The NFL world was rocked Friday night after the Seattle Seahawks surprisingly traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2025 third-round draft pick.

Smith resurrected his career in Seattle while new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll was still leading the Seahawks’ sideline. The veteran signal-caller blossomed into a two-time Pro Bowler and captured the Comeback Player of the Year award in 2022 under Carroll’s guidance.

Smith is coming off a 2024 season where he posted career-highs in passing yards (4,320) and completion percentage (70.4%), while tossing 21 touchdowns. However, he also threw 15 interceptions (third-most in the NFL) and recorded his lowest QBR (53.8) in three years as Seattle’s starter.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seahawks were working to extend Smith, who enters the final year of his three-year, $75 million contract. When extension talks stalled, the Raiders and Seahawks struck a deal that significantly upgrades Las Vegas’ quarterback situation.

Back story: Seahawks were working to extend Geno Smith’s contract over the past week. When progress was not being made, the Raiders stepped in and showed interest in acquiring Smith. With Seattle struggling to get a new deal done with Smith, they opted for the third-round pick…

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2025

The Raiders limped to a 4-13 finish last season while cycling through a quarterback carousel of Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew, and Desmond Ridder. The team had previously announced they were releasing Minshew before landing Smith.

With the trade now complete, an NFL insider has revealed what the Seahawks initially wanted in their trade talks for Smith.

Related: Six Biggest Winners/Losers From Blockbuster Geno Smith Trade Between Seattle Seahawks And Las Vegas Raiders

NFL insider reveals bold trade package Seattle Seahawks proposed to Las Vegas Raiders

According to Sports Illustrated’s NFL insider Albert Breer, the Seahawks swung for the fences in their initial Smith trade proposal.

“The Seahawks opened trade discussions with the Raiders with this blockbuster proposal—Geno Smith and DK Metcalf to Vegas for Maxx Crosby. Vegas QUICKLY shot that down, and told Seattle that Crosby was not available,” Breer posted on X.

The Seahawks opened trade discussions with the Raiders with this blockbuster proposal—Geno Smith and DK Metcalf to Vegas for Maxx Crosby. Vegas QUICKLY shot that down, and told Seattle that Crosby was not available.

But talks continued, and led to Geno becoming a Raider.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 8, 2025

The Raiders refused to part with their franchise cornerstone in Crosby, who recently signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension with $91 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Meanwhile, Metcalf had already requested a trade from the Seahawks before they dealt Smith. Seattle’s front office was reportedly upset with the star wide receiver for making his announcement on the same day the franchise released fan favorite Tyler Lockett.

With Smith now headed to Vegas, the Seahawks are rumored to be targeting Sam Darnold as their next quarterback, a move that could cost them up to $40 million per year.

Related: Las Vegas Raiders could be plotting blockbuster trade in 2025 NFL Draft

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Several NFL teams would love to add edge rusher Maxx Crosby, but would the Las Vegas Raiders be willing to trade their face of the franchise?

On Yahoo Sports’ “Inside Coverage” podcast, NFL insider Charles Robinson says teams will constantly reach out to the Raiders this offseason about Crosby’s availability.

“This offseason is going to be a Maxx Crosby offseason — 1,000 percent,” noted Robinson. “They are absolutely going to get peppered with: ‘Is Crosby available? Is Crosby available?'”

However, Robinson doesn’t think the Raiders will part with Crosby since owner Mark Davis “loves him.” That won’t stop teams from trying, though.

“But I think the question is gonna be, and I think this is what teams want to know and they’re going to put the feelers out, ‘Is Maxx happy? Someone ask Max, are you happy? Because are you gonna keep burning your prime here?'” Robinson said.

Crosby is having another All-Pro year for the 2-6 Raiders. He has 6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, and three pass deflections.

Related: Top NFL insider reveals wild asking price Las Vegas Raiders would have in potential Maxx Crosby trade

Maxx Crosby wants to be a Las Vegas Raider for life

Despite the trade speculation, Crosby has repeatedly reiterated he doesn’t want to leave Las Vegas.

“I’m sitting here innocently and just doing what I do, and I feel like I got to like address it with my teammates,” Crosby said. “I’m like, ‘I’m not trying to leave.’ I don’t have 100 percent control and all that, but I want to be here. I want to be silver and black. I’ll say it loud and f****** clear: I want to be a Raider. I’ve said that over and over and over again.”

Owner Mark Davis also told ESPN that Crosby won’t be traded — at the deadline or after the season.

