Los Raiders cavaron una tumba demasiado profunda en la primera mitad y, aunque reaccionaron en el último cuarto, no pudieron evitar una derrota de 35-21 ante los Rams en el Estadio Allegiant. Las Vegas suma cuatro caídas consecutivas después de comenzar la temporada con tres victorias, y sus problemas tanto en el juego terrestre ofensivo como defensivo siguen pasando factura.
Después de ganar el volado, los Malosos eligieron recibir el balón para comenzar el partido, pero su primera serie terminó en tres y fuera. La defensa respondió de la misma manera ante Los Ángeles, incluyendo una captura de Tonka Hemingway en tercera oportunidad, pero Matt Gay falló un gol de campo de 51 yardas que pudo haber abierto el marcador.
A partir de ahí, los Rams tomaron el control. Los Ángeles consiguió touchdowns en sus siguientes cuatro series ofensivas de la primera mitad, mientras que los Raiders tuvieron que conformarse con dos goles de campo en sus visitas a la zona roja para irse al descanso perdiendo 28-6.
"Obviamente, no fue una actuación digna de ganar. No comenzamos el partido lo suficientemente bien. No nos dimos una oportunidad. Empezamos demasiado lento", reconoció el entrenador en jefe Klint Kubiak. "Los muchachos lucharon en la segunda mitad, pero cuando te metes en un hoyo tan profundo ante un equipo realmente bueno y bien dirigido, no te das una oportunidad".
Uno de los aspectos más preocupantes para Las Vegas durante esta racha es su incapacidad para establecer el juego terrestre y detener el de sus rivales.
En sus cuatro derrotas consecutivas, los Raiders no han superado las 75 yardas terrestres en ningún partido. Del otro lado del balón, cada uno de sus últimos cuatro rivales ha conseguido al menos 100 yardas por tierra, y tres de ellos han superado las 165.
Esta combinación complica el panorama: la ofensiva pierde una herramienta para controlar el ritmo del partido, mientras que la defensa permite a sus oponentes avanzar y mantener vivas sus series. Ante los Rams, la desventaja temprana también obligó a Las Vegas a buscar respuestas por la vía aérea.
La efectividad en la zona roja fue otro problema. Los Raiders volvieron a desperdiciar oportunidades importantes, algo que Kubiak reconoció después del encuentro.
"Es muy decepcionante, especialmente por el énfasis que le hemos puesto. Tenemos que hacer jugadas cuando tenemos nuestras oportunidades uno contra uno. Tenemos que hacer los pases, tenemos que hacer las recepciones, y no sucedió", señaló el entrenador.
Los primeros minutos del último cuarto ofrecieron esperanzas de remontada. Kirk Cousins conectó con Tre Tucker en un pase de touchdown de 37 yardas y, en la siguiente jugada defensiva, Nakobe Dean interceptó a Matthew Stafford para devolverle el balón a Las Vegas.
La ofensiva aprovechó la oportunidad y Cousins encontró a Ashton Jeanty para otra anotación, reduciendo la diferencia a 28-18. Sin embargo, los Raiders fallaron aambas conversiones de dos puntos que intentaron.
Los Rams terminaron con cualquier posibilidad de remontada mediante una serie ofensiva de 70 yardas en 12 jugadas que consumió casi siete minutos y culminó en otro touchdown para ampliar la ventaja a 35-18. Las Vegas agregó puntos posteriormente, pero el marcador final quedó 35-21.
Para Ashton Jeanty, la diferencia entre el inicio de temporada, cuando los Raiders ganaron sus primeros tres encuentros, y la racha actual está relacionada con la manera en que el equipo comienza los partidos.
"Siento que comenzábamos más rápido como equipo. Parece que en estos partidos nos hemos quedado un poco atrás y hemos tenido que intentar remontar. Creo que simplemente necesitamos comenzar más rápido en la primera mitad", explicó el corredor.
Maxx Crosby también reconoció que el equipo necesita encontrar soluciones rápidamente.
"No estamos jugando lo suficientemente bien en este momento, hay demasiados altibajos, comenzamos lento y también hemos comenzado lento en la segunda mitad durante las últimas semanas. Tenemos que encontrar soluciones rápido. Tenemos otra oportunidad ante los Jets. Todos tenemos que mirarnos al espejo y ser mejores", declaró el defensivo estelar..
Los Raiders ahora viajarán a Nueva York para enfrentar a los Jets, que llegan con marca de 2-5 y apenas una victoria en sus últimos seis partidos. De los cinco rivales que Las Vegas enfrentará antes de su semana de descanso, los Jets son el único que actualmente no tiene récord ganador. Será una oportunidad para intentar frenar la mala racha, aunque los Raiders necesitarán mejorar en varios aspectos.
Un comienzo más sólido, mayor efectividad en la zona roja y una respuesta tanto en el ataque terrestre como en la defensa contra la carrera serán fundamentales para cambiar el rumbo.
Después de cuatro derrotas consecutivas, Las Vegas necesita convertir las lecciones de estas últimas semanas en resultados antes de que la temporada se aleje aún más de sus objetivos.
View the best photos from the Raiders' regular season Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
The locker room prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Allegiant Stadium prior to the Las Vegas Raiders' arrival for their regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (4) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard/center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive run game coordinator Mario Jeberaeel arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) and guard Caleb Rogers (76) arrive to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Folorunso Fatukasi (94) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Cody White (82) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) and linebacker Cody Lindenberg (55) arrive to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Bryce Cabeldue (77), tackle Charles Grant (60) and tackle DJ Glaze (71) arrive to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kwity Paye (95) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tristin McCollum (27) arrives to the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) walks down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) walks down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Taron Johnson (3) walks down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard/center Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Adam Butler (69) takes a photo with fans before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) walks down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Quay Walker (7) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Folorunso Fatukasi (94) with fans in the Champions Club before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) takes a photo with fans before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) with fans in the Champions Club before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Cody White (82) with fans in the Champions Club before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Segun Olubi (50) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and kicker Matt Gay (14) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (4) walks down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (4) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) walks down the tunnel before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) warming up before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Taron Johnson (3) before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Tyler Linderbaum (65) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) is introduced onto the field before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the national anthem before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (5) during the national anthem before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the national anthem before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders Head Coach Klint Kubiak before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders Week 7 Captains during the coin toss before the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) returns a kickoff during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (5) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) celebrates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway (97) celebrates with teammates after sacking the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) returns a punt during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) looks for a receiver during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) returns a kickoff during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) celebrates with teammates after a 42-yard kickoff return during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (4) rushes during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) lines up for a 30-yard field goal attempt during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Tim Keenan III (91) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Taron Johnson (3) and linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) blocks during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darien Porter (26) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders offense huddles during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates after making a first down during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) on the field during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) lines up for a 27-yard field goal attempt during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20), wide receiver Dareke Young (81) and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) line up before a punt during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) rushes during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Connor Heyward (34) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Connor Heyward (34) celebrates with teammates during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Ian Thomas (80) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (5) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) recovers a fumble during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) celebrates with linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) after a fumble recovery during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Jeremy Chinn (11) celebrates after a fumble recovery during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Eric Stokes (5) defends during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) congratulates wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) after making a first down during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) passes during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) makes a 37-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) makes a 37-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) celebrates after making a 37-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) celebrates after making a 37-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) congratulates wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) after a 37-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) intercepts a pass during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) makes a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) makes a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with tight end Brock Bowers (89) after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty (2) celebrates with wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) after making a 15-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) congratulates kicker Matt Gay (14) making a 36-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Los Angeles Rams at Allegiant Stadium.
