Raiders Week 4 focal point is stabilizing the interior line against Chicago. Vegas shuffled left guard and center, with Alex Cappa stepping in at right guard as Jackson Powers-Johnson heals, while Jordan Meredith remains in flux. The run game has lagged and Ashton Jeanty has all rushing yards after contact. The Bears’ interior defense is watchful, but Gervon Dexter provides a real interior rush threat. Kickoff is 1:00 p.m. PT on CBS.

Geno Smith's latest outing vs. the Chargers isn’t the end of the Raiders’ quarterback debate, but a reminder that growth is needed with a young cast. The mailbag sees potential top-12 upside for Smith if he refines anticipation and decision-making. Ashton Jeanty’s burst stands out, yet eight missed tackles on 30 carries and an elite-but-necessary line improvement loom as the key to unlocking the Raiders’ rushing attack. The piece weighs interior-line shuffles, Parham’s role, and potential inserts as the season unfolds, using Barkley behind an elite line as a yardstick for what blocking can unlock. It also highlights Washington’s looming test and the ongoing push-pull across coaching decisions and personnel.

Overall, the message is cautious optimism: don’t panic over one game, but recognize the trenches must improve for the offense to reach its ceiling. The discussion points toward a real chance for incremental upgrades—from Putnam and Rogers to Powers-Johnson at center—and a few shuffles that could stabilize the Raiders’ run game and protect Smith as the season progresses.