Is Josh McDaniels To Blame For The Raiders’ Problems?
After suffering an embarrassing 24-0 loss to the Saints on Sunday, Raiders fans are calling for head coach Josh McDaniels to be fired. The Raiders dropped to 2-5 on the season following the loss. Fans feel there needs to be a change in coaching in Las Vegas. Although McDaniels is under heavy scrutiny, is he really to blame for the Raiders’ problems?
For the first time in 8 years, the Raiders were shut out on Sunday. They were completely demoralized by a Saints team that was missing key players such as Michael Thomas and Marshon Lattimore. Their offense was held to just 183 total yards behind quarterback Derek Carr. Carr had only 43 yards passing in the first half and was no better in the second half. He finished the game with 101 yards passing and an interception. Carr has not played up to his usual standards this season as he has only 9 touchdowns and 5 interceptions through 7 games.
The Raiders came into this season as a highly touted team with playoff potential. With their addition of Davante Adams in the offseason, the Raiders looked like a sure bet to compete in the AFC West. It is safe to say now that the Raiders have not lived up to that potential.
With a 2-5 record and coming off an embarrassing loss, Raiders fans have been quick to point fingers at head coach Josh McDaniels. McDaniels was hired in January as the new head coach of the Raiders. Fans have become increasingly unhappy with his coaching to start his career in Las Vegas. McDaniels is now officially on the hot seat in terms of his coaching job. He has failed to provide any sort of improvement in a Raiders team with a lot of talent. Not only that, but McDaniels has never had a winning season as an NFL head coach.
McDaniels has made questionable coaching decisions all year that have cost the Raiders some close games. He has also failed to utilize Davante Adams in certain games. Adams is arguably the best receiver in the NFL and seems to be a perfect fit for Las Vegas. However, that has still not been enough for the Raiders to produce a winning record this season.
Coming into the season, McDaniels was poised to be the coach that made Derek Carr a better quarterback behind his offensive knowledge. However, it seems that the opposite has happened as Carr has struggled to this point in the season. Some fans have even argued that the Raiders should have kept interim coach Rich Bisaccia instead. Last season, Bisaccia led the Raiders to 7 wins during his time as a coach.
McDaniels has ultimately failed to this point in the season as the new head coach. He has struggled to find ways to put together the talent that he has in front of him. Some have put the blame on Carr’s inability to lead the offense. While it is true that he has put up career-low numbers in terms of passer rating, it has been McDaniels’ coaching flaws that have cost them.
The Raiders have easily been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this season. There are not many reasons they should be 2-5 at this point. This week’s shutout loss only adds more fire to Josh McDaniels’ current coaching job. It is safe to say the Raiders are lost right now. If they still want a shot at the playoffs, a change might be on the horizon.
