In a tough Week 7 matchup, the Las Vegas Raiders suffered a crushing 31-0 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs, and one player is feeling the sting both on and off the field. The NFL announced its Week 7 Gameday Accountability fines on October 25, and Raiders defender Isaiah Pola-Mao is facing a hefty penalty that adds insult to injury during the team’s bye week.
Pola-Mao was fined $17,278 for unnecessary roughness after using his helmet during a play in the first quarter at the 8:51 mark. This marks the second time this season that the Raiders safety has been hit with a fine for the same violation. Back in Week 3, Pola-Mao was docked an identical $17,278 for a similar helmet-use incident. The repeat offense raises questions about whether he can avoid a third fine as the season progresses.
Under the NFL and NFLPA’s agreed-upon fine structure, players are informed of potential penalties before the season begins. Those facing fines, like Pola-Mao, can appeal to a panel of former players, including Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, and Jordy Nelson, who are jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA.
The Chiefs also had a player disciplined in the same game. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy was fined $11,593 for unsportsmanlike conduct due to a taunting incident with 10:10 remaining in the third quarter. While the fine stings, Worthy can take solace in his team’s dominant victory, leaving the Chiefs with a smile and the Raiders licking their wounds at 2-5 heading into the bye week.
The Raiders’ struggles extend far beyond fines and on-field penalties. Their offense has been under fire, particularly after a lackluster performance against Kansas City. According to ESPN, Las Vegas ranks 29th in the NFL in passing, averaging just 182.7 yards per game through the air. Only the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans have fared worse. Quarterback Geno Smith has thrown 10 interceptions against just seven touchdown passes, drawing significant criticism.
However, NBC NFL analyst Chris Simms pointed the finger at offensive coordinator Chip Kelly rather than Smith. On the October 20 edition of Pro Football Talk, Simms called Kelly’s play-calling “too simple” and suggested he’s in over his head. “His offense is too easy to figure out,” Simms said. “For a guy like [Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo], he was like, ‘What is this? This is kindergarten stuff for me.’”
Simms argued that Kelly’s predictable schemes have hindered the offense, giving quarterbacks like Smith little room to succeed. As the Raiders head into their bye week, they face mounting pressure to address their offensive woes and avoid further missteps, both on the field and in the fine department. With trade deadline rumors swirling, the team has a lot to sort out before their next game.