Overcoming Early Losses Defines Season for the Las Vegas Raiders

The 2024 NFL season will be remembered for many things for the Las Vegas Raiders, but none more defining than their ability to overcome a rocky start. After dropping four of their first six games—including a humiliating 31-14 loss to the Chicago Bears and a last-second defeat to the Denver Broncos—the Raiders were written off by most analysts, who pegged them as a team destined for another losing season. Yet, what followed was a remarkable resurgence: seven wins in their next eight games, a climb up the AFC standings, and a legitimate shot at the playoffs. This journey from the brink of irrelevance to playoff contention isn’t just a story of wins and losses—it’s a testament to the team’s resilience, adaptability, and mental toughness. Overcoming Early Losses Defines Season for the Las Vegas Raiders explores how those early setbacks became the catalyst for change, shaping the team’s identity and setting the stage for one of the most memorable turnarounds in recent NFL history.

Overcoming Early Losses Defines Season for the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the brutal reality of the early-season struggles that tested the team’s resolve. Through six weeks, the Raiders looked like a disjointed unit: quarterback Aidan O’Connell struggled with decision-making (six interceptions), the offensive line allowed 18 sacks, and the defense ranked 28th in points allowed (26.5 per game). The low point came in Week 6 against the Bears, where the Raiders committed four turnovers, surrendered 173 rushing yards, and failed to score a touchdown in the second half. After the game, the locker room was quiet—players sat at their lockers staring at their phones, while coaches huddled to discuss what went wrong. “That loss hurt, but it also woke us up,” said Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby. “We realized we weren’t playing like a team—we were playing for ourselves. We had two choices: fold or fight. We chose to fight.” What made the early losses even more frustrating was the talent on the roster: with stars like Crosby, wide receiver Davante Adams, and running back Josh Jacobs, the Raiders had the pieces to compete—they just weren’t putting it all together. The coaching staff, led by Antonio Pierce, knew that fundamental changes were needed, both on and off the field.

A pivotal moment in the turnaround was the team’s closed-door meeting after the Week 6 loss to the Bears, where players and coaches laid everything on the line. Unlike past meetings that devolved into finger-pointing, this one was marked by honesty and accountability. Veterans like Adams and Crosby spoke first, taking responsibility for not leading by example. O’Connell admitted he was trying to do too much, while the offensive line acknowledged their poor pass protection. Coaches, too, took blame: offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi conceded that the playbook was too complex, and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham admitted his scheme wasn’t leveraging the team’s strengths. “That meeting was a game-changer,” Pierce said. “We stopped making excuses and started looking for solutions. Everyone left that room with a clear understanding of their role and what they needed to do to get better.” The results were immediate: in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions, the Raiders played with a newfound intensity, winning 27-24 on a game-winning field goal. O’Connell completed 72% of his passes, Jacobs rushed for 112 yards, and the defense recorded three sacks. It was the first sign that the Raiders were turning things around—and that the early losses had taught them valuable lessons.

A critical part of Overcoming Early Losses Defines Season for the Las Vegas Raiders is the tactical adjustments that followed the early struggles—changes that transformed the team’s performance and solidified the Las Vegas Raiders’ status as a playoff contender. Lombardi simplified the offensive playbook, focusing on short, quick passes to reduce O’Connell’s decision-making burden and leaning more heavily on Jacobs’ downhill running style. The offensive line, which had been a liability, began practicing extra reps together, focusing on communication and technique. Defensively, Graham shifted to a more aggressive scheme, increasing blitzes by 15% and using rookie defensive tackle Byron Young in more pass-rushing roles. These tweaks paid off in a big way: since Week 7, the Raiders have averaged 28.5 points per game (12th in the NFL) and allowed just 19.2 points per game (11th in the NFL). “The early losses forced us to look in the mirror and make changes,” Lombardi said. “We weren’t going to win with the same approach that got us to 2-4. For the Las Vegas Raiders, adaptability has been key—and those early setbacks gave us the push we needed to evolve.” The Raiders’ ability to adjust on the fly has been particularly impressive against tough opponents: they’ve beaten three teams with winning records since Week 7, including a 24-21 come-from-behind win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Another factor that defines the Raiders’ season is the growth of young players who stepped up in the wake of early losses—a development that has strengthened the Las Vegas Raiders’ long-term outlook. Rookie defensive tackle Byron Young, who had just one sack in the first six games, emerged as a disruptive force, recording four sacks and eight tackles for loss in the next eight games. Second-year safety Tre’von Moehrig, who struggled with consistency early, became a ball hawk in the secondary, recording four interceptions since Week 7. Even O’Connell, in his first full season as a starter, showed significant growth—reducing his interception rate from 3.2% to 1.5% and leading three game-winning drives. “Early losses can either break young players or make them,” said general manager Tom Telesco. “For our guys, they made them. They learned from their mistakes, they worked harder, and they became better players because of it. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this growth is invaluable—it’s not just about winning now, but building a core of players who can lead us for years to come.” The young players’ development has also taken pressure off veterans like Adams and Crosby, creating a more balanced team dynamic that has been critical to the Raiders’ success.

Wrapping up Overcoming Early Losses Defines Season for the Las Vegas Raiders is the mental toughness and team cohesion that emerged from the early struggles—qualities that have become the defining characteristics of this Las Vegas Raiders squad. Unlike past seasons where early losses led to locker-room division, this year’s team united around a common goal. Players stayed late after practice to work on drills together, veterans hosted film sessions at their homes, and Pierce emphasized a “one game at a time” mindset that prevented the team from getting overwhelmed. This cohesion was on full display in Week 14 against the Chargers, where the Raiders erased a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit to win 24-21. “Mental toughness is something you can’t teach—it’s something you build through adversity,” Pierce said. “Those early losses tested us, but they also brought us closer. We learned to trust each other, to believe in each other, and to never give up—no matter how bad things get. For the Las Vegas Raiders, that’s the legacy of this season.” As the Raiders head into the final weeks of the regular season, that mental toughness remains their greatest asset. They’ve proven they can overcome adversity, adapt to change, and grow from their mistakes—qualities that will serve them well in the playoffs and beyond. Overcoming Early Losses Defines Season for the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately shows that success isn’t about avoiding failure—it’s about how you respond to it. And this Raiders team has responded with one of the most inspiring turnarounds in recent NFL history.