#5 Use Marcus Mariota more
Marcus Mariota might not be the starting Quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, but that doesn't mean he can't be used as a weapon against an opposing defense. He would definitely be someone to utilize during trick plays due to his impeccable ability to throw on the run and his speed on the ground. Former Raiders coach Jon Gruden wanted to do the same with Mariota but didn't get the chance due to an untimely injury to the Quarterback. With Mariota off of the injured reserve list, though, the chances are there to pull off something spectacular.
Of course, the Raiders need to play this idea carefully and keep everyone's egos in check, or it could end up getting ugly pretty quickly. Mariota isn't the starter and probably won't be.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNT3zkszyDw
#4 The Las Vegas Raiders need to contain the passing game
The Las Vegas Raiders' defense has steadily improved this year to a point where they are currently the 14th best defense in the league and have gone against some pretty tough offenses to earn the honor. Unfortunately for the Raiders, their Achilles heel is passing yards, which they have given up a total of 223.9 yards a game. That's an average of over 200 or more per game. This probably helped the Raiders to their two losses this season.
With that being said, making the defense better starts with forcing turnovers and blitzing the Quarterback more. They need to play physical football that results in mistakes by the opposing offense. Whether it is moving a lousy pass that gets intercepted or straight up punching the ball out of the running back's hands, they need to take the ball away.
https://www.facebook.com/Raiders/photos/4899705913393190
#3 The Las Vegas Raiders need to run the ball more
The Las Vegas Raiders need to run the ball more. Not only is that evident by their piddly average of 24 carries per game, but also by the plethora of runners they have at their disposal. Think about it! Between Marcus Mariota, Joshua Jacobs, Peyton Barber, Henry Ruggs III, and Kenyan Drake, this is absolutely an offense that can afford to run the ball more.
https://www.facebook.com/Raiders/photos/4899340866763028
#2 The Raiders need to use Bryan Edwards more
Why are the Las Vegas Raiders not using guys like Bryan Edwards more often? The wide receiver caught two catches for 67 yards in Sunday's win against the Denver Broncos; what's interesting though, is the fact that Edwards isn't targeted very often during games. For example, he currently sits with 15 receptions on 27 targets, 303 yards, and 13 first downs. Again, this is a guy the Raiders need to find more ways to get the ball too. He is just way too talented to be used this little on a team that could use his consistency.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42g8BboF-TU
#1 The Las Vegas Raiders need to embrace change
As good as the Las Vegas Raiders looked in their 34-24 victory over the Denver Broncos, there is still a lot of work to do. For now, the Las Vegas Raiders need to be open to change. Now, this doesn't mean they aren't a great football team capable of spectacular things, and it's just a matter of playing with the formula a bit to create the best team possible. Who knows what that will include.
They have the electrifying offense. They even have a multitiered running game that could lead the league to focus on running the ball more. They could also capitalize on the upcoming trade deadline and make a transaction to help builds towards the future. Everything needs to be on the table, though, if this season will result in the desired playoff push.
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