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John Spytek, Geno Smith and Pete Carroll of the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Las Vegas Raiders have been a floundering franchise for over two decades at this point. The team hasn’t won a playoff game since 2002, and any time they seem like they’re headed in the right direction, things fall apart.
This offseason, the Raiders have made big changes. Tom Brady was brought in as a minority owner, and many reports suggest that he’s been very involved in football operations.
Las Vegas replaced Antonio Pierce with Pete Carroll, which should be the biggest coaching upgrade of any team in the NFL this season. They also hired general manager John Spytek, traded for quarterback Geno Smith and added running back Ashton Jeanty to the NFL’s worst rushing attack.
Former Raiders defensive back and NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks named the five teams that won the offseason, and Las Vegas made the list.
“The Raiders’ return to respectability is underway under head coach Pete Carroll,” Brooks wrote. “The Super Bowl XLVIII champion has installed a title-caliber blueprint that should make the Silver and Black competitive in his first season on the job. By reuniting Carroll with former Seahawks QB Geno Smith to help usher in a new culture, Las Vegas has jump-started the process with an underrated veteran who has a Pro Bowl pedigree. As rookie first-rounder Ashton Jeanty and budding superstar Brock Bowers settle into their roles as the designated playmakers in Chip Kelly’s offense, the Raiders can overwhelm opponents with an approach that repeatedly puts the ball in the hands of their best players in prime positions.
“On defense, the return of coordinator Patrick Graham and top defenders Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins (if healthy) could help the Raiders challenge opponents with a fast-paced see ball, get ball scheme. Given Carroll’s history of producing quick turnarounds as a team leader, the squad’s mix of teachers and talent could lead to impressive results in his first season.”
Are Raiders Playoff Contenders?
The Raiders only won four games last season, so getting to the playoffs would be a huge leap. However, Brooks thinks that it could be possible if things go right.
“The Raiders could emerge as a dark-horse playoff contender thanks to Carroll’s experience and expertise,” Brooks wrote. “The 73-year-old coach knows how to put together winning game plans, and his roster features enough talent to chalk up nine-plus wins.”
Las Vegas found major upgrades at head coach, quarterback and running back. A Super Bowl run is highly unlikely, but the Raiders could be in the playoff mix at the end of the season.
What Other Moves Do Raiders Need to Make?
The Raiders likely still need to make some moves if they think they can make a playoff run this year. The biggest hole on the roster is at cornerback.
The team is really young in the secondary, and doesn’t have obvious starters at cornerback. Perhaps a trade for a player like Jalen Ramsey could get them over the top. Some of the Raiders’ young wide receivers have looked good this offseason, but the team could still use another veteran.
