The Raiders practiced on Thanksgiving in preparation for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The holiday did not soften the air around the facility. If anything, it made the work feel more stark. Las Vegas’ offense has stalled. Now, once again, Greg Olson has found himself in the familiar position of Offensive Coordinator, and being the one summoned to steady the ship.
Indeed, this is not new for the Raiders, or Olson. His history with the Raiders reads like a dossier of midseason upheaval. Dennis Allen hired him in 2013. Tony Sparano kept him on the following year. In 2021, he took over play calling after Jon Gruden’s resignation and the team, shaken yet determined, found a way into the postseason.
Olson: Next Man Up
As the Raiders sit 2-9, it’s the next man up—for a third time after the 23-10 loss to Cleveland, a loss that felt heavier than the score. Predictably, Las Vegas parted ways with Chip Kelly after the team’s offense had completely lost its shape. The timing was gone. More importantly, the trust, by head coach Pete Carroll’s own admission, had grown thin.
“It is too painful where we were, and the play has not been good enough,” Carroll said.
Meanwhile, Olson did not arrive to the podium this week as Interim OC with slogans or promises for the Raiders. He spoke instead like someone who understood the work ahead.
“We are constantly evaluating the personnel, trying to get the right person out on the field,” he said. “We are all a part of it. We all gotta get better. Getting the ball out on time. Timing routes. Running backs involved in protection. We have all gotta get better.”
At the same time, there is a quiet subplot to Olson’s return. A return to the run game. A belief, almost old fashioned kind, of optimism that physicality can restore identity.
Leaning Into a Stronger Ground Game
Unsurprisingly, the idea resonates with rookie Ashton Jeanty. Young backs tend to chase yards. Jeanty is doing his best to chase meaning. Unfortunately, his ankle tightened late against the Browns, a nagging injury that lingers in the imagination as much as in the joint. Still, his eyes brightened when asked about a run-first mindset. Of the 268 total yards vs Cleveland, just 60 of those came from the run game.
“It’s exciting for sure,” he said. “Reemphasizing the detail on it. Not just for me, but the whole team to help us win.”
When Vegas Sports Today pointed out that the team’s 2025 sixth overall pick has as many receiving touchdowns as rushing scores this season, the rookie did not dwell on the distinction. Overall, he has 604 rushing yards and another 136 receiving yards, giving him 740 total yards from scrimmage. Yet, it makes no difference how the ball finds him. Jeanty just wants the opportunity to help the team.
“Getting the ball in open space or coming out of the backfield does not matter,” he said. “It has been great to show my game is versatile,” he told Vegas Sports Today.
No Big Changes In Store From Olson
When asked about Olson taking over the offense again for the Raiders, Jeanty answered like someone who understood the calendar. Hope mixed with realism.
“It is kind of too late in the season to change a bunch of things around,” he said. “Hopefully, we can be more efficient with the ball and put some more points on the board.”
Ultimately, next man up is a phrase meant to inspire. That is to say, for the Raiders, it now marks the beginning of another chapter that will reveal whether this team possesses the resolve to write a different ending.
Where to watch Raiders vs. Chargers on Sunday
When: Sunday, Nov. 30
Time: 1:25 p.m. PT
TV: CBS
Stream: Paramount+
