The Oakland Raiders underwent several changes during the offseason between the roster and coaching ranks. What are the biggest questions going into 2018?
For the most part, fanbases come into a new season filled with hope, some thinking Super Bowl or bust and others view their squad as a sleeper team who’s criminally underrated. Raider Nation would fall into the latter category. For bettors out there, Bovada, (h/t Oddsshark) has the Oakland Raiders set at eight wins. ESPN projects a 7-9 record.
Many diehard fans felt predictions disrespected head coach Jon Gruden, who led the Raiders to 38-26 through four seasons (no losing campaigns) and a Super Bowl appearance in his heyday. However, it’s fair to admit, like every team, the Silver and Black have their fair share of question marks, and it starts with Chucky himself.
Looking at the roster, though talented, it features more potential than production, specifically in the secondary.
After significant offensive regression under former play-caller Todd Downing, some forget the Raiders ranked seventh in scoring and sixth in yards with proven minds calling the shots. Then again, should we chalk it up as a fluky campaign due to so much futility since 2002?
Other than Gruden, why are analysts lukewarm or frosty on the Raiders going into the 2018 campaign? We’ll explore five pressing questions before the players return for training camp.