Through the first two games, one of the biggest issues for the Las Vegas Raiders has been the play of the offensive line. The rushing attack led by Ashton Jeanty has really struggled, but it hasn't all been because of the rookie from Boise State.
With that, the team was looking for a much better performance in Week 3 against the Washington Commanders. Instead, it was once again another game where the Raiders were dominated on the line of scrimmage, as the Commanders dominated en route to the 41-24 win.
Quarterback Geno Smith was able to make some big plays throwing the ball, as he finished with 289 yards and three touchdowns. However, he was running for his life for much of the day, as he was sacked five times for 28 yards.
The Raiders ran the ball 28 times on the day for only 93 yards, which is only 3.3 yards per carry. Jeanty was able to have the best day of his career, as he ran the ball 17 times for 63 yards.
While they struggled to block the Commanders, the Raiders were also dominated when Washington had the ball.
The Commanders were playing without their star quarterback Jayden Daniels, but the defense struggled all day.
Marcus Mariota got the start against the Raiders, and he had a very good day against his former team. He was 15-of-21 for 207 yards and one touchdown, while rushing for another 40 yards and another score. Mariota had a clean pocket the entire day, and he was able to lean on a dominant rushing attack.
Washington rushed the ball 32 times for 201 yards and three touchdowns. That is good for 6.3 yards per carry.
Football goes through changes every few years, but one thing that has stayed consistent is the team that wins the line of scrimmage tends to win the game. For the Raiders, that has been an issue the entire season, and until that changes, the results are going to be the same.
Up next for the Raiders is a game against the Chicago Bears, who are coming off their first win of the season against the Dallas Cowboys. The Bears are kind of in the same position as the Raiders, as they have also struggled to win the line of scrimmage consistently as well.
Kickoff is set for next Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET, and the game will be on FOX.