The Las Vegas Raiders, with a 2-12 record, are enduring a tumultuous season marked by injuries and underperformance. As they prepare to host the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Raiders are focused on salvaging some positives from a challenging year and evaluating talent for future considerations. Offensively, the Raiders have faced significant adversity. The loss of star wide receiver Davante Adams, who was traded earlier in the season, has left a void in the passing game. Quarterback Gardner Minshew, acquired mid-season, has been thrust into the starting role following injuries to the quarterback corps. Minshew has accumulated 2,500 passing yards with 15 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, showing flashes of competence but also inconsistency. The offensive line has struggled to provide adequate protection, allowing 30 sacks, which has disrupted offensive rhythm and limited downfield opportunities. The running game has been a significant weakness, averaging a league-low 79.1 rushing yards per game. Running backs Josh Jacobs and Zamir White have been unable to establish any momentum behind an inconsistent offensive line. Jacobs, who was expected to replicate his 2022 rushing title success, has been held to just 650 rushing yards with 4 touchdowns this season. The lack of a viable ground game has forced the Raiders to rely heavily on their passing attack, which has become predictable for opposing defenses. Without Davante Adams, Minshew has leaned on rookie wide receiver Tre Tucker and tight end Michael Mayer, both of whom have flashed potential but lack the consistency of a veteran presence. The offensive line’s struggles have been at the center of the team’s offensive woes. Injuries and frequent personnel changes have prevented the unit from building cohesion, leading to protection breakdowns and ineffective run blocking. For the Raiders to find success against the Jaguars, they must find a way to give Minshew time to operate and open lanes for Jacobs or White to exploit. Defensively, the absence of star edge rusher Maxx Crosby has significantly impacted the unit’s ability to pressure quarterbacks. Crosby, who was on pace for another double-digit sack season before being placed on injured reserve, accounted for nearly half of the Raiders’ sack total. Without him, the defense has managed just 4 sacks over the last three games, allowing opposing quarterbacks ample time to pick apart the secondary. The Raiders’ pass defense, ranked last in the league, has been torched for 264 passing yards per game, and they will need to tighten their coverage against Jacksonville’s offense, even if it is led by backup quarterback Mac Jones. The run defense has fared slightly better but remains inconsistent. Defensive tackles Bilal Nichols and Jerry Tillery have had flashes of strong interior play, but the unit as a whole has struggled to prevent chunk plays on the ground. Linebackers Divine Deablo and Luke Masterson will need to step up to contain Jacksonville’s Travis Etienne Jr., who remains a threat to break off explosive runs if given space. On special teams, kicker Daniel Carlson remains a bright spot, converting 88% of his field goal attempts, including multiple makes from 50 yards or longer. However, the punt coverage team has been a liability, allowing significant return yardage that has often put the defense in tough field position. Carlson’s accuracy and field position control from punter AJ Cole will be crucial for a Raiders team that cannot afford to give the Jaguars easy scoring opportunities. The Raiders’ keys to victory lie in controlling the pace of the game and capitalizing on turnovers. Gardner Minshew must limit mistakes, utilize short passes to move the chains, and rely on Tre Tucker’s speed to challenge Jacksonville’s suspect secondary. The defense must focus on containing Etienne and forcing Mac Jones into uncomfortable situations where he is prone to turnovers. With Allegiant Stadium providing a supportive home crowd, the Raiders will look to deliver a much-needed win in front of their fans. While the playoffs are out of reach, a victory against Jacksonville would serve as a positive note in an otherwise forgettable season and provide momentum heading into the offseason. For head coach Antonio Pierce, this game is also an opportunity to evaluate young talent and lay the foundation for what promises to be an important offseason for the franchise.