Raiders Fans Want Better Tackling and a Stronger Run Defense

On November 4, the Las Vegas Raiders were preparing for a weekend game against the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara. Las Vegas stood at 4-4, while San Francisco was 6-1. A weekly fan mailbag highlighted hopes for the team as it continues its rebuilding season, which has brought more success than expected.

One topic was how the Raiders use running backs Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. The view expressed in the mailbag was that Washington could handle most first- and second-down work, with Jeanty seeing more action on third downs, while both could be used in other situations. The two-back approach was described as fitting coach Klint Kubiak’s system.

Fans also stressed that the defense needs to improve against the run before the team can be considered a serious Super Bowl contender. The mailbag pointed to this season’s progress, alongside work in free agency and the draft, as part of a longer-term effort to build a playoff team.

Tackling was another major concern. The mailbag argued that missed tackles have repeatedly hurt the Raiders, including in a loss to the Buffalo Bills. It also highlighted fan enthusiasm on the road. After a game in New Jersey, Kubiak thanked supporters for their noise and backing, particularly in the fourth quarter.

The upcoming matchup carries emotional weight for Raiders fans because of the teams’ Oakland connection, though relatively few current Raiders remain from that era. The mailbag also expressed confidence in a young defensive-line prospect’s potential against San Francisco’s strong defensive front, while acknowledging he will need time to develop.