“We’re Not Trading Maxx Crosby,” Davis said in an email to ESPN. “Before Or After The Trade Deadline!!!”

Related: Las Vegas Raiders owner provides frantic update on Maxx Crosby trade

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The Las Vegas Raiders were dealt a big blow heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Cleveland Browns. Head coach Antonio Pierce revealed Friday that wide receiver Davante Adams and edge rusher Maxx Crosby will miss the game due to injuries.

#Raiders WR Davante Adams (hamstring) and DE Maxx Crosby (ankle) and TE Michael Mayer will all be OUT, says coach Antonio Pierce:

— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) September 27, 2024

ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez reports Adams suffered a hamstring injury during Thursday’s practice, while Crosby has been dealing with a left high ankle sprain since Week 2’s win against the Baltimore Ravens.

Related: 2024 NFL Power Rankings

Crosby wouldn’t say how much time he could miss.

“I’m not worried about that right now,” said Crosby, via ESPN.com. “I’m just worried about today. Every single day I’m in here — first in, last out — doing everything I can to get healthy. So that’s all I’m worried about right now.

“That’s the hardest part. I mean, I play one way, and when you’re not able to do certain things, it’s tough. But I did everything I can to try to produce and I feel like I did some things, some good things, but it’s tough. I have a damn Timberland-boot-size wrapping on my leg, and it’s tough, but at the end of the day, I don’t complain. Like I said, I’m focused on getting healthy, just taking it one day at a time.”

Pierce told reporters that others will need to step up in their absence, including wide receiver Jakobi Meyers.

“But collectively, nobody needs to be Davante Adams,” Pierce said, via ESPN.com. “I don’t need another Davante. There’s only one, right? I just need the best version of Jakobi Meyers.

“We’ll see what happens come Sunday, but we really feel [positive] giving these guys the last 12 hours and now today, tomorrow to get ready for the game.”

Adams has 209 receiving yards and one touchdown during the Raiders’ 1-2 start. Crosby has three sacks and five tackles for loss. It’s the first game Crosby will miss in his six-year career.

Las Vegas Raiders will miss more starters

List of Raiders out for Sunday’s game vs. the Browns:

🏈WR Davante Adams (hamstring)
🏈DE Maxx Crosby (ankle)
🏈OT Thayer Munford (knee/ankle)
🏈LB Divine Deablo (oblique)
🏈TE Michael Mayer (personal)
🏈CB Decamerion Richardson (hamstring).

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 27, 2024

Adams and Crosby aren’t the only starters the Raiders will be without. Linebacker Divine Deablo, right tackle Thayer Munford Jr., and tight end Michael Mayer will also not suit up against the Browns.

Cornerback Decamerion Richardson will also miss Sunday’s game.

The Raiders are 2.5-point home underdogs against the 0-3 Browns.

Related: 2024 NFL Offense Rankings

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In a game where the Las Vegas Raiders faced mounting pressure after a lackluster offensive start and a disappointing Week 1 loss to the Chargers, the team showed remarkable mental toughness and a never-say-die attitude by rallying to shock the Baltimore Ravens 26-23 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

The Raiders (1-1) big win was spearheaded by yet another impressive defensive performance, particularly in containing reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, and an offensive explosion in the fourth quarter under quarterback Gardner Minshew.

Also Read:: NFL insider reports on San Francisco 49ers’ interest in star Raiders wide receiver

While the Raiders still have significant work to do on their mostly anemic offense, their defense has proven to be a cornerstone keeping them in games as they work through offensive struggles. Here’s a breakdown of how the Raiders managed to secure a crucial victory, with a particular focus on their defense and the importance of this win moving forward.

A first half dominated by Raiders defense

The Raiders’ offense sputtered early, mirroring their Week 1 woes against the Chargers where they managed just 10 points. For the first three quarters against Baltimore, the offense was again inconsistent, struggling to find rhythm. Despite the offensive struggles, the Raiders’ defense kept them in the game, limiting Lamar Jackson to just 247 passing yards and only 20 rushing yards. This was a stark contrast to Jackson’s explosive Week 1 performance where he amassed 122 rushing yards.

Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ defensive anchor, once again played a pivotal role. His relentless pursuit of Jackson disrupted Baltimore’s offensive flow, forcing the Ravens into uncomfortable third-down situations. Crosby’s presence on the edge has been a game-changer for the Raiders, and his ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks is one of the primary reasons the defense has looked so formidable early in the season.

