Barring an improbable sequence of events the final two weeks of the season, the Raiders are going to miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season and third under head coach Jon Gruden. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Rams and Buffalo Bills are legitimate Super Bowl contenders at similar stages of their rebuilds, with head coaches
Rams, Bills in full flight in Year 4 under their head coaches, whereas Raiders still struggling for success under Jon Gruden in Year 3
If it’s true that much of what ails the Raiders has been a poor scheme fit on the defense, then improvements can be realized more quickly than what a total rebuild of talent would require. Putting players in position to realize their strengths rather than trying to make them fit a scheme could turn things around quickly. Not saying additional talent isn’t needed….just not a tear down. Imagine Littleton playing at his elite level. Mullen excelling at press coverage. Abram in the box instead of roaming the top end. Letting the players do what they do best. We just need a D coordinator who can see what the talent is and put them in their positions of strength. Then backfill the holes. This new hire is going to be critical. This team’s window is opening now.
Great analysis, Matt, and spot on. The best coordinators adjust their scheme to what best suits their players. Head coaches and general managers also play a huge role in this, as they can draft players based upon the skillset they have, in mind with how that meshes with their coordinators.
Great post Matt. I agree a lot of the problems boils down to the Raiders not putting players in positions and schemes that match their skills. That’s at least part of the reason why free agents aren’t working out on defence. Littleton for example didn’t forget how to play football. He is playing the wrong role for him.
Also, I don’t think Gruden knows anything about drafting either. Reaching all the time for guys they like similar to a first year fantasy football owner.