Oakland Raiders: 3 Bold predictions for the 2019 season

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - AUGUST 15: Wide receiver Antonio Brown #84 and quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders talk on the sidelines during the first half of the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 15: (L-R) Head coach Jon Gruden, general manager Mike Mayock and quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders talk on the field before the NFL preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

2. Mike Mayock steps down at end of season

Antonio Brown will certainly leave a wake in Oakland that will claim one professional life. Look for general manager Mike Mayock to exit stage left at the end of the season. He’ll do it the right way. He won’t throw anyone under the bus. He’ll throw love the way of both Gruden and, though less likely, maybe even AB.

Hey, Mayock is a standup guy, and he’ll show it. But don’t believe for one moment the accelerated aging and headbanging on the wall frustration caused by low character AB isn’t the central and only possible reason.

Mayock will find solace in a comfy studio gig like the NFL Network or ESPN. His stint in Oakland will go down with him as the “bad cop” so as Gruden can be the “good cop” to stroke the ego of the single greatest malcontent in all of the professional sports.

Being the willing or maybe not so willing punching bag will get tiresome. The early-season goings-on with Brown will leave a scar on Mayock, one that he won’t soon forget.

Mayock will be one of the lucky ones to survive the experience. He’ll also know he’s smart for getting out while the getting is still pretty good.

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