“We knew coming in that if we wanted to beat one of the best teams in football and a player like Lamar Jackson, we needed all units to play their best,” head coach Antonio Pierce said. “Maxx was huge for us, and our defense stepped up when we needed them most.”

The defensive unit held the Ravens to just 4-of-15 on third downs, a statistic that echoes their dominant performance from Week 9 of last season against the Giants. Baltimore’s offense managed only 83 yards in the first half, a testament to the Raiders’ disciplined and aggressive defense. This gave the offense time to find its footing — though it took until the final quarter to do so.

Minshew’s fourth-quarter heroics spark Raiders offense

Gardner Minshew entered Week 2 with a week as a Raider that mirrored his career — inconsistent. His performance in the fourth quarter against the Ravens will be remembered as one of his best. After trailing 23-13 with just over 12 minutes left, Minshew led three consecutive scoring drives, rallying the team to an improbable victory.

Minshew’s connection with star wide receiver Davante Adams was — not surprisingly — what lit the spark for the Raiders offense. Adams, who finished with nine receptions for 110 yards, made a key 23-yard grab in the third quarter that helped shift momentum. In the fourth, Minshew hit Adams for a 1-yard touchdown that tied the game 23-23 with just under four minutes remaining. Adams’ consistent production—he now has 877 career receptions—continues to be a vital element for the Raiders’ offense, especially when they need a spark.

The Raiders’ offense wasn’t perfect, as Minshew was sacked five times and threw an interception. His infamous swagger and ability to rally teams was evident in his ability to bounce back from mistakes, guiding the team downfield for the game-winning 38-yard field goal by Daniel Carlson with 27 seconds left. Minshew finished the game going 30-for-38 with 276 yards, a line that, while not flawless, showed his ability to lead when it mattered most.

“I look forward to building on that momentum,” Minshew said after the game. “There’s a ton of tape to clean up, but I think everyone feels and believes what we can be as an offense.”

Maxx Crosby and the Defense: The Raiders’ Backbone

Once again, Maxx Crosby’s performance was pivotal in keeping the Raiders alive long enough for the offense to come around. Whether pressuring Jackson into rushed throws or stuffing the run, Crosby’s impact was felt on nearly every play. The Raiders held Baltimore to 0-for-7 on third downs in the first half—a stat that hasn’t been replicated by the team since 2013 when they did it against Pittsburgh.

Crosby’s leadership on defense, along with standout performances from players like linebacker Robert Spillane—who recorded a crucial interception in the third quarter—showed that this unit can keep the Raiders in games, even when the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders.

“The defense gave us every chance to stay in the game,” Pierce said. “When you’re facing a player like Lamar, it’s never easy, but Maxx and the entire defensive unit stepped up. They kept battling, and that gave the offense the chance we needed.”

Raiders offense: lots of work to do

Despite the thrilling come-from-behind win, it’s clear that the Raiders have plenty of work to do on offense. The offensive line struggled to protect Minshew, as evidenced by the five sacks, and the run game was inconsistent. The Raiders must find more balance to alleviate pressure from their quarterback and open up more opportunities for playmakers like Adams and rookie tight end Brock Bowers, who had an impressive showing with nine catches for 98 yards.

Bowers’ performance is particularly encouraging, as the rookie tight end showed the ability to be a reliable target in crucial moments. The question for new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy is why he hasn’t schemed more plays for both Bowers and Adams. The importance of involving and highlighting your greatest offensive weapons has to be underscored as the Raiders prepare for their home opener against lowly Carolina next Sunday.

Time enjoy the win but the work ahead is not easy

The road ahead is challenging for the Raiders, despite the momentum and confidence they’ll build from the upset of Baltimore. They still must fix an offense that hasn’t found its way yet and a single comeback win doesn’t erase the issues that plagued them in the first two weeks. But, this victory serves as a reminder of the team’s potential, particularly on defense. If the offense can find more consistency and the offensive line can offer better protection for Minshew, this Raiders team could be more competitive than initially expected.

For now, though, the defense remains the backbone of the Raiders and as long as Maxx Crosby is leading the charge, they will have a chance to win games.

Scott Gulbransen is an editor and host at Sportsnaut and the longtime host of Silver and Black Today — an Audacy Sports original podcast covering the Las Vegas Raiders.

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The snub of Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby during the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award voting process is not only an insult to him but a clear indication of the national media’s failure to acknowledge one of the most dominant players in the NFL.

