VEGAS SPORTS REPORT: Raiders Search for Answers as Golden Knights Host Nashville

The Las Vegas Raiders face mounting concerns over a sputtering ground attack heading into Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills at Allegiant Stadium. Averaging just 82 yards per game—fifth-worst in the NFL—the struggling rushing game has placed added burden on quarterback Kirk Cousins and a vulnerable Raiders offense.

In Sunday’s 45-17 loss at New England, the Raiders rushed for just 38 yards, with starting running back Ashton Jeanty laboring for 27 yards on 10 carries.

Raiders Running Game Falters

Without run-game support, the Patriots relentlessly pressured Cousins, who at 38 has never relied on mobility. ESPN statistics show New England blitzed Cousins on 41.2% of his drop-back passes in the first half.

The Bills rank 28th in defensive blitz rate at 16.3% (36 blitzes through five games), according to Pro Football Reference, compared to a league average of 24.5%. However, after watching New England’s success on Sunday, Buffalo will likely look to dial up additional pressure.

With upcoming matchups against the New York Jets (36.9% blitz rate, 3rd in the NFL) and Los Angeles Rams (23.0%, 17th in the NFL), the path forward will only grow tougher if Las Vegas cannot revive its ground game.

Jeanty Battles Lingering Injuries

Compounding the issue, Jeanty is battling an ankle sprain and a flare-up of plantar fasciitis—a particularly grueling injury for a running back relying on explosive cuts and acceleration. Through five games, he has managed 291 yards on 88 carries (3.3 yards per carry) with zero touchdowns, following a standout rookie campaign in which he rushed for 975 yards on 266 carries (3.7 yards per carry).

“Earlier in the game, I needed to stay with the run,” Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said Monday, reflecting on the New England loss. “We were playing from behind all day, so it became a passing game. I didn’t need to abandon the running game so fast. I didn’t give it a chance to get going. So that’s on me.

“Ashton is beat up, and it’s a testament to how tough he is that he’s out there playing for his teammates,” Kubiak added.

Mendoza Makes Debut

Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza saw his first NFL action late in Sunday’s contest, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards. Kubiak advised media not to over-interpret the appearance, confirming Cousins remains the starter moving forward.

“This is an opportunity for us to move forward,” Kubiak said. “We have our whole season ahead of us, and we can’t let this game beat us. I told the guys, ‘What makes you a loser is pointing fingers at other people.’ We’re all trying to look inward at what we can do better and move forward.”

Golden Knights Face Predators

The Vegas Golden Knights (5-2-0) travel to Nashville tonight to face the Predators in the second game of a back-to-back set.

On Monday, the Golden Knights dropped a 4-2 decision to the Wild in Minnesota after falling behind 3-0 in the first period—marking the third time in seven games Vegas has yielded a 3-0 early deficit. Minnesota held the Knights scoreless on five power-play opportunities, snapping Las Vegas’ four-game winning streak.

Nashville Power Play Threatens

Vegas holds a one-point lead atop the Pacific Division ahead of the second-place Edmonton Oilers.

Meanwhile, Nashville earned four of six available points on its recent Canadian road swing. Forward Mitch Marner carries a three-game point streak into tonight’s matchup, while Steven Stamkos leads the Predators with seven points through five games.

Goaltender Adin Hill (2-0-0, 2.41 GAA, .886 save percentage) is expected to start in net for Las Vegas. The Knights’ penalty kill faces a stiff test against a Predators power play operating at 31.6%, fourth-best in the NHL.

NBA Spotlight Returns to Las Vegas

National basketball attention shifts to T-Mobile Arena tonight as the Los Angeles Lakers meet the Golden State Warriors in a high-profile exhibition matchup.

The showcase arrives as the NBA enters the final stages of selecting the winning ownership group for a Las Vegas expansion franchise.

On the court, the Lakers continue adapting following the departure of LeBron James, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers in free agency this offseason. Lakers head coach JJ Redick is actively evaluating a restructured roster now centered around Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves.

Dončić posted 23 points in 25 minutes during Thursday’s 114-110 preseason victory over the Sacramento Kings. Tonight’s contest offers a final dress rehearsal before the two divisional rivals square off in their regular-season opener on Oct. 21.