The Las Vegas Raiders have dropped three consecutive games to fall to 3-3, but national power rankings suggest the team is gaining respect around the NFL. Analysts note the Raiders have gone blow-for-blow with AFC heavyweights Kansas City and Buffalo in two of those losses, including a 33-30 shootout against the Bills in Week 6.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins is a primary reason for the optimism. He is tied for the league lead with 14 passing touchdowns and ranks fifth in passing yards with 1,582. The Raiders enter Week 7 as the No. 4 scoring offense, averaging nearly twice as many points per game as last season.
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport wrote that the Raiders have proven to be no pushover, stating, "The Raiders have dropped three straight, but don't hold your breath waiting for Mendoza to take over." Davenport added that postseason aspirations may keep Cousins under center longer than expected.
Other evaluators echoed the sentiment. One ranking noted the team is evolving from a cellar-dweller to an aspiring contender, learning how to win close battles against proven teams. Another analyst admitted the Raiders are "way better than I thought they were," crediting Cousins' play and head coach Klint Kubiak's work, while noting the run game featuring Ashton Jeanty has yet to fully click.
The Raiders face the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday in a matchup described as a significant test for the 3-3 squad.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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