Raiders Rising: 3 Encouraging Signs Heading Into Week 11

Another week has passed, and another loss is on the board for the Las Vegas Raiders. This one stings a little more—it came against a division rival, and it was a game well within reach. While the Denver Broncos managed just 10 points, the Raiders’ offense couldn’t find the end zone.

Right now, the roster looks depleted and uninspired. Geno Smith showed grit by playing through injury to keep the offense afloat, but the rest of the unit struggled to match his effort. Special teams proved costly again, and kicker Daniel Carlson now finds himself under pressure after continued inconsistency on long attempts.

The Raiders finally fire Tom McMahon…

After watching special teams cost them multiple games, the Raiders finally pulled the plug. On Friday, Las Vegas dismissed special teams coordinator Tom McMahon, ending a stretch marked by repeated breakdowns—from blown field-goal protection to shaky kickoff coverage.

The issues resurfaced again against Denver. Poor lane discipline on kickoffs, a blocked punt by A.J. Cole and continued struggles from Daniel Carlson piled onto an already ugly résumé. Eventually, someone was bound to take the fall, and this time it was the special teams unit.

If only the fixes were as straightforward in the other two phases of football.

Kyu Blu Kelly stole the show with two interceptions…

Despite fighting to keep his starting job, Kelly hasn’t backed down. When you’re part of a unit surrendering among the most yards in the NFL, questions about your role are inevitable. But No. 36 delivered his response on the field Thursday—with two interceptions that spoke louder than any press conference.