By Ed Condran
t’s a new era for the Las Vegas Raiders. Jimmy Garoppolo is history. The Hollywood handsome quarterback is aptly playing in Los Angeles with the Rams as Matt Stafford’s backup.
The quirky Gardner Minshew will line up behind center for the Raiders.
The interim tag is no longer on Antonio Pierce, who justifiably earned the head coaching job after nearly leading the Raiders to the playoffs last season. Pierce is a capable and intelligent coach who clearly has the respect of his players.
There was speculation that the Raiders would deal wide receiver Davante Adams, but Raiders General Manager Tom Telesco told NFL Insider Dianna Russini and former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel on the “Scoop City” podcast that Adams will remain with the silver and black.
“We need Davante right now,” Telesco said. “Whoever our starting quarterback is, he’s going to need the help of those guys, the receivers, the tight ends, the running backs. So having Davante here is a big deal for us.”
Much-hyped rookie tight end Brock Bowers impressed during the preseason. The Georgia product should enhance the Raiders offense. Bowers was a bit of a draft night surprise considering the Raiders selected tight end Michael Mayer in the second round of the 2023 draft.
Mayer has played well, and there are the needs at offensive line and defensive backfield. However, Bowers was considered a top five talent and looks as though he can move the needle and help the Raiders make the playoffs.
The offense needs to kick it up a notch this season, but the defense looks fine. The line is anchored by Maxx Crosby, who is an unblockable edge rusher. Crosby, who made his third consecutive Pro Bowl, has yet to miss a game during his five-year career and had 14.5 sacks and 50 QB pressures.
The Raiders defense is physical and unrelenting. Christian Wilkins is a terror on defensive line. Safeties Tre’Von Moehrig and Marcus Epps are key players in the backfield. Don’t be surprised if veteran defensive tackle Adam Butler makes a significant impact.
It’s not going to be easy in a division led by perennial Super Bowl champs the Kansas City Chiefs. However, if the quarterback play is solid, this could be a memorable year for the Raiders.
Speaking of quarterback play, the AFC West features two of the finest quarterbacks in the game. There is the otherworldly Patrick Mahomes with the Chiefs and Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Herbert and his emerging squad finally have a competent coach since Jim Harbaugh, who led the Michigan Wolverines to a national championship in January, is now leading the Bolts.
The solace for the Raiders is that the Denver Broncos should continue to be a punching bag. The Broncos will start rookie Bo Nix, who will be surrounded by a bunch of players who are not quite ready for primetime.
There are several can’t-miss Raiders games. The silver and black will host the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 29. It should be a very competitive game. The Browns’s defense is dominant thanks to All-World defensive end Myles Garrett.
However, Browns quarterback DeShaun Watson has not lived up to the hype after Cleveland acquired him and spent a fortune on the once-dynamic quarterback.
The Raiders host the Chiefs on Oct. 27. It’s always worth the price of admission to experience Mahomes, who will break many of Tom Brady’s records if he remains interested throughout his 30s.
The final game of the season, Jan. 5, pits the Chargers and Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. The contest could have playoff implications for both teams.
Do the Raiders have enough for a playoff run? Will there be a revival of Minshew-mania, which rocked Jacksonville when the eccentric quarterback played for the Jaguars?
How many games will the Raiders win decided by a touchdown or less? It should be an exciting and eventful season for the Raiders.
