Offensive line woes doom Raiders in 1st loss of season

Updated Oct. 5, 2021 5:13 p.m. ET

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The offensive line problems that have plagued the Las Vegas Raiders early this season finally led to a loss.

The young group couldn't create any room in the running game or protect Derek Carr well enough against Joey Bosa and the Los Angeles Chargers in a

“We’re not going to hit the panic button,” coach Jon Gruden said Tuesday. “We have to keep coaching and keep developing these guys. Sometimes the medicine is what we all need. We all need a taste of that medicine even if we don't like the taste. You have to get back to work and get back on the horse. That horse will throw you off sometimes.”

The Raiders (3-1) were held to 2.7 yards per carry against the Chargers and allowed a season-high four sacks as the offseason decision to overhaul the line by trading away veterans Rodney Hudson, Gabe Jackson and Trent Brown in cost-cutting moves came back to bite them.

While fourth-year left tackle Kolton Miller has been stellar in pass protection all season, there have been issues at the other four spots. Backup guards John Simpson and Jermaine Eluemunor struggled in place of injured starters Richie Incognito and Denzelle Good, rookie Alex Leatherwood has had a rough adjustment to right tackle in the NFL, and center Andre James has looked overmatched.

The Raiders managed to overcome those deficiencies to win their first three games, including two in overtime after falling behind 14-0, but couldn't climb out of a 21-0 hole against the Chargers.

“When you get knocked down three times in the first round, it's tough to win the fight,” Gruden said.

WHAT’S WORKING

Deep throws to Henry Ruggs III. The Raiders called more deep shots for Ruggs with good success. Ruggs drew a 45-yard pass interference penalty against Asante Samuel Jr. on an underthrown ball from Carr to set up one TD and also caught a 51-yarder in the fourth quarter. Ruggs has caught four deep passes so far this season, one shy of the league lead and one shy of his total from last season.

WHAT NEEDS HELP

Early offense. The Raiders once again struggled to get going offensively, failing to generate a first down on any of their first four drives. They went

STOCK UP

Hunter Renfrow. The third-year slot receiver keeps delivering big plays. He had six catches for 45 yards and his

“One of the best plays I've ever seen,” Gruden said. “Effort, instincts, understanding the game and making a play.”

STOCK DOWN

WR Bryan Edwards. Edwards was nearly invisible coming off his most prolific game of his career. He had one catch for 4 yards on four targets.

INJURIES

The Raiders lost three CBs to injuries with Trayvon Mullen (foot), Nate Hobbs (concussion) and Damon Arnette (groin) all leaving the game. TE Derek Carrier (pectoral) and RB Peyton Barber (toe) also got hurt. Gruden had no update on the severity of those injuries.

KEY NUMBER

3.25. The Raiders rank 31st in the NFL in yards per carry The 3.25 mark is their lowest through four games since they averaged 3.04 through four games in 1993.

NEXT STEPS

Las Vegas hosts Chicago on Sunday.

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More AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

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Las Vegas Raiders

National Football League

Joey Bosa

Derek Carr

Rodney Hudson

Trent Brown

Alex Leatherwood

Denzelle Good

Richie Incognito

Andre James

Peyton Barber

Tevaughn Campbell

Hunter Renfrow

Jermaine Eluemunor

Trayvon Mullen

Bryan Edwards

Kolton Miller

Derek Carrier

Damon Arnette

Los Angeles Chargers

Las Vegas Raiders