The Las Vegas Raiders enter their Week 10 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks with a 4-5 record, already exceeding the three wins they managed all of last season. First-year coach Klint Kubiak said Friday he is focused on appreciating the opportunity, noting the NFL "will chew you up and spit you out, so you better make sure you're enjoying it on the way." The team has beaten clubs with losing records and lost to those with winning records, a pattern Kubiak accepts as part of the rebuilding process.
Offensively, the Raiders rank eighth in scoring at 26.4 points per game despite the NFL's worst rushing attack, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. The unit operated efficiently early with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, who ranked second in touchdown passes before being traded to the Minnesota Vikings. The team is now starting anew at signal caller with Fernando Mendoza, though the offensive structure remains in place.
Tight end Brock Bowers leads all pass catchers with 48 receptions for 658 yards and six touchdowns, forming a formidable duo alongside Michael Mayer (39 catches, 388 yards, one touchdown). The offensive line has been steady in pass protection but unreliable as run blockers.
Defensively, the unit has collapsed over the last six weeks after a 3-0 start against opponents with a combined 4-19 record. Under first-time coordinator Rob Leonard, Las Vegas now ranks last in scoring defense (29.8 points allowed), rushing yards allowed (1,361), and opponent quarterback rating (103.6). Opposing passers have thrown a league-high 20 touchdowns against the Raiders. Maxx Crosby remains disruptive on the edge, linebacker Nakobe Dean has anchored the middle, and rookie safety Treydan Stukes is settling in, but standout performers are scarce.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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