Raiders started fast in 2023
The Las Vegas Raiders have been fast starters in recent years.
The 2023 season was no different. According to a recent study by NFL analyst Warren Sharp, the Raiders had a plus-32 point lead after the first quarter in the combined 17-game regular-season schedule last season.
That was sixth highest total in the league. Here is the complete list:
lead after the 1st quarter across all games:
+73 – DAL
+59 – BAL
+52 – SF
+40 – PHI
+33 – DET
+32 – LV
+29 – DEN
+24 – KC
+19 – MIA
+18 – JAX
+16 – CHI
+16 – CIN
+13 – GB
+11 – LAR
+6 – SEA
+5 – BUF
+2 – LAC
-4 – TEN
-4 – ATL
-9 – PIT
-12 – IND
-13 – HOU
-17 – CAR
-18 – NO
-26 -…— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) June 7, 2024
All five teams that had a bigger total first-quarter lead than Las Vegas went to the playoffs in 2023. The Raiders, of course, finished 8-9.
So, while jumping out to leads is important, keeping those leads for the rest of the game is paramount and something the Raiders need to work on moving forward.
In other Raiders’ news:
- The key: The Raiders’ website looks at how cornerback Nate Hobbs is a key to the defense.
- Power rankings: Where do the Raiders’ rank in Pro Football Talk’s June NFL power rankings?
- Fantasy talk: PFF has a running back fantasy preview.