Despite his stellar season, Crosby’s contributions were shockingly overlooked as the fifth-year player failed to receive a single first place vote for DPOY revealing a gap between performance and recognition.

Crosby’s 2023 season was a case study that showcased his work ethic, versatility and impact on the field. Being recognized with All-Pro honors and a Pro Bowl selection solidified his status as one of NFL’s best defensive players after a staggeringly dominant season. He racked up 14.5 sacks, led the NFL with 58 stops, his durability was unparalleled as he played in 95% of the Las Vegas Raiders defensive snaps and took part in 1081 snaps—both tops in the league.

Also Read:: Las Vegas Raiders head coach provides surprising update on quarterback plans

Maxx Crosby snub shows performance and numbers don’t matter

Maxx Crosby’s ability to consistently disrupt plays behind the line of scrimmage was evident with his league-leading 23 tackles for loss (TFLs), ranked second in the NFL with 90 tackles, and notched 94 pressures showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

Despite these achievements — which clearly place Maxx Crosby among the top defensive players in the league — not one voter felt he was the best player on defense in the NFL? It’s puzzling that although he was on the ballot for DPOY voting, voters completely ignored his dominant season and disrespected him by not even considering him for the award. This raises questions about biases or flaws within the voting process where defensive players may be undervalued or overlooked if they don’t play for a playoff-bound team or for other suspect reasons.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER of THE YEAR SNUB: #Raiders Maxx Crosby did not receive A SINGLE VOTE despite being the best defensive player in the #NFL

• All-Pro
• Pro Bowl
• 92.0 PFF grade (5th)
• 14.5 sacks
• 58 stops (1st)
• 95% playing time (1st)
• 23 TFL’s (1st)
• 1081… pic.twitter.com/k9uMoOF8ti

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) February 9, 2024

This omission is more than a mistake as it reflects an issue within sports media and award voting systems that often prioritize storytelling over deeper analysis. What’s disappointing is Crosby’s story on the field, and his off-the-field life journey from alcoholism to one of the league’s top players, should be front and center. Instead, Maxx Crosby being excluded serves as a reminder of the bias that exists, which tends to sideline players who may not fit into the narratives of award winners.

Let me say this to be clear: this is not in any way an indictment on award winner Myles Garrett, who deserved recognition. As did Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end T.J Watt, who took exception on X.com to address what he felt was his own snub. 

Nothing I’m not used to.

— TJ Watt (@_TJWatt) February 9, 2024

But if Watt thinks he was snubbed, what about the guy who had equal or even better numbers than he did in several categories? Yeah, Crosby was that guy.

The insult delivered at the NFL Honors by fellow scribes and media types will undoubtedly ignite a fire within Maxx Crosby. Not that he needed one. But athletes of his caliber often use oversights, snubs and a lack of respect for their performance as motivation to strive for even greater success. Crosby is likely to become an even more formidable competitor in the upcoming season. The league should take note: a motivated Crosby, carrying a chip on his shoulder, could make him the most dangerous defender in the NFL next season.

Raiders Maxx Crosby and Rachel Crosby at the 13th annual NFL Honors. pic.twitter.com/Pjeltv0cKU

— AFL Godfather 👓🏴‍☠️🔥 (@NFLMAVERICK) February 9, 2024

The overlooking of Las Vegas Raiders superstar Maxx Crosby for DPOY isn’t just a misstep—it’s a glaring error that calls into question the integrity of the award and its judges. Crosby’s standout 2023 season deserved top recognition, highlighting a systemic issue in evaluating defensive performances among the NFL media. This snub could become a defining moment in Crosby’s career and the anticipation of how he responds in 2024 is palpable. Having watched Crosby his entire career, I know that when talent meets motivation, expect fireworks.

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In an unequivocally transparent string of statements, Las Vegas Raiders defensive star Maxx Crosby has made it abundantly clear that he fully supports Antonio Pierce as the team’s head coach. He might even be willing to ask for a trade if he and his teammates don’t get the coach they think they deserve. 

Crosby isn’t expressing a mere preference for Pierce, it’s an unwavering demand accompanied by the possibility of him leaving Las Vegas if Pierce doesn’t secure the position.

Speaking publicly for the first time since reports of him possibly seeking a trade if Pierce doesn’t get the job, Crosby minced no words on his podcast released Saturday. 

