Raiders Struggle With Special Teams, Offensive Line in Week 3 Loss

The Las Vegas Raiders have faced a challenging start to their 2025 season, highlighted by a significant 41-24 loss to the Washington Commanders that exposed weaknesses across all phases, particularly in special teams and offensive line play. The Raiders' punter AJ Cole III and kicker Daniel Carlson have performed reliably, but coverage units have struggled, allowing big plays that contributed to the defeat. Offensive struggles are underscored by Geno Smith facing pressure on nearly 59% of his dropbacks, leading to multiple sacks, and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty not receiving enough opportunities to impact the game effectively. The Raiders are at risk of missing the playoffs, with a critical upcoming game against the Chicago Bears seen as a turning point; experts predict another loss unless the team improves quickly. The team's coaching staff acknowledges the need for better preparation and fundamental execution, especially in special teams and offensive line performance, and there is speculation about potential roster moves to address these issues. Despite the setbacks, there remains some optimism for player development and improvement as the season progresses, but the Raiders must act swiftly to avoid continuing their downward spiral.