The Las Vegas Raiders are in the midst of training camp where they hope to build the team up to a point where they can hang in what projects to be a competitive AFC.
The Raiders project to be the worst team in their own division, but that won’t stop them from trying to snag a playoff spot. However, the challenge to get there is enormous as Las Vegas has several questions on both sides of the field.
Offensively, there is skepticism about Jimmy Garoppolo’s durability given he underwent offseason foot surgery. There is also Josh Jacobs’ situation as the running back remains away from the team after they could not agree to terms on a long-term contract.
Defensively, the Raiders have always been a sieve that allows chunk plays to opposing teams. The secondary is a particular area of concern, and they were just hit with bad news as Brandon Facyson was carted off the practice field via Tashan Reed of The Athletic:
#Raiders CB Brandon Facyson had to be carted off the practice field today with what appeared to be a leg injury.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) August 1, 2023
Facyson was in contention for one of the starting cornerback spots, so this could potentially be a major setback, depending on the severity of his injury. Las Vegas was already shorthanded in camp as Nate Hobbs has missed time after getting hit in the face by a softball, though he is expected to get back to practice soon.
The veteran spent the 2022 season with the Indianapolis Colts, though had a subpar year. Facyson’s best season came with the Raiders in 2021, though his second stint with the franchise has gotten off to a rocky start.
For now, fans will have to wait and see what happens with Facyson and if he’ll be forced to miss any extended time. The secondary is already thin enough of as it is, so Las Vegas may need to dip back into the free agency pool for help.
Chandler Jones believes Marcus Peters will help pass rush
One large reason the Las Vegas defense struggles is because they don’t have much in terms of their pass rush. Maxx Crosby is one of the best in the league at blowing up plays, but he hasn’t had much help up front.
Chandler Jones was brought in last offseason to fix that, but he had an underwhelming year in 2022. However, he believes having someone like Peters, who has a reputation as a ball hawk, patrolling the back side will help the team’s pass rush.