“I’m going to have to consider everything. Nothing’s off the table,” Maxx Crosby said on his The Rush podcast. “ I made it clear, I want to be a Raider for life. I want to be here, I want to win here, I want to retire here. But if you go and start from scratch again, I gotta consider everything.”

While other Raiders have been clear of their preference for Pierce to return in a permanent capacity, Crosby is the first to publicly acknowledge he may seek a way out if it doesn’t happen.

“I made it very public, I made it very honest and clear,” Crosby said. “You know for me it’s Antonio Pierce without a doubt. I mean we already had this opportunity couple years ago with Rich (Bisaccia) . We had things going in the right direction. We almost won a playoff game and we ended up deciding, you know, going a different direction to start from ground zero and that didn’t work.”

Crosby made the point that his opinion is beyond a player simply having a choice for their coach, it speaks to matters of stability, trust and where Crosby believes the Raiders should be headed.

“We get an opportunity to have a guy who’s, like you said, a lifer from Compton and a Raider fan his whole life,” Crosby said. “A former player, Super Bowl winner, captain — we have that guy in the building. Then he comes in and has a chance to prove himself and he does.”

Pierce took over a 3-5 Raiders team after the firing of Josh McDaniels and finished the season going 5-4 and 3-1 in the AFC West. Those wins included a 63-point performance against the Los Angeles Chargers and a huge Christmas Day win in Kansas City.

The Raiders’ defense, perennially a bottom-feeder in the NFL, improved and finished in the Top 10 in scoring after Pierce became interim head coach. 

Related: Las Vegas Raiders players speak out in support of Antonio Pierce

Maxx Crosby talks Mark Davis openly about the coaching search

The dynamic between Maxx Crosby and team owner Mark Davis has become central to this story as well. Crosby shared they have frequent and open discussions about the coaching situation, showcasing Crosby’s involvement in decision making processes.

That certainly speaks to Maxx Crosby’s leadership qualities and highlights how much weight his opinions carry within the organization. It’s important to note that Crosby speaking out on this hiring process isn’t just his personal opinion; rather, he says it reflects the collective sentiment within the team. Crosby’s strong support for Pierce is based on the Raiders roster’s shared history of success after he took over and the understanding that maintaining consistency is crucial to building winning organizations. 

“I know how the guys feel, I know everybody wants AP (Pierce) back,” Crosby said when speaking about his current teammates. “I know the legends…the Charles Woodson’s, all the guys like that, they all want him back and it’s all the fans. I mean everybody wants AP back and I feel like he’s done more than enough to prove that he’s worthy of getting that opportunity.

Maxx Crosby’s endorsement of Pierce goes beyond loyalty as he highlighted examples where, under Pierce’s guidance, the team showcased potential and growth. He referenced close games the team lost to the Vikings, Colts, and Dolphins and the unit’s ability to compete with any team despite being on the losing end of those games. 

Crosby also emphasized how under Pierce, a culture shift within the team led to an impressive resurgence in an alignment of vision between coach and players. His conviction lies in believing that with Pierce leading them not only will the Raiders be contenders for playoffs, they also possess a genuine chance at winning the Super Bowl, he said.

As the Raiders find themselves at a crossroads, Maxx Crosby’s demand that Antonio Pierce be the Raiders next permanent head coach, or he may want out, becomes a moment that could alter the course of its future.

His message is loud and clear: the Raiders possess the talent, leadership and potential needed for greatness. As Maxx Crosby explained, they need Antonio Pierce to get them there.

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Las Vegas Raiders star defensive end Maxx Crosby hasn’t missed a game in his five-year career, but the two-time Pro Bowl selection is doubtful for Sunday’s game against the visiting Kansas City Chiefs with a knee injury.

Crosby, 26, who didn’t practice all week, has 10.5 sacks, 65 tackles (14 for a loss) and 17 quarterback hits this season.

“(He’s) getting treatment around the clock, you know how it goes,” interim head coach Antonio Pierce told reporters Friday. “A guy that plays every snap, you’ve got to take care of him. So, one thing about him, if he can be there Sunday, he’ll be there.”

A fourth-round pick of the Raiders in 2019, Crosby has 48 sacks, 296 tackles (79 for a loss) and 110 quarterback hits in his five seasons.

Raiders offensive tackle Kolton Miller (shoulder), linebacker Robert Spillane (ankle), and safety Marcus Epps (neck) are questionable after being listed as limited all week. Safety Roderic Teamer (hamstring) was a full participant all week but is listed as questionable.

