Believe it or not, Raider Nation, your Las Vegas Raiders might be trying to emulate the New England Patriots, literally and figuratively.
Bill Belichick and the Patriots are universally despised by Raiders fans for obvious fans. However, fandom aside, Raider Nation cannot deny that New England has been the most successful NFL organization of the 21st century.
So, it shouldn’t surprise anyone if Raiders owner Mark Davis would try to assemble a team of ex-Patriots to help build on the team’s 2021 success.
Belichick’s longtime offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is due for a new opportunity as a head coach. Taking over an offense that has Derek Carr, Josh Jacobs, Darren Waller, and Hunter Renfrow should have fans salivating. The coach has consistently had the Patriots’ offense in the top 10 and 15 rankings since he returned to New England in 2012.
There's a growing buzz that the Raiders are about to make a run at Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. https://t.co/noKV4nSsB4
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 22, 2022
Dave Ziegler as Raiders general manager?
The Patriots’ connection among recent candidates for the Raiders can’t go unnoticed. Dave Ziegler rose through the Patriots’ organization, going from assistant director of pro scouting to director of player personnel last year. Ziegler’s biggest contribution was arguably helping the Patriots draft and prepare for their post-Tom Brady future.
Per an NFL Network report, the #Raiders interviewed Browns scout Trey Brown for their GM vacancy today in addition to Patriots personnel staffer Dave Ziegler. They interviewed Bears staffer Champ Kelly yesterday.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) January 21, 2022
There hasn't been a known date set for Ed Dodds.
Another candidate for the Raiders’ general manager job has been Trey Brown. He too comes from the Patriots’ family tree, serving in their scouting department from 2010–12. The pattern certainly shows itself. The Raiders have or are in talks to possibly interview people that have worked with the Patriots in all capacities, from coaching to scouting to management.
Would making these moves make sense for Las Vegas? In a nutshell, yes, they do. The Silver and Black made the playoffs but still need help addressing the roster overall. In other words, they need to set themselves up for future success. Mike Mayock’s biggest flops were the misses he had in drafting talent. The Raiders nailed mid-round selections, but they have several first-round choices that are busts or have underperformed, and you have some that aren’t even on the team anymore.
Raider Nation might not like it but trying to copycat New England could be a sound strategy.