There was no greater story in the NFL last season than the Las Vegas Raiders miraculous playoff berth, in spite of the numerous controversies and heartbreaking tragedies. Nonetheless, with the Raiders’ offseason moves, they need to now show that they can win in the playoffs, not just play in them.
I don’t think anyone thought that the Las Vegas Raiders had any chance of making the playoff last season, even before the year started. Going into the 2020/21 season, the Raiders had just endured three chaotic years under former head coach Jon Gurden. From the Antonio Brown debacle, the “victory lap” around Arrowhead stadium after beating the Chiefs, to leaving Oakland after 25 years, the Raiders were a complete mess.
Not to mention that the Raiders missed the playoffs for three straight seasons under Gruden, going a combined 19-29 during that span. And it was only Year 4 of the 10-year, $100M contract Mark Davis inexplicably dished out to the former Monday Night Football broadcaster. The recipe for yet another chaotic season.
As we all know, however, the Raiders were in store for an even more chaotic season than the previous three combined.
It all started with Jon Gruden’s disgusting leaked emails with former Washinton GM and President Bruce Allen, which culminated in Gruden resigning after only 5 games.
Then, only a few weeks later, 2020 1st-round pick, WR Henry Ruggs III, was found in a drunk-driving car crash that killed an innocent woman. We later learned that he was not only drinking while driving, but he also was driving at 165 MPH. Obviously, well above the speed limit. He was cut soon after.
Then, to top it all off, the Raiders other 2020 1st-round selection, CB Damon Arnette, was also cut from the team after a video of him threating to kill another person with a gun surfaced. So, to recap, the Raiders lost their head coach, their star wide receiver, and their star cornerback all in the span of a month. Plus, this team was already thin with talent to begin with.
An unmitigated disaster, right?
Well, not so fast as the Raiders rallied behind QB Derek Carr and interim head coach Rick Bisaccia to win their final game of the season against the Los Angeles Chargers on a last-second field goal, sending them into the playoffs for the first time in six years. Unfortunately, they lost a close Wild Card game against the eventual AFC Champions Cincinati Bengals the following week.
A great comeback story to be sure. But it is one that needs to be forgotten if the Raiders want to win playoff games next season.
With Rick Bisaccia replaced by longtime New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh Mcdaniels and former GM Mike Mayock fired, the Raiders cannot afford another controversy-filled season. They need Mcdaniels system to work without, period. They cannot afford another setback with Derek Carr as QB, or risk wasting the former 1st-round’s pick’s talent.
Also, they need their new signings and acquisitions, such as All-Pro WR Devante Adams, All-Pro DE Chandler Jones, DT Bilal Nichols, CB Rock Ya-Sin, and WR Demarcus Robinson to fit in without any outside issues.
Speaking of fitting in, I think Devante Adams will do so nicely. Linking him up with his Fresno State teammate, Derek Carr, was a brilliant idea by the Raiders upper management. Now, not only does Derek Carr have Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller to throw to, but also the arguably best WR in the NFL in Adams. The Raiders now have one of the premier offenses in the NFL.
Plus, Robinson’s pickup was a sneaky good move. He was an underrated 3rd-down threat while in Kansas City and should be utilized in a similar way with Carr and the Raiders. (Offense Prediction: 1st-5th)
Like Adams, I think Chandler Jones and Bilal Nichols will also end up being fantastic additions to the Raiders’ defensive line. Apart from Pro-Bowler Maxx Crosby, the Raiders’ pash rush was abysmal. The Raiders had the 12th worst pash rush last season, with only 35 registered sacks in 17 games. (With Maxx Crosby leading the team with 8)
Chandler Jones, most likely a future Hall of Famer, and Bilal Nichols will add a destructive pash rush threat that the Raiders have been desperate for. Moreover, the teams pass defense should also improve as opposing QBs will have a hard time throwing the ball with Jones, Nichols, and Crosby in their face. (Defense Prediction: 10th-15th).
The Las Vegas Raiders had a true redemption story last season, making it to the playoffs with despite all of the controversies that surrounded their organization. However, if they want to win a playoff game for the first time since 2002, then they better ensure next season is as bland of a story as possible.
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