Raiders Season Rewind: Explosive Offense Never Showed Up
Derek Carr, Raiders
Dec 4, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Davante Adams…Darren Waller…Josh Jacobs…Hunter Renfrow…Derek Carr…Offensive genius Josh McDaniels dialing up plays…just imagine it.

Well, turns out Las Vegas Raiders fans will have to imagine it — because despite all the pieces being in place for one of the league’s top offenses, it never materialized. Despite all of that talent, the Raiders finished outside of the top 10 in points per game (23.2), yards per game (352.5), rushing yards (121.1/game), passing yards (231.4/game), third down conversion rate (39.9%) and red zone touchdown rate (48.94%).

In fact, their yards per game, passing offense and red zone rates all went down this season compared to 2021.

Yikes!

Now, we could sit here and speculate as to why they were so disappointing, but the organization has clearly tried to prevent us from doing so by throwing Carr under the bus and then backing up a few times. The franchise leader in passing was benched with two weeks to go, made the scapegoat for a 6-11 season that was historically bad in a number of ways. It seems as if 2023 will either be vindication for Carr or Head Coach Josh McDaniels — but both will need to wait on that front.

Josh Jacobs, Raiders, Steelers
Dec 24, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) carries the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39)during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive MVP: Josh Jacobs

For as bad as the offense was, Jacobs was absolutely electric — winning the rushing title with 1,653 yards (second most in franchise history) and another 400 yards through the air to go along with 12 total touchdowns. Not bad for a guy whose fifth-year option was declined heading into this year!

As a result of his performance, the Raiders will now need to decide whether or not to give Jacobs the franchise tag, sign him to a long-term extension or let him walk in free agency.

Davante Adams, Raiders
Nov 6, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs off the field after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

Honorable Mention: Davante Adams

Adams was everything the Raiders hoped he would be when they traded their first two picks for him last off-season, finishing with 100 catches for 1,516 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. That said, the fact that he had four games with less than 30 yards (and six with four catches or fewer) this season was baffling.

Josh McDaniels, Derek Carr, Raiders
Aug 26, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Josh McDaniels (left) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrate after the game against the New England Patriots at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Offensive LVPs: Derek Carr and Josh McDaniels

Regardless of where you stand on how Carr was treated, it’s impossible to ignore how disappointing he was in his 15 starts. His 3,522 yards were his lowest since 2017, his 60.8% completion percentage his lowest since 2014, and his 14 interceptions led the entire league.

Yes, the offensive line was a mess, and he was dealing with yet another offensive play-caller, but those things alone don’t explain how “off” Carr looked throughout the season.

Very much intertwined with Carr, however, was his play-caller: McDaniels.

Much like I said with the quarterback, for whatever you think of Carr, it’s impossible to ignore how disjointed the offensive play-calling was at times this season. Time and time again it seemed like McDaniels had no feel for the moment — when to run, when to pass and how to get the offense going when it was needed. It’s a big reason this team blew three leads of 17+ points (and two more of 10+ points).

Jarrett Stidham, Raiders
Dec 4, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jarrett Stidham (3) warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

2023 Outlook

Carr is gone, that much we can assume — but beyond that, there are a number of question marks. Adams says he wants to remain, and if that’s the case, he’s a lock to return — but I’m not sure the same can be said of Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow. Both guys signed extensions recently, but given how disappointing the offense was, are the Raiders really going to just run it back with the same skill position group?

And then there’s the Jacobs conundrum. Paying running backs is never a good idea, but can you really let your best offensive player walk as you’re trying to improve the team? General Manager Dave Ziegler will have his hands full to answer that one.

Of all offensive position groups, the line must get the most attention this spring. Aside from left tackle Kolton Miller, I’m not sure the Raiders should feel good about anyone they had in the room this season. Third-round pick Dylan Parham was “okay”, as was seventh-round tackle Thayer Munford, but neither looked like a sure-fire difference maker, so we’ll see.

And then…there’s the quarterback. Do the Raiders try to draft either Bryce Young or CJ Stroud, knowing it would require trading up? Do they try and lure 45-year-old Tom Brady to the desert? Does Jarrett Stidham get a real chance at the job? Any of these feel like they’re in the realm of possibilities, meaning that while this offseason might conjure up a whole host of feelings, boredom won’t be one of them.