The NFL is back, and Sportsnet is breaking down everything you need to know about each of the 32 teams—including why you should or shouldn’t be rooting for them this season—in the month leading up to kickoff on Thursday, Sept. 8. Today, the Oakland Raiders.
Last year’s record: 7-9
Head coach: Jack Del Rio
Core players: Derek Carr (QB), Amari Cooper (WR), Michael Crabtree (WR), Latavius Murray (RB), Khalil Mack (LB), Bruce Irvin (LB), Reggie Nelson (S), Sean Smith (CB)
2016 is about… taking the next step. The Raiders have not made the playoffs since the 2002 season, which ended with an embarrassing Super Bowl loss to Jon Gruden and the Buccaneers. Over the last two seasons, since drafting quarterback Derek Carr in 2014, Oakland has shown significant upside but have yet to get over the hump. Last season, it was a 22nd-ranked defence and inability to close out games that cost the Raiders. But after a busy off-season and some potentially game-changing free-agent signings, Oakland has become a favourite pick for most improved team in 2016.
Can they live up to the hype, or will Del Rio’s team pull an Oakland?
But they lost… Charles Woodson, who despite being 39 in his final NFL season, was a source of energy and inspiraton for the young Raiders last season. The future Hall of Famer’s leadership on and off the field will be sorely missed, but general manager Reggie McKenzie has done an impressive job of bringing in experienced veterans to help smooth the transition to a Oakland without Woodson.
Yeah, but they got… three distinct upgrades on defence. Oakland’s ineptitude on that side of the ball was its Achilles heel last season, surrendering almost 25 points per game which was more often than not too much for the offence to overcome. So former Seahawks linebacker Bruce Irvin, who is averaging 5.5 sacks a season in his NFL career, was brought in and should be a major upgrade at the position. Safety Reggie Nelson, who led the league with eight interceptions last season for Cincinnati, and ex-Chiefs cornerback Sean Smith will be revelations for an overhauled secondary that gave up a lot of yards in 2015, especially in the first half of the season.
Alongside the dynamic Khalil Mack, this trio of newcomers could go a long way in Oakland’s bid to bring an end to its playoff skid.
The Raiders also made a big splash with Kelechi Osemele, one of the most sought-after offensive lineman in free agency who signed a five-year, $60 million deal with Oakland. The 27-year-old will play a key role in solidifying a Raiders running game that ranked 29th in total rushing yards last season.
Growing from within… Amari Cooper had an impressive rookie campaign with 1,072 yards and six scores despite dealing with a foot injury that hampered him as the season began to wind down. Now healthy and a full season wiser, Cooper and Carr are expected to take another leap in what is one of the league’s most intriguing young receiver-quarterback duos.
The Raiders have a couple of rookies that could make an immediate impact on the team. Michigan State defensive end Shilique Calhoun, selected in the third round this spring, has impressed Del Rio and the coaching staff in training camp, showing he has the versatility to step in at multiple positions if need be. Calhoun could prove to be a valuable piece in Oakland this season.
And while Calhoun is expected to play the role of substitute, first-round safety Karl Joseph is currently slotted on the depth chart as the team’s starting strong safety. At 14th overall, the Raiders took Joseph higher than most expected after missing most of his senior season at West Virginia with a knee injury. But the 22-year-old has impressed in a pair of pre-season appearances 10 months after the ACL tear.
Why this team? Intriguing upside of home-grown talent and a productive off-season. Thanks to general manager Reggie McKenzie, the Raiders finally look to be on the upswing after nearly 15 years of being the butt of jokes around the NFL. Led by Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and a revamped defence of experienced vets, the future looks bright in Oakland.
Why not this team? They’re the Raiders. Since that infamous Super Bowl defeat in 2002, a culture of losing and disappointment has been a part of who the Raiders are. We can all talk about potential and turning the tables, but until Oakland proves it’s ready to compete again their reputation as perennial losers will live on.
How much hope? 6.5/10. With expectations officially raised, anything less than a playoff berth will be considered a disappointment for Del Rio’s squad. However, the team’s overall lack of experience makes it difficult to call the Raiders a true contender.