–Field Level Media

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Over the last four games to conclude the Las Vegas Raiders’ regular season, running back Josh Jacobs was on another level and it was no different with the season on the line this past Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.

The third-year rusher totaled 26 carries for a career-high 132 yards and a touchdown, including a crucial 10-yard rush on third-and-4, which immediately led to the game-winning field goal in overtime.

It was Jacobs’ second time this season and second time in the last three games where he rushed for more than 100 yards.  

Earlier in the season, Jacobs gave the Raiders and its fans a preview of how he was going to play late in the season when he recorded 22 carries for 87 yards in a 36-33 victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving.

By Jacobs running he ball, the team didn’t single-handedly have to rely on quarterback Derek Carr’s arm, and it helped balance out the offense to win five of their final seven games and clinch a playoff spot for the first time in six seasons.

“I remember saying, ‘Did we have to throw for 300 yards to win a football game because that what the stat said,” Carr told the media Tuesday afternoon. “Now, we can do that, or we can run the ball. We can play action; we can do a lot of different things. The more multiple you are as an offense, the better it is for your team.”

A big part to Jacobs’ success has been the consistency of the offensive line.

Since early October when rookie Alex Leatherwood moved from right guard to right tackle and Brandon Parker was inserted to right guard, time has benefitted this team in the long run and during the late season playoff push.

“The continuity that we’ve always talked about, having the group play together and that’s certainly helped Josh’s running right now,” offensive coordinator Greg Olson said Wednesday. “It’s experience of playing behind that group and trust within that group. Both the experience and the trust factor that we talked about a few weeks ago, I think there’s a lot more trust, a lot more belief in one another and they understand the importance of running the football this time of year. It’s more of a commitment on everybody’s part.”

The 23-year-old, who played in 15 of Las Vegas’ 17 games this season, recorded 217 carries for 817 yards and nine touchdowns.

Despite being limited to chest, foot and rib ailments this season, Jacobs still found a way to fight through the injuries and average more than four yards per carry.

Also Read:: Why Raiders should feel good about the playoff matchup with Bengals

Entering Sunday, Jacobs averaged 3.87 yards per carry this season. With his 132 yards, he increased his season yards per attempt total to 4.02 and above four for the second time in his career. (Jacobs recorded 3.9 yards per rush in 2020)

With the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs, Jacobs and the Raiders hope to continue the season and get past the No. 4 Cincinnati Bengals on the road.  

Jacobs will have a tough task in front of him as Cincinnati allows the fifth fewest rushing yards this season.

The Bengals’ rushing defense was on display when they came to Allegiant Stadium back in November. Jacobs recorded nine carries for 37 yards in addition to five receptions for 24 yards.

Despite the challenge on Saturday, Jacobs does not want to only see success on the field, but also through his voice as a leader for his teammates.

Jacobs, who was part of the Raiders’ 2019 draft class that also includes wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and defensive end Maxx Crosby, said that draft class from three years wanted to make a difference not just for this season, but for the playoffs and years to come.

“Our class, definitely, has played a big role in the things we’re accomplishing,” Jacobs said after Sunday’s 35-32 win. “We sat down in that room, it was just us, and we looked at each other and we said, ‘We got to be the guys that change this culture, change this franchise and bring it back to what it used to be.’ It’s been a lot of ups and down, but we kept believing in each other.

“You see Maxx and you see Hunter; you see all our guys in our class making plays. We have the ultimate confidence in each other. We just want to keep continuing to put it together.”  

Crosby was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week for the second time this season on Wednesday, while Renfrow was one of 24 NFL wide receivers to accumulate 1,000 yards.

Jacobs and the No. 5 Raiders face the No. 4 Cincinnati Bengals on Jan. 15 at 1:30 p.m. at Paul Brown Stadium to kick off Wild Card Weekend.

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As NFL analysts scratch their heads and figure out how the Las Vegas Raiders went 10-7 in a season filled with turmoil, the Silver and Black can give them a little more to think about with an upset over the AFC North division-winning Cincinnati Bengals.

If you missed the Week 11 game between the Raiders and Bengals, the final score (32-13) would suggest Vegas endured a 60-minute beatdown at Allegiant Stadium. On the contrary, the Raiders trailed 16-13 up until wideout Ja’Marr Chase caught a six-yard touchdown pass with 5:03 left in regulation. From there, the wheels came off. Running back, Joe Mixon reached paydirt on a 20-yard run, and kicker Evan McPherson tacked on a field goal.

