5 storylines for the 2019 Oakland Raiders at midseason
By Kenny King
Gruden and Mayock are a match made in Heaven
Prior to the season, the concern was how would Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock run this team, as both men are known for their fire and love of the game, as well as very strong personalities. This caused some of the media to worry, while others like Rich Eisen, praised the move calling Mayock “The Ultimate Gruden Grinder.”
The Raiders have the second-highest ranked rookie class in the NFL after a successful draft and excellent scouting of undrafted free agents. Mayock and Gruden brought in instant impact players like Alec Ingold and A.J. Cole, two men who have been terrific in their first season in the Silver and Black.
The product on the field this season is the product of one of the greatest offensive minds and one of the best talent evaluators in the industry, along with a cornucopia of draft picks and a cerebral and motivated young quarterback. Rookies aside, Gruden and Mayock have also made impactful roster moves with notable free agents like Trent Brown, who has shut down some of the leagues best pass rushers, Tyrell Williams, who boasts a touchdown reception in five of his six played games this season, veteran guard Richie Incognito, who has been a one man wrecking crew on the line and Raiders re-tread Benson Mayowa, who is currently leading the team in sacks with 5.5 sacks.
Gruden and Mayock also have done a superb job securing the Raiders future by extending standout players Darren Waller and Rodney Hudson. The Raiders front office and coaching staff seem to be on the same page for the first time in a long time.