NFL Week 2 Power Rankings Roundup: Raiders fall but not far

It’s safe to say the Raiders weren’t all that high in the power rankings to start this season. But they are lower now after their showing in the season opener against the Chargers.

If this were based on defense alone, the Raiders would be much higher. But unfortunately they don’t have an elite QB and their offensive line showed it very much still has major issues. Those are pretty important, obviously, and their ranking across the networks reflects that.

ESPN

Current Ranking: 28th

Last Week’s Ranking: 27th

Author: Paul Gutierrez

Author’s Take:

The No. 13 draft pick had a solid performance in the Raiders’ loss to the Chargers. Though Bowers did not start, he led Las Vegas in targets (eight) and catches (six) for 58 receiving yards. Bowers, who sat out practice the final two weeks of the preseason nursing a foot injury, also played 68% of snaps on offense. His numbers are sure to go up as the Raiders find their footing going forward.

NFL Media

Current Ranking: 30th

Last Week’s Ranking: 29th

Author: Eric Edholm

Author’s Take:

It’s early, but the way Antonio Pierce handled a late fourth-and-1 call in Sunday’s loss discouraged me. The Raiders were down 16-10 halfway through the fourth quarter and at the Chargers’ 43-yard line — and they punted. Yes, two short-yardage runs were stuffed earlier in the game. But Gardner Minshew wasn’t playing badly outside of his fluky fumble, so the lack of faith in the ability of this offense to gain 1 yard in a critical spot … well, that speaks volumes. I don’t think the Raiders can play this passively and win many games. I’m not saying Pierce needs to go full Dan Campbell, but then again, what’s wrong with going full Dan Campbell? Isn’t Campbell sort of the archetype Pierce should be emulating? When you’ve got nothing, you’ve got nothing to lose. It can’t hurt to take a bolder approach against a pent-up Ravens team and Lamar Jackson in Baltimore this Sunday.

CBS Sports

Current Ranking: 30th

Last Week’s Ranking: 31st

Author: Pete Prisco

Author’s Take:

The defense was solid against the Chargers, but the offense didn’t do enough. But that defense will keep them in games.

USA Today

Current Ranking: 30th

Last Week’s Ranking: 29th

Author: Nate Davis

Author’s Take:

After getting whacked by the Bolts, they got to travel cross-country to visit the salty yet rested Ravens. Can you say Silver and Black and Blue?

Yahoo! Sports

Current Ranking: 25th

Last Week’s Ranking: 24th

Author: Frank Schwab

Author’s Take:

Antonio Pierce can motivate. That’s why he was hired as the full-time coach. But an absolutely inexcusable punt, on fourth-and-1 from the Chargers’ 43-yard line with less than seven minutes to go and the Raiders trailing by six points, is a blaring alarm. Pierce has to prove he’s good at all facets of the game, including managing it. That punt was a massive failure in that category.

Fox Sports

Current Ranking: 30th

Last Week’s Ranking: 29th

Author: David Helman

Author’s Take:

We’ll see how long the vibes last now that Antonio Pierce isn’t an interim hire. The Raiders’ first-year coach drew plenty of criticism when he decided to punt on fourth-and-1 from the Chargers’ 43-yard line midway through the fourth quarter while training by six. That decision led to a 92-yard Chargers touchdown drive, effectively ending the game. Fair or not, these are the types of moments that form a coach’s reputation. Pierce can’t afford to be on the wrong end of too many.

Sharp Sports Analysis

Current Ranking: 30th

Last Week’s Ranking: 27th

Author: Pamela Maldonado

Author’s Take:

The offensive line struggled with consistency and pass protection, allowing 4 sacks on Gardner Minshew, while the offense committed 3 turnovers (2 fumbles and an interception). Overall, while the defense showed some promise, holding the Chargers’ passing attack in check for most of the game, the offense and coaching struggled significantly. Antonio Pierce’s decision to punt on fourth and one from the Chargers’ 43 while down six in the fourth quarter is an early contender for the worst punt decision of the year.

Pro Football Focus

Current Ranking: 22nd

Last Week’s Ranking: —

Author: Thomas Valentine

Author’s Take:

Gardner Minshew was surprisingly impactful, but the Raiders couldn’t marry the passing game with a consistent rushing attack. The running back duo of Zamir White and Alexander Mattison rushed 18 times for 65 yards, both earning sub-55.0 PFF rushing grades and failing to eclipse 4.0 yards per attempt.