Oakland Raiders: Biggest takeaways from the 2018 schedule release

Convenient Week 7 Bye

In 2017, the Raiders waited 10 weeks for a bye. Typically, teams will consider significant changes during the off time. Front offices may mull over coaching moves and staffs often contemplate benching or starting different players. It’s a time to re-evaluate the team’s approach in preparation as well as execution.

We already know Gruden isn’t going anywhere. He’ll have six weeks of regular-season film to evaluate his players in the system. Who fits in what role? Where can the coaching staff tighten up loose ends? Is it time to bench an older defensive back? Should a rookie take over in a starting role? Perhaps they should dial back or increase someone’s workload.

All those questions go through a head coach’s mind on a weekly basis. Nonetheless, a week off without having to prepare for the next opponent allows more time to dig into the film. In cases when initial plans yield underwhelming results, change will follow behind.

More importantly for the Raiders, a Week 7 bye allows the coaching staff to correct mistakes early with extra time on the practice field. The team avoids a potential situation in which they look back three quarters through the year then ask, “what happened?”

It’s an early reflection point that keeps the team on track or elevates their production going into November and December.