Around the AFC West: Christmas comes to L.A. Chargers
By Ellen Mathis
Las Vegas Raiders
Our Christmas Eve football game of the year blessed us with a rematch of the Immaculate Reception when the Raiders traveled to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. Earlier in the week, Franco Harris, who was scheduled to have his number retired, passed away making this game all the more meaningful for the Steelers. Honestly, I thought the Raiders would pull this off. They are the better team and have more to play for since they technically can still make the playoffs.
However, it appears that the magic of the Immaculate Reception was with the Steelers that night and they pulled off the last-second win on a beautiful pass from Kenny Pickett to George Pickens.
Then, in true Raider fashion, Derek Carr was given the ball to go tie up the game with a touchdown. We all know what happens when Carr gets those opportunities. Interception. And a bad one at that. What was he thinking? It makes absolutely no sense.
Now the Raiders’ hopes of the playoffs are really just some weird and never going to happen series of events. While we can’t completely write them off, let’s. The question now is what is going to happen for the Raiders in the offseason. Do they stick with Derek Carr who has proven time and time again that he does not have what it takes to get the Raiders to the Super Bowl? Do we see a potential Tom Brady to Las Vegas? There are certainly rumors circulating that something like that could happen.
Either way, we could be looking at some major changes in Sin City to try and get the Raiders competitive. They have plenty of talent but they need some leadership change if they want to be truly competitive.
Next week, the Raiders take on the 49ers. The 49ers are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now with a defense that is playing lights out and Brock Purdy, Mr. Irrelevant, who apparently thinks he is the second coming of Tom Brady? Either way, the team is playing out of their minds and I don’t think the Raiders stand a chance, especially if they can’t protect Carr. I’m seeing a multi-interception game for Carr in the future!