In summary, the Raiders ran out of gas with an inept offense that converted just one out of seven third-down attempts and turned three red-zone trips into just nine points.

What we've been waiting for 😎

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) January 12, 2022

On Saturday, Cincinnati will see a more robust run defense and a balanced offense that’s better equipped to execute in critical situations.

Let’s discuss why the Raiders should feel confident about matching up against the Bengals.

Josh Jacobs has revitalized ground attack, brought balance to offense

Over the past three weeks, Josh Jacobs has assumed the workhorse role, rushing for 324 yards and two touchdowns on 69 attempts. After a sluggish start to the season, he looks like the downhill threat that excited fans during his rookie (2019) campaign.

With fellow running back Kenyan Drake sidelined because of a broken ankle, the Raiders have fed Jacobs. Once again, he looks decisive after handoffs with a tendency to hit the open lanes rather than bounce east-to-west for little to no yardage.

Because of the Raiders’ inconsistencies in the passing game, they needed Jacobs to perform at the level of a first-round pick capable of setting a physical offensive tone and closing football games with chunk yardage on the ground.

In the first meeting between Cincinnati and Vegas, Jacobs logged just nine carries for 37 yards with 24 receiving yards. This time, the Raiders can lean on him to match big runs with Mixon on the opposing sideline.

Raiders defense held Joe Burrow to 148 passing yards in Week 11

Many casual football fans cannot wait to see the Burrow-Chase connection in the passing game. They’re shaping up to become one of the league’s most potent quarterback-receiver tandems.

However, in November, Burrow and Chase didn’t set off fireworks in Vegas. The sensational rookie wideout caught three passes for 32 yards and a touchdown. The second-year signal-caller threw for fewer than 150 yards and took three sacks.

Vegas fields a decent pass defense that ranks 13th in yards allowed. Battle-tested veteran Casey Hayward Jr. and rookie fifth-rounder Nate Hobbs have played well on the boundary and in the slot, respectively. The former allows a 57.1 percent completion rate while the latter gives up just 7.8 yards per catch.

Vegas has the defensive backs to cover downfield and the pass-rushers to apply pocket pressure, which puts Burrow in a tough spot. He’s taken the most sacks (51) this season. Meanwhile, the Raiders tied for third in quarterback knockdowns (68), thanks mainly to Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue on the edges.

If Vegas’ coverage and pass rush go hand in hand Saturday, Burrow could have a rough day.

Raiders run defense has improved greatly since Week 15

Here’s an overlooked factor in the Raiders’ four-game win streak. They’ve tightened up the run defense, allowing just 78.5 yards per contest since Week 15.

Jonathan Taylor, the 2021 rushing champion, barely eclipsed 100 yards on the ground (108) against a much-improved run defense in Week 17. The Raiders held the Denver Broncos’ ground attack that featured Melvin Gordon III and rookie second-rounder Javonte Williams to 18 rushing yards.

Vegas won’t have defensive tackle Darius Philon (torn patellar tendon), who strung together solid performance through December, but Johnathan Hankins returned in the season finale after he missed two games with a back injury.

In Week 11, Mixon ran for 123 yards and two touchdowns on the Raiders defense, but he may find it difficult to replicate that performance against a unit that’s shown more resistance over the past month.

Winning in the trenches

If the Raiders dominate at the line of scrimmage, they can control the tempo of the game or at least keep the score close, setting up quarterback Derek Carr or kicker Daniel Carlson to put the game away on a late fourth-quarter drive.

With temperatures set to drop below 30 degrees in Cincinnati, we could see a battle between rushing attacks until one of the two quarterbacks has to make a big-time throw, which is something Carr has done routinely late in games over the past month.

Maurice Moton covers the Raiders for Vegas Sports Today. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.

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The Las Vegas Raiders are on the road for the final time this season as they take on the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday at 10 a.m. PST. The game will be televised on FOX.

Last year, these two teams faced off at Allegiant Stadium and the Colts outlasted the Raiders 44-27.  

This is the fourth consecutive season the Raiders and Colts are squaring off as both teams are trying to get into the playoffs with two weeks remaining in the regular season.

Here are four keys to a Raiders win:

1. D, D, D defense

Over the last few weeks, one of the strengths for the Silver and Black has been their defense.

Against Cleveland and Denver, the two teams combined to score 27 points, which resulted in two Las Vegas victories to stay in the playoff picture.

