The last time the Raiders found themselves at the bottom of the AFC West was back in 2018, the same year Jon Gruden made his much-anticipated return as head coach. That season ended with a dismal 4-12 record, placing them among the worst teams in the NFL. It was a tough pill to swallow for Raiders fans, who had hoped Gruden's return would signal a quick turnaround.
Since that rocky start, however, the Raiders have managed to steer clear of the division's basement. Over the past four seasons, they've consistently performed better, finishing second in the division three times. As the new season approaches, fans and analysts alike are wondering if the Raiders can maintain their upward trajectory or if they'll slip back to the bottom.
Connor Orr of Sports Illustrated recently delved into the dynamics of the AFC West, offering insights on how he believes the Raiders will fare. His take on the Raiders was notably optimistic, suggesting that they might surprise some folks this year. According to Orr, the Raiders might not only avoid finishing last but could also turn some heads in the AFC. Here’s a standout quote from his article:
"Surprisingly scrappy but without a defined answer at quarterback, this team will be fun, inconsistent, and decidedly old school. As a subprediction, assistant head coach Marvin Lewis will reenergize his candidacy for both head coaching jobs and general manager jobs, for which I had always thought he’d be wonderfully suited."
It’s no secret that the Raiders have struggled to find a consistent quarterback. This uncertainty at the most critical position could be a significant hurdle. Despite this, Orr sees potential in their scrappy, old-school approach. He also highlights Marvin Lewis's impact, suggesting that his work with the team might rejuvenate his prospects for future head coaching or general manager roles. This kind of dynamic coaching presence could be a game-changer for the Raiders, injecting new energy and strategies into the team.
One of the key factors that could keep the Raiders competitive this season is their performance against divisional rivals, especially the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers. Historically, the Raiders have had a knack for winning these crucial matchups. If they can continue to dominate these games, their chances of staying out of the last place improve significantly.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Raiders have a challenging road ahead, but they also have the potential to make a mark in the AFC West. While the quarterback situation remains a big question mark, the team's gritty style and experienced coaching staff could lead them to a solid finish. The Raiders' ability to adapt and leverage their strengths against familiar foes will be crucial.
There’s something undeniably exciting about the Raiders' old-school style. In an era where the NFL is increasingly dominated by high-flying offenses and innovative schemes, the Raiders' gritty, ground-and-pound approach stands out. It’s a throwback to a different era of football, one that resonates with long-time fans and adds a unique flavor to the modern game.
Here are a few key points to keep an eye on as the Raiders' season unfolds:
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Quarterback Play: The Raiders' success hinges on finding stability at the quarterback position. Whether it's a veteran stepping up or a young player emerging, this will be a critical factor.
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Marvin Lewis’s Impact: As an assistant head coach, Marvin Lewis brings a wealth of experience. His influence on the team’s strategy and his potential resurgence in the coaching market are storylines worth watching.
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Divisional Matchups: Games against the Broncos and Chargers will be pivotal. Winning these contests could be the difference between a respectable season and a disappointing one.
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Old-School Approach: Embracing their gritty, traditional style of play could be the Raiders’ secret weapon. This approach may catch some opponents off guard and play to the team’s strengths.
In summary, the Raiders are at a crossroads. They’ve shown they can avoid the bottom of the division, but sustaining this success requires overcoming significant challenges, especially at quarterback. With a mix of experienced coaching, a scrappy roster, and a few key victories against divisional opponents, the Raiders have the potential to surprise the AFC this year. Whether they finish second or third in the division again or face a tougher season will depend on how well they can execute their game plan and navigate the uncertainties ahead.
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