Snap Count Analysis Shared After Game by the Las Vegas Raiders

In the 24 hours following every Las Vegas Raiders game, the team’s analytics department releases a detailed snap count analysis—a document that breaks down how many plays each player participated in on offense, defense, and special teams. For fans, analysts, and even the coaching staff, this report is more than just a list of numbers; it’s a window into the Raiders’ game plan, injury management, and strategic priorities. After their Week 12 win over the Minnesota Vikings, the Raiders’ latest snap count analysis revealed surprising trends, from increased playing time for young defensive players to a shift in how the offense utilizes its skill position group. Snap Count Analysis Shared After Game by the Las Vegas Raiders explores the key takeaways from this post-game report, how it reflects the team’s current strategy, and what it means for future matchups.

The first notable trend in the snap count analysis is the Raiders’ defensive line rotation, which saw significant playing time for backup defensive tackle Adam Butler. Against the Vikings, Butler logged 42 snaps (58% of defensive plays)—a sharp increase from his season average of 28 snaps per game. This uptick came after starting defensive tackle Bilal Nichols left the game in the first quarter with a shoulder injury, forcing the coaching staff to rely more on Butler and rookie defensive tackle Neil Farrell Jr. (who logged 29 snaps). The analysis showed that Butler held his own, recording two tackles and a quarterback hit, while Farrell contributed one tackle for loss. For the Raiders, this rotation highlights the team’s depth at defensive tackle—a position that was a concern earlier in the season. The snap count data also revealed that defensive end Maxx Crosby played 71 snaps (97% of defensive plays), a testament to his durability and importance to the pass rush. Snap Count Analysis Shared After Game by the Las Vegas Raiders frames this defensive line usage as a key adjustment that helped the Raiders limit the Vikings’ rushing attack to just 98 yards.

On the offensive side, the snap count analysis shed light on the Raiders’ use of their tight end group, which has evolved since the return of Darren Waller. Waller, who missed three games with a hamstring injury, logged 56 snaps (78% of offensive plays) against the Vikings—slightly less than his pre-injury average of 65 snaps per game. In his place, backup tight end Foster Moreau played 24 snaps (33%), while third-string tight end Jesper Horsted logged 8 snaps. The analysis showed that the Raiders used more two-tight end sets (22 plays) than they had in Waller’s absence, which allowed them to block more effectively in the running game (the Raiders rushed for 124 yards) and create mismatches in the passing game (Waller and Moreau combined for 6 catches and 72 yards). This usage suggests the Raiders are easing Waller back into full action to avoid re-injury, while also leveraging the depth of their tight end room. Snap Count Analysis Shared After Game by the Las Vegas Raiders emphasizes how this cautious approach to Waller’s snaps balances short-term production with long-term health.

For the Las Vegas Raiders, the special teams snap count analysis revealed a focus on improving coverage units, which had struggled in previous weeks. Against the Vikings, special teams ace Andre James logged 18 snaps (100% of special teams plays)—the most of any player on the unit—while rookie safety Isaiah Pola-Mao played 16 snaps (89%). This increased usage paid off: the Raiders’ punt coverage unit held the Vikings to an average of 4.2 yards per return, and their kickoff coverage unit didn’t allow a return longer than 22 yards. The analysis also showed that kicker Daniel Carlson and punter AJ Cole each played all of their respective special teams snaps, with Carlson making both of his field goal attempts (38 and 45 yards) and Cole averaging 46.5 yards per punt. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this special teams data confirms that the adjustments made by coordinator Tom McMahon—including more reps for defensive-minded players like Pola-Mao—are starting to pay off. Snap Count Analysis Shared After Game by the Las Vegas Raiders explores how this special teams snap distribution is a key part of the Raiders’ effort to fix a previously inconsistent unit.

The Las Vegas Raiders’ snap count analysis also highlighted the limited playing time for some young offensive players, which has sparked questions about their development. Rookie wide receiver Tre Tucker, a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, logged just 12 snaps (17% of offensive plays) against the Vikings—down from his season average of 18 snaps per game. The analysis showed that Tucker was targeted once in the passing game but didn’t record a catch, while veteran wide receivers Davante Adams (71 snaps, 98%) and Hunter Renfrow (52 snaps, 72%) dominated the playing time. This usage suggests the Raiders are prioritizing experience over youth in their wide receiver room, especially with playoff hopes still alive. However, it also raises concerns about Tucker’s development, as limited snaps make it harder for young players to gain game-day experience. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the snap count data here presents a dilemma: stick with proven veterans to win now, or give rookies more reps to build for the future. Snap Count Analysis Shared After Game by the Las Vegas Raiders notes that this balance will be a key consideration for the coaching staff in the final weeks of the season.

Finally, the snap count analysis shared by the Las Vegas Raiders provides valuable context for the team’s upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. For example, the data shows that the Raiders’ cornerbacks played heavy snaps against the Vikings (Amik Robertson logged 71 snaps, 97%), which will be critical against the Chargers’ pass-heavy offense. It also reveals that the Raiders’ running backs split snaps evenly (Josh Jacobs: 41, Zamir White: 39), a trend that could continue if the Chargers focus on stopping Jacobs. Additionally, the analysis of Waller’s snap count suggests he’ll likely play 60-70 snaps against the Chargers—enough to contribute but not so many that he’s at risk of re-injury. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this post-game snap count analysis isn’t just a recap of the past; it’s a tool to prepare for the future. Head coach Josh McDaniels has previously referenced snap count data in press conferences, saying, “We use these numbers to make sure we’re putting our players in the best position to succeed each week.” Snap Count Analysis Shared After Game by the Las Vegas Raiders concludes that this detailed breakdown of playing time is a critical part of the Raiders’ game-planning process, helping them adjust their strategy, manage injuries, and maximize their chances of winning as the playoff race heats up.