The joy of the Las Vegas Raiders’ strong start to the 2026 season is over.
The season is not lost, but things must change.
The Las Vegas Raiders suffered a tough loss on Sunday, a 35-21 loss to the undermanned Los Angeles Rams at home. Don’t be fooled by the final score of two possessions. The Rams led 28-6 at halftime after scoring touchdowns on four straight series. They took their foot off the pedal in the second half. According to the Associated Press, it was the Raiders’ worst halftime deficit at home since the first week of the 2015 season, when they trailed 24-0 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Despite playing without Myles Garrett, Poona Ford, Kobie Turner, Davante Adams, Nate Landman and Trent McDuffie, the Rams, who were a disappointing 2-4 going into the game, looked like the Super Bowl contenders they were supposed to be against the Raiders.
Some are clinging to the fact that the Raiders have been competitive during this four-game losing streak. But it wasn’t a competitive game.
The Raiders are lacking on both sides of the ball. There are areas of concern such as the running game on both sides of the ball and in the red zone on both sides of the ball. First-year coach Klint Kubiak acknowledged he has a lot to sort out moving forward.
The Raiders, who have won all three of their games against losing teams, will play the 2-5 New York Jets on Sunday. If they can’t beat Geno Smith, this season will be on life support.
Let’s look at the key aspects of this game:
Rob Leonard’s unit does not succeed. The Raiders have allowed 170 points over the last five games. According to the Associated Press, this ties a franchise record for allowing at least 27 points in five straight games and they have also allowed at least 30 points in four straight games. The Rams ran for 199 yards and made it look easy. The Rams were five of five in the red zone. The Raiders have allowed touchdowns on eight of their opponents’ 10 trips to the red zone over the past two games.
Kubiak raised a few eyebrows when asked after the game if he considered replacing quarterback Kirk Cousins with rookie Fernando Mendoza. Kubiak gave a lengthy response in which he said he thought the team needed to think about everything. But he mentioned other problems. So while that might be possible, it appears Kubiak knows the Raiders’ problems run deeper than the quarterback. The Raiders offense threw the sand 44 times and ran 17 times. Kubiak knows that needs to change.
I still can’t run the ball:
Another play and another poor performance in the running game. The Raiders totaled 48 yards rushing. Starter Ashton Jeanty’s problems extended onto the field. He totaled 15 yards on eight carries. This is a major problem.
The Raiders failed to convert on fourth down in the red zone on two straight third-quarter drives. They were one of five in the red zone and are 3 of 10 in the last two games. It’s a problem.
Sophomore guard Caleb Rogers was in the starting lineup for the second straight week as he continued to fill in for Jackson Powers-Johnson on the bench.
Impact in the passing game:
Jeanty scored his eighth career touchdown pass. This is the most running backs in the NFL since the start of last season. These are the most receiving touchdowns by a running back in his first two seasons in franchise history. He had eight catches for 61 yards.
Tucker strikes again:
Raiders receiver Tre Tucker had a 41-yard catch in the third quarter. It was his fourth passing play of 40-plus yards this season, tied for the NFL lead.
On their first drive of the third quarter, the Raiders ran a fake punt on fourth-and-5 from their own 30. Punter AJ Cole hit Connor Heyward for a 13-yard gain. It was a nice play, but the Raiders didn’t score on the drive.
According to the Associated Press, the Raiders trailed by double digits at home Sunday for the 29th time in 55 games at Allegiant Stadium. This is the second record achieved by a local team since 2020. The lowly New York Jets have done it 31 times.
The Raiders entered the game being outscored by 26 points in the third quarter. Neither team scored in the third quarter Sunday. The Raiders scored to open the fourth quarter.
After suffering from the Heyward Tush Push this season, the Raiders saw Cousins sneak in on third down in the first quarter.
CB rotation:
Darien Porter again started at outside position, but rookie Zeke Masses stepped in and replaced him.
Raiders kick returner Dylan Laube had kick returns of 38 and 42 yards in the first quarter. He is one of the best returners in the league.
The Raiders won the toss and expect to receive the ball. They had carried over to the second half in previous matches where they won the toss. It didn’t work as they came out at three to start the match.
Defensive tackle mix:
The Raiders deactivated veteran defensive tackles Thomas Booker and Jonah Laulu. JJ Pegues and practice squad standout Tim Keenan were active.
For the second straight game, the Raiders elevated rookie passer Cian Slone from the practice squad to deactivation. He may be elevated to the practice squad again this season.
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