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

Will the 2021 Raiders be better than the 2016 Raiders?

Verdict

The Silver and Black offenses in 2016 and 2021 are very equal, but the Raiders’ defense is much improved than the unit that took the field in 2016. They are making plays and not getting gashed, and whether it is all the new faces, or the scheme, something is finally clicking for this franchise on that side of the ball.

Las Vegas’s special teams are also above average with Daniel Carlson and A.J. Cole, as Carlson has become automatic as the team’s kicker, and could be on his way to a Pro Bowl season. Another big difference is the coaching, as the Raiders had mediocre coaching in 2016, but the 2021 team has elite offensive game planning and playcalling, as well as solid defensive gameplans.

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Time will tell, but this team looks like the best Raiders team in 20 years, and while it is early, you have to love the brand of football they are playing. That 2016 team could have gone on a serious run had Carr not broken his leg on Christmas Eve, but based on talent, depth, and coaching, the 2021 team could be the better unit when all is said and done.