3 Takeaways from Raiders' Week 18 Win vs. Broncos
The Las Vegas Raiders didn't have a shot at making the playoffs in Week 18, but you wouldn't have known it watching them on the field. Las Vegas provided a playoff-caliber atmosphere, and the Raiders were ready to dominate on both sides of the ball.
They did exactly that, battering the rival Denver Broncos and emerging with a decisive 27-14 victory.
While the Broncos made things interesting early, a spectacular 99-yard touchdown drive just before halftime pretty much put things out of reach. Las Vegas picked up its eighth win of the season, and while that should never be an acceptable standard, it's a respectable finish, given the team's early-season struggles.
Here's what we learned during the Raiders' Week 18 win over the Broncos.
Young Offensive Players Shine
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While the defense had improved under interim coach Antonio Pierce over the second half of the season, the Raiders offense had its fair share of issues. Against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 17, for example, the Raiders racked up 370 yards but only mustered 20 points.
The offense was much more productive on Sunday, thanks in large part to some of Las Vegas' younger offensive players.
Quarterback Aidan O'Connell did masterful work on that 99-yard scoring drive, and he finished with 244 yards and two touchdowns. O'Connell may not be the Raiders' long-term answer at quarterback, but he can be a fine bridge option if needed.
Second-year running back Zamir White also shined, rushing for 112 yards on 25 carries. He might be a permanent starter for the Raiders, or at least part of a committee game plan.
Las Vegas also got a tremendous game from rookie receiver Tre Tucker, who led the team with 79 yards on five receptions. Veterans Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers also did solid work, and for one of the few times this season, it felt like Las Vegas has the foundation of a potent offense in place.
Josh Jacobs Is Probably Gone This Offseason
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While watching White power his way through the Broncos defense, it certainly felt like he could be the long-term starter for the Raiders. White topped 100 scrimmage yards for the third straight game, and he added a nine-yard reception to his rushing total.
Is there room for more running-back talent on the roster? Absolutely, and the Raiders may seek it in the draft. However, White's late-season surge has made it feel quite likely that Las Vegas will move on from 2022 rushing champion Josh Jacobs in the offseason.
Jacobs is a terrific dual-threat when healthy, but he's missed the last three games with a quad injury. He was also inefficient as a runner this season, averaging just 3.5 yards per carry.
Former general manager Dave Ziegler gave Jacobs the franchise tag during the offseason, but the two sides never reached a long-term agreement. With White in the fold, the Raiders should have the freedom to move on in 2024.
Antonio Pierce Finishes Audition Strong
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We'll have to wait to see if franchise owner Mark Davis keeps Pierce as the head coach on a more permanent basis. However, the former Super Bowl-winning linebacker clearly has the support of his players.
"It's not just the comfortable thing; I think having A.P. here will be good for this organization," Adams said, per ESPN's Paul Gutierrez.
With Pierce walking off the field to chants of "A.P.," it's clear that the fanbase would support keeping him as well. And why wouldn't they?
When Davis made the decision to fire Josh McDaniels and Ziegler, the Raiders were 3-5. The players had little intensity on the field, and it felt like the franchise was ready for another complete restart.
However, Las Vegas finished 5-4 under Pierce and it notched big divisional wins over the Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers in the final month.
Sunday's victory might not guarantee that Pierce gets the full-time job, but it was an impressive way for the 45-year-old to complete his resume.
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