Con tres partidos por disputar en la temporada regular, el liderazgo dentro de los Raiders será puesto a prueba en la búsqueda por clasificar a la postemporada.
No hay forma de negar que el Plata y Negro necesitaba ganar el domingo pasado ante los Colts, pero la esperanza es lo último que muere. Los partidos que quedan por disputar son ante los Chargers, Dolphins y Broncos por lo que los Raiders necesitarán reenfocar su atención en corregir sus errores antes de pensar en la postemporada.
Recalibrar el enfoque del equipo pondrá presión en los jugadores en posiciones de liderazgo para marcar la pauta, pero una el vestidor esta repleto de lideres veteranos y algunos más que están alzando la voz.
"Tenemos liderazgo veterano en el equipo, también tenemos gran liderazgo por parte de los jóvenes," dijo el ala cerrada Foster Moreau. "Es decir, jugadores que tienen 23, 24, menos de 25 años pueden ser líderes en este equipo, en particular, Johnathan Abram. Es un líder extrovertido del equipo y por su parte Josh Jacobs no dice mucho, pero cuando lo hace, impacta. Así que el liderazgo en el vestidor marcará la pauta y estaremos bien para jugar el jueves."
Como si la presión de terminar bien la temporada no fuera suficiente, los Raiders tendrán que prepararse para el primero de esos últimos tres partidos con una semana corta contra sus rivales divisionales, los Chargers, quienes ganaron con un gol de campo de ultimo momento en contra de los Atlanta Falcons.
Los Chargers tienen mucho talento y no hay que menospreciarlos, por ello los Raiders necesitarán olvidar su desempeño ante los Colts y enfocarse para el partido del Jueves por la Noche.
"Este partido no será recordado por mucho tiempo," dijo Moreau. "Todos revisaremos el filme, necesitamos hacer correcciones, pero no tenemos tiempo de lamentar nuestros errores porque el jueves enfrentaremos a un buen equipo. No sé como se sientan, pero estoy seguro que no vienen para perder. Así que tenemos que enfocarnos."
A pesar de perder 44-27 ante los Colts, no todo fue malo para los Raiders, en particular en la ofensiva. Moreau tuvo un buen año de novato al atrapar cinco pases de anotación en 13 partidos, pero hace un año se lesionó la rodilla. Desde entonces el egresado de LSU ha superado varios obstáculos y en contra de los Colts jugó como antes al atrapar su único pase y llegar a las diagonales recorriendo 47 yardas. Mientras que Darren Waller es el ala cerrada titular, Moreau aprecie el aprendizaje que ha tenido bajo su tutela y la del veterano Jason Witten.
"Para añadir al liderazgo que recibí el año pasado por parte de Frank Smith, Derek Carrier y obvio Darren, añadir a Jason Witten al grupo me ha enseñado como ser un profesional y considerar el deporte como tal," dijo Moreau. "No regresaría este año por nada. Es una especie de mantra que tenemos, 'Estar donde están tus pies.' Le encanta decir a Witten, lo dijo hace dos años después de que se retiró de los Dallas Cowboys después de 15 años. 'El secreto está en la tierra', es lo que aplicamos y nos ha enseñado como vivir nuestras vidas de esa manera, en particular durante la temporada. No ha nada mejor."
Los Raiders tienen liderazgo en varias posiciones claves del equipo y cada uno de ellos será necesario para mantener el vestidor animado conforme se acerca el fin de la temporada.
View photos from the Raiders' Week 14 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson (26), linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44), defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (91) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Vic Beasley (51) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
The Raiders special teams unit huddles during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cory Littleton (42) and cornerback Isaiah Johnson (31) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Raekwon McMillan (54) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) and defensive end Kendal Vickers (91) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
The Raiders offense huddles during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4), running back Josh Jacobs (28), guard Gabe Jackson (66), center Rodney Hudson (61) and tackle Denzelle Good (71) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) heads to the end zone on a 47-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) heads to the end zone on a 47-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) heads to the end zone on a 47-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) heads to the end zone on a 47-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) celebrates after making a 47-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) celebrates with Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) after making a 47-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive end Arden Key (99) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) and cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and running back Devontae Booker (23) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (12) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Keelan Doss (18) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) makes a 21-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) makes a 21-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) makes a 21-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) makes a 21-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) celebrates with wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) after making a 21-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) celebrates with teammates after making a 21-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Nelson Agholor (15) celebrates with teammates after making a 21-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dallin Leavitt (32) and kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
The Raiders defense makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Denzelle Good (71), tackle Kolton Miller (74) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61), running back Josh Jacobs (28) and tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) and defensive end Vic Beasley (51) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) and defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) and defensive end Vic Beasley (51) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and tight end Foster Moreau (87) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (12) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (12) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 25-yard field goal during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44), safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) and linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (44), safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) and linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) and fullback Alec Ingold (45) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jason Witten (82), tackle Trent Brown (77), guard Gabe Jackson (66), center Rodney Hudson (61), tackle Denzelle Good (71), running back Devontae Booker (23) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45) and running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Alec Ingold (45), kicker Daniel Carlson (2) and linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Devontae Booker (23) rushes during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a PAT during the regular season game against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium.
