The Las Vegas Raiders ended their NFL season on January 7th, 2024, with a lackluster 34-20 defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite some individual efforts, the team’s overall performance drew scrutiny, particularly their unproductive running game.
Running back Alexander Mattison, filling the lead role due to Ameer Abdullah’s absence from injury, managed just 20 yards on six carries, and caught four of his five targets for 11 yards. His performance was reflective of the Raiders' struggles throughout the season, as they ranked among the least explosive offenses. "It appeared Mattison was headed for increased workload, but instead, the Raiders somewhat abandoned the rushing attack," noted RotoBaller.
Week 18 marked the final game of the season, and the Raiders opted for only eight combined carries from their running backs, signaling serious issues with their offensive strategy. Quarterback Aidan O'Connell also added four rushes, but the lack of commitment to the run game was alarming. Mattison’s subpar average of 3.2 yards per carry encapsulated the team's troubles.
According to Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the Raiders entered this game with heightened expectations for Mattison, particularly after Abdullah was ruled out with a foot injury. While he was positioned as the starting running back, he struggled to shine, with only one rushing attempt following halftime, even as the team remained within one score for much of the contest.
The night was equally disappointing for the Raiders' other offensive plays, including tight end Tucker, who saw limited action until the game was out of reach. He finished with three receptions for 24 yards, failing to make his presence felt during the game's competitive phases.
This defeat brings up pressing questions about the Raiders' needs heading toward the offseason. With Mattison poised to hit free agency, the Raiders must evaluate their roster and plot their path forward. The future state of their backfield remains particularly uncertain as they contemplate options like Sincere McCormick, Zamir White, Dylan Laube, and Chris Collier.
Looking back, the Raiders had several holes to address on both sides of the ball, and this final performance suggests they might seek to bolster their roster through draft picks and free agency. Mattison, who has had his share of ups and downs, will likely be searching for another opportunity, perhaps hoping to latch onto another team as either starter or change-of-pace back.
The franchise, now entering the offseason, faces the challenge of assessing its underperforming players and strategizing for growth. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how the franchise chooses to address these issues leading up to the next season.
All-in-all, the Raiders' Week 18 performance served as both a conclusion to their season and as indicative of the broader challenges they face. With no playoffs on the horizon, the focus now shifts to rebuilding and seeking improvement for the future.