In addition, the Raiders’ defense has allowed 394 total yards, including a mere 158 yards against the Broncos last Sunday.

Interim head coach Rich Bisaccia said the defense, led by defensive ends Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue, has been able to get better game after game while trying to stay injury-free as the end of the season approaches.

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“A lot of our identity is up front, on our defensive front,” Bisaccia said. “What they’ve been able to do all year, and we seem to improve week in and week out and we’ve been fortunate, for the most part, to hang on to those guys. We lost (defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins) last week with an aggravated back. We fully anticipate having him back.

“(Defensive tackle Damion Square) has stepped in and played well. (Defensive tackle Darius Philon) has stepped in and played well inside. Solomon Thomas has been extremely consistent all year. Those big bodies on the inside and we’ve done a good job on the edge. We all know about Maxx’s motor and how’s he played along with Yannick and Carl (Nassib) has had a heck of a year and (Clelin Ferrell) keeps improving.”  

2. Las Vegas Raiders must contain Jonathan Taylor

One Colts’ offensive player the Raiders have to watch for is running back Johnathan Taylor.

This season, 226-pound rusher has 1,626 yards on the ground, which ranks No. 1 among all running backs. In addition to rushing yards, Taylor leads running backs in rushing touchdowns, carries, rushing first downs and longest carries by yard.

What a graphic from the NFL Network broadcast.

Jonathan Taylor is unstoppable. pic.twitter.com/lmHztUohOt

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) December 26, 2021

Taylor has rushed for over 100 yards in six of the last seven games while averaging 25 carries and 5.5 yards per rush during that span.

Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said Taylor is a unique player who is seeing success in his second NFL season.

“He’s a bigger-bodied back that is extremely fast, so he’s got a really rare combination,” Bradley said. “He’s got very good patience. Their front line – their offensive line – is very good. They do a good job of holding on to blocks, so gap integrity very important for us this week.”

The team’s run defense has been beneficial, especially last week, limiting Denver’s backfield duo to 14 carries for eight yards.

Cornerback Desmond Trufant, who recorded a team-high seven tackles last week, said the defense needs to continue to keep their intensity up as Las Vegas faces its third consecutive run-dominant opponent.

“Every week, we’ve been facing some good backs,” Trufant said. “At the end of the day, it’s a new game, it’s a new day and you’ve got to bring it. You’ve got to bring that same energy. What you did last week doesn’t just transfer over into next week, you got to go earn it again.”

3. Tight ends to play a factor for Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts

One of the keys on Sunday will be the Raiders using their tight ends as the Colts have allowed opposing tight ends to record at least five receptions in 14 of 16 games this season, including nine receptions last week against Arizona.

Furthermore, New England tight end Hunter Henry had six receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns against Indianapolis two weeks ago.

Las Vegas tight end Darren Waller is still recovering from a hip injury, but his return this week became more complicated when he tested positive for COVID-19.

If Waller can report two negative tests 24 hours apart, he is eligible to play. However, whether Waller is good to go, expect backup tight end Foster Moreau to handle the starting tight end duties once again.

Last week against Denver, Moreau recorded four receptions for a game-high 67 yards, including the final reception of the game to seal the 17-14 victory.

The Raiders faced third-and-2 with 2:10 left on their own 36-yard line and not wanting to give the ball back to the Broncos in a one possession game.

Despite Denver not having any timeouts remaining quarterback Derek Carr took the snap from the shotgun and ran right, lofting the ball into the air for a wide-open Moreau and a 28-yard gain to ice the victory.

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4. Keep running the ball 

One of the benefits to last week’s victory was how effective running back Josh Jacobs was last week.

Jacobs recorded 27 carries for 129 yards, the most yards he’s recorded this season.

His rushing, along with the offensive line’s work, was a big reason why the Raiders were able to control the game and have 36 minutes of offense.

Offensive coordinator Greg Olson said Jacobs’ success was in large part to the offensive line’s success in controlling the trenches as both are meeting each day to gain confidence in one another.  

“The running backs and the offensive line work together and they can’t survive without one another,” Olson said. “That trust between the two of them is huge. They meet together, leading in to the gameplan, everyday post practice, the running backs are in the same meeting room with the offensive line. Those two work hand in hand and certainly trust is a huge part of that.”

Ultimately, what the success of the run game led to, was open holes in the passing games. Seven different receivers, including fullback Jalen Richard and running backs Josh Jacobs and Peyton Barber, caught at lest one pass.

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