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Will the 2021 Las Vegas Raiders be better than the 2016 Oakland Raiders?

By Nicholas Yacenko

Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive end Quinton Jefferson (77) celebrate a defensive play against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) and defensive end Quinton Jefferson (77) celebrate a defensive play against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) catches a touchdown pass behind Pittsburgh Steelers free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. Las Vegas won 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Will the 2021 Raiders be better than the 2016 Raiders?

The 2021 offense has more depth

The 2021 Raiders are different on the offensive side of the ball. The offense looks incredible and has a mastermind play-caller in head coach Jon Gruden. Carr is also playing better than that 2016 season and remains as clutch as ever.

The difference is the weapons and the offensive line. While the Raiders lack high-end receiving threats like Cooper and Crabtree, they do have a top-2 tight end and matchup nightmare in Darren Waller. They also have one of the fastest players in the NFL in Henry Ruggs III, and an elite-level running back in Josh Jacobs.

The depth is also more impressive. The team has legitimate NFL starters in Hunter Renfrow and Bryan Edwards in the receiving corps, as well as two veteran backups in Zay Jones and Willie Snead. Running back Kenyan Drake joins Richard, who is injured, and veteran Peyton Barber to form a great running back corp.

The tight end depth is also improved, but the issue is the offensive line.

In 2016, the Raiders offensive line was elite, but in 2021 the line is hurt and not as dominant. Kolton Miller has proved to be a top-level player, but the rest of the line is young, inexperienced, or just mediocre. Ultimately, that 2016 team had a special offense, but if the 2021 offensive line can improve, and Jacobs’ return can spark the running game, the 2021 version of this offense can be better.

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