points on the board this time around. But the final score-24-17 in favor of Denver-tells you all you need to know: this offense still isn’t where it needs to be.
In a season that’s already veering off course, it’s not just about scoring more than seven points. It’s about how you move the ball, how you execute, and whether your offensive identity is taking shape.
Right now, the Raiders are still searching.
Early Struggles, Same Story
The first half against Denver looked a lot like the last matchup-flat, predictable, and lacking rhythm. CBS analyst Jason McCourty pointed out at halftime that Las Vegas hadn’t established the run game, despite some early success from Ashton Jeanty. He also noted that Brock Bowers, who had a 15-yard touchdown in the first half, wasn’t being featured nearly enough.
“Can they continue to get the run game going with Jeanty and stick to it?” McCourty asked. “Then, when they go play-action, can they find Brock Bowers?”
It’s a fair question, especially considering how dynamic Bowers can be when given the opportunity. But the issue wasn’t just about who was getting the ball-it was about how the offense was attacking Denver’s defense.
Charles Davis: Raiders Need to Take More Shots
Charles Davis, McCourty’s broadcast partner, didn’t hold back in his assessment. He agreed with McCourty but took it a step further, highlighting a deeper issue with the Raiders’ offensive approach.
“Some of these play-actions have to be shot plays,” Davis said. “You gotta find a way to get bigger chunks of yardage. Being methodical is one thing, but against this Denver defense, you gotta be able to stick 'em downfield.”
That’s not just a casual observation. That’s a direct challenge to both Olson’s play-calling and Geno Smith’s execution.
The Raiders had just four plays of 10 or more yards in the first half, with the 15-yard score to Bowers being the longest. In the third quarter, they added just two more explosive plays, totaling 131 yards and only seven points through three quarters.
Enter Kenny Pickett: A Different Look
Then came the fourth quarter, and with it, a noticeable shift. Kenny Pickett took over at quarterback and immediately injected life into the offense.
The Raiders rattled off four plays of 15 or more yards, including gains of 25 and 26 yards-one of which went for a touchdown. They tallied 96 net yards in the final quarter and tacked on 10 points, nearly matching their output from the previous three quarters combined.
Now, some of that can be attributed to Denver easing into a more conservative, prevent-style defense with a two-score lead. But that doesn’t explain everything. Pickett still had to make tight-window throws in the red zone, and he did-against the same Broncos defense, with the same supporting cast around him.
That’s where the questions start to pile up. Was Olson more aggressive with Pickett under center?
Did he open up the playbook in a way he hadn’t for Smith? Or was it simply that Pickett played with more confidence, trusting his weapons and letting it rip?
What It All Means
The Raiders are at a crossroads. The offense showed flashes late, but that only makes the earlier struggles more glaring.
If the playbook only opens up when the team is trailing, that’s a problem. If the quarterback only finds rhythm once the game is out of reach, that’s a problem.
And if the coaching staff doesn’t trust its starter to push the ball downfield, that’s a big problem.
Charles Davis saw it in real time: the Raiders weren’t taking enough shots. And when they finally did-with a different quarterback-they found success.
That’s not just coincidence. That’s a signal.
Whether it’s a matter of trust, scheme, or execution, the Raiders have to figure it out quickly. Because even in a lost season, these moments matter. They reveal who’s part of the solution-and who might not be.