Is it time for the Las Vegas Raiders to blow it up?
Is it time for the Las Vegas Raiders to blow it up?
It’s too late to blow it up, you have to ride it out if you’re the Raiders.
Everyone understands why Raider Nation is upset. Fans were sold on the premise that their favorite team was going to be competitive, while a foundation for the future was laid by Ziegler and McDaniels. Well, that’s not what’s happening. Fans might be passionate and overzealous, but they’re not stupid. You can’t tell them you’re putting out the fire while the building is crumbling.
The fact is, the Raiders are on the verge of a rebuild. There’s just one issue. It’s too late to blow it up.
McDaniels’ mismanagement of games coupled with the complexities of his playbook surely lends to reasons why 2022 hasn’t worked out. However, if this team had truly believed it was time to blow it all up, moves would’ve been made prior to the deadline to better position the Raiders in the draft next year.
We found out prior to the game that the Green Bay Packers had tried to acquire Waller’s services, but the Raiders moved on. Or the insistence to keep Johnathan Abram and Clelin Ferrell over any draft capital that could be had. Of course, we’re assuming the opportunity was actually presented.
At the same time, this offseason is likely to be headlined by some difficult decisions. The future of Derek Carr will be decided along with that of several other bubble players who were brought in as short-term fixes. Long story short, this team is going to look differently in 2023. That’s especially true for Graham’s defense, as they get players that they feel will better suit this scheme.
Fans were told that their team was competitive, but at 2-6, maybe draft position will trump a squad’s pride. No one is suggesting tanking, but at what point, if you’re team brass, do you chalk up 2022 as a wash with first-year coaching and management? It’s a tough call, and either way, Raider Nation will stick by it, being the faithful fanbase that they are.