With three games to go in the regular season, the Las Vegas Raiders' leadership will be tested, as the team makes a push to the postseason.
There's no denying that the Silver and Black needed to win on Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts, but not all hope is lost. With the Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and Denver Broncos left on the schedule, the team will need to refocus its attention on correcting its mistakes before it can look ahead to the postseason.
Recalibrating the team's focus will put pressure on the players in leadership positions to step up, but this is a locker room filled with veteran leaders and even a few emerging ones.
"We got veteran leadership on this team, we have great leadership from young guys as well," second-year tight end Foster Moreau said postgame. "I mean, guys that are 23, 24, under 25 years old can lead this team, namely, Johnathan Abram. He's a great vocal leader on this team and Josh Jacobs, he doesn't say too much, but when he does, it's impactful. So, leadership in the locker room is going to step up and we're going to be right, and come Thursday ready to play."
As if the pressure of finishing the season strong wasn't enough, the Raiders will have to prepare for the first of their three final games on a short week. The division-rival Chargers are coming off of a game-winning field goal against the Atlanta Falcons, and look, we've said it before, the Bolts have a lot of talent on the roster and shouldn't be overlooked. The Raiders know they're going to need to put their performance against the Colts out of their mind in order to show up ready for the Chargers on Thursday.
"This game is going to have a short shelf life for us," Moreau said. "Everyone is going to watch the film, we're going to need to make corrections, but we don't have time to harp on our mistakes because we play a good Chargers team on Thursday. I don't know how they feel, but I'm sure they're not coming here to lose. So, we have to get our wits about us and press on."
Despite falling to the Colts 44-27, the Raiders weren't all bad, especially on offense. Moreau had an impressive rookie season, catching five touchdowns in 13 games, but around this time last year, he suffered a torn ACL. Since then, the former LSU Tiger has overcome numerous hurdles, and against the Colts he looked like his old self, taking his lone reception of the game 47 yards for a touchdown. While Darren Waller is the defacto No. 1 tight end on the Raiders' roster, Moreau has cherished learning from him, and especially veteran Jason Witten.
"To add to the leadership that I received last year with Frank Smith, Derek Carrier, and obviously with Darren, to add Jason Witten to that mix, he's really taught me how to be a professional and approach the game as such," he said. "I wouldn't take this year back for anything. Kind of a mantra that we preach is, 'Be where your feet are.' Witten loves to say — he said it two years ago after he retired from the Cowboys after 15 years — 'The secret is in the dirt,' and we kind of run with that, and he's taught us how to live our lives like that, especially in season — there's no one better."
The Raiders have leadership at several key positions on this team and each of them will be needed to keep the locker room in good spirits as the end of the season comes to a conclusion.
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.
