Raiders’ Latest Debacle Ranked Among Worst Since Move to Las Vegas
Raiders coach Pete Carroll said Monday the bye week will be spent working injured players back into the lineup and analyzing what has gone wrong for a team that had tried to foster a culture of expectations.
They will do it on the heels of one of the most embarrassing losses in franchise history, when they failed to gain 100 yards in a 31-0 beatdown in Kansas City on Sunday that could have been a lot worse.
One issue was the offense was missing its top two pass catchers in wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (knee, toe) and tight end Brock Bowers (knee).
Carroll hopes both will be back when the Raiders host the Jaguars on Nov. 2, along with star defensive end Maxx Crosby, who left Sunday’s game with knee and back injuries.
“Brock should be ready to go,” Carroll said of Bowers, who has missed three games. “Jakobi was close (after working out pregame). He should be ready to go. Gives us a chance to get Maxx, too.”
Sam Darnold Gets Scathing Grade After 2 Major Mistakes vs. Dominant Texans Defense
Sam Darnold’s struggles were on full display during the San Francisco 49ers' tough matchup against the Houston Texans, as the young quarterback received a poor grade following his performance, which included two critical mistakes. Despite facing a tough Texans defense, Darnold’s inability to avoid costly errors has left fans and analysts questioning his readiness as a starter in the 49ers’ offense.
Darnold, who has been filling in for an injured Brock Purdy, was under heavy pressure from the Texans’ defense throughout the game, but it was his own missteps that ultimately doomed the 49ers in their 23-17 loss. The two major mistakes—a brutal interception and a missed wide-open throw—have sparked widespread criticism from both the media and the fanbase.
The first major mistake came early in the game, when Darnold, under duress from the Texans’ pass rush, threw an ill-advised interception that set up a quick Texans touchdown. The ball was thrown into coverage, allowing Houston’s defense to capitalize on the turnover, giving them momentum they wouldn’t relinquish.
“It was a bad decision,” Darnold said after the game. “I tried to force something that wasn’t there, and it hurt us. I have to be smarter with the ball.”
The second critical error came later in the game, when Darnold missed a wide-open Deebo Samuel on a potential game-tying touchdown. With the pocket collapsing, Darnold hurried the throw, which sailed wide of the target. A more accurate pass could have set up the 49ers for a game-winning drive, but instead, the chance slipped away.
“The missed throw was tough,” Darnold admitted. “I saw Deebo, and I know I can make that throw, but I rushed it, and it cost us.”
NFL analysts have been quick to point out that while Darnold showed flashes of his potential, the costly mistakes exposed weaknesses in his decision-making and composure under pressure. Some are even questioning whether he is ready to take on the role of the 49ers' starting quarterback, especially with the team in the hunt for a playoff spot.
“Darnold has the tools to succeed, but his lack of consistency and ability to execute under pressure is a major concern,” said former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. “Against a defense like the Texans, those kinds of mistakes are amplified. And in a tight playoff race, that’s not something the 49ers can afford.”
Head coach Kyle Shanahan defended Darnold, acknowledging that mistakes happen, but also emphasizing the need for improvement. “Sam is still adjusting to this offense and to playing under the bright lights. We’re confident he can grow from this performance, but he knows he has to be better. We need him to limit those mistakes moving forward.”
Despite the criticism, Darnold will have an opportunity to bounce back, but with Purdy’s return still uncertain, the pressure is on to perform at a higher level. The 49ers will need better decision-making from their quarterback if they hope to stay in contention for the playoffs.
For now, Darnold will have to take the lessons from this tough loss to the Texans and move forward, hoping to clean up his game before the 49ers' next big matchup. As for the fans and analysts, they’ll be watching closely to see if he can redeem himself or if his mistakes will continue to haunt the 49ers’ playoff hopes.
