Raiders should make immediate impact in Las Vegas

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 07: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after he made a catch for a first down against the Los Angeles Chargers at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 07: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after he made a catch for a first down against the Los Angeles Chargers at RingCentral Coliseum on November 07, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 29: AJ Cole #6 holds as Daniel Carlson #8 of the Oakland Raiders kicks a field goal against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 29: AJ Cole #6 holds as Daniel Carlson #8 of the Oakland Raiders kicks a field goal against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on December 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Special Teams

Daniel Carlson came into the season as the unquestioned placekicker for the team, after kicking so well during the 2018 NFL season. While Carlson looked automatic early on, he really struggled down the stretch, and it will be interesting to see if the team brings in some competition for him this offseason.

Undrafted rookie punter A.J. Cole was outstanding for the Raiders, which was a major need after the position group struggled mightily in 2018. He is a guy who should be locked into a starting role entering the Las Vegas era, as he showed he not only had a tremendous boot, but also some pinpoint accuracy.

Outlook

Las Vegas has a lot of decisions to make in terms of their own free agents, including whether or not they bring back guys like Karl Joseph, Daryl Worley, Vontaze Burfict, and DeAndre Washington to name a few. In addition, they will welcome back some key pieces who finished the year on injured reserve, including Arden Key, Foster Moreau, and Marquel Lee.

The pieces are being put in place for long-term success for this franchise, something they have not had since the team went to the Super Bowl following the 2001 NFL season. For Raiders fans, especially from the Bay Area, the move to Las Vegas is an emotional one, but success lies ahead next to the Strip.

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