We all know there was a ton of optimism coming into Week 1 for the Las Vegas Raiders. That optimism was quickly thwarted after a loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in their second home, SoFi. The Raiders did have more fans, but they lost that battle, too. There was a lot of fan fighting in this one, and I think I only saw one where a Raiders’ fan was victorious. We’ll call the fight on the field, late in the 4th quarter, a draw for Raiders’ sake. Rough day all around.

Back to the game though. The Raiders got off to a promising start, at least from a defensive perspective. To be honest, they played well start to finish in this one. The D-line, minus Malcolm Koonce, who was placed on IR, was as advertised. Tyree Wilson was hurt in the game, too so the Raiders made some acquisitions leading into week 2. The defense got gashed a little late in the game, but you can only hold so long, it was just a couple plays, but they were big ones. The offense put them in terrible positions all game long with the lack of ball security, there were fumbles by both Zamir White and Gardner Minshew in the contest. On top of that, questionable decisions by Head Coach, Antonio Pierce, around the 50. Typically sure footed kicker, Daniel Carlson, also missed a FG in the game.

The errors are fixable, which is why there should still be plenty of optimism in Las Vegas. The defense is as advertised, the duo of Christian Wilkins and Maxx Crosby is going to give quarterbacks and offensive linemen fits all season. This also opens up plenty of opportunities for the secondary to come down with some takeaways, where Jack Jones looked even better than the second half of last season. The defense was always the optimism leader this offseason.

Questions still surround the offense, the QB position for sure, but the RB1 position is also up for grabs. If Las Vegas can clean up the little things, and at the least, win the field position battle, they should win more often than not. Alexander Mattison is getting the start at running back this week. He was clearly the more effective runner last week, and the fumble by Zeus definitely opened the door for this switch. I’m a big Zeus fan, and believe he’ll get his touches and do just fine moving forward, he’s a bruiser. Davante Adam’s didn’t really get going last week, Brock Bowers is going to be unstable, and Jakobi Meyers is picking up where he left off last season. Stay optimist Raiders fans.

The Raiders take on Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens this week. I for one, have feared this QB/RB tandem since the signing of Derek Henry. Game planning for either is tough, let alone both. When they really get their connection down, that RPO is going to be so dangerous. Do you stuff the box to stop Henry, how to you contain the edge and the interior, oh and they can pass, damn.

With a new edge guy for the Raiders this week, it could get interesting if Baltimore can establish the run early. But if they can get that defensive push early, they could force some errant throws by Jackson and it could be a fun afternoon.

A lot of “IFs” in this article, but that’s what keeps me optimistic in the Las Vegas Raiders. AP has these boys ready to run through a wall for him and the program, he’s brought that “Raider Way” back. He’s brought excitement to the team and the fans, and I for one refuse to give up that excitement after 1 very avoidable loss.

Find a way, today. Just Win Baby!

What do you think about the Raiders outlook?