Potent offense, porous defense and late-game intrigue. That formula played out in most Raiders games this season, so perhaps it was fitting that the Raiders finished their season with yet another game where those watching were left wondering what to make of Jon Gruden’s raggedy bunch. On the bright side, the Raiders rallied for a
Raiders limp into offseason with last-second victory over Broncos
Ugly win today. Any win over the Broncos is great.
Receiver, like Defensive End, should not be a glaring weakness given they chose a DE #4 and WR #12 overall the last 2 seasons. It’s an indictment of their evaluators.
For offense, Allen Robinson would be a significant signing via FA. However, he will be expensive.
For defense, they need a playmaker anywhere in the front 7, DT, DE, LB. They also need a legitimate starter at safety and potentially at slot corner. Needs abound. The cap might decrease due to the lack of revenue from no fans so they need to be smart.
I forgot to add, they need a DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR. No one learning on the job. They need an established DC who have the gravitas when he walks into the room. It’s like the opening scene of the movie Patton when actor George C Scott, in front of the flag, addresses the men before battle. “Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way. “- General Patton.
Ok, that’s a little dramatic. Just get a veteran DC to get the defense to be competent. We’re not asking for much. 🙂
So true. Merely getting to just average would be a great place to start.
This 8-8 record feels no different than last year’s 7-9 record. I agree with Ghost, the defense needs someone who can coach the talent on that side of the ball, evaluate talent to infuse into the defense, and get it playing decent. Gruden needs to be more flexible in his play calling. The first play of every game is a rush up the middle for Jacobs. When Carr is under center, that usually means a run play. He needs to find a way to get the receivers involved. You have to get your playmakers involved early and often, even if you have to force feed them to do so. Having Ruggs run routes without targets doesn’t help him develop.
This 8-8 record feels no different than last year’s 7-9 record. I agree with Ghost, the defense needs someone who can coach the talent on that side of the ball, evaluate talent to infuse into the defense, and get it playing decent. Gruden needs to be more flexible in his play calling. The first play of every game is a rush up the middle for Jacobs. When Carr is under center, that usually means a run play. He needs to find a way to get the receivers involved. You have to get your playmakers involved early and often, even if you have to force feed them to do so. Having Ruggs run routes without targets doesn’t help him develop.
When I played in games (soccer), if I didn’t get touches early in the game it was hard to get into the flow and find a rhythm. That usually meant that I was “off” my game. I would imagine it is the same for these playmakers in football.