How should Raiders fans view Jon Gruden after signature win?

After an upset win over Kansas City, how should Raiders fans view Jon Gruden?

Last week, Jon Gruden and the Las Vegas Raiders pulled off an incredible upset over the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs. Not only did they break Kansas City’s 13-game winning streak but it was the signature win that Gruden was devoid of in his second tenure in the Silver and Black.

That’s right, a second tenure. Before this recent run as head coach, Gruden was the coach in Oakland for a period of time. From 1998-2001, Gruden’s first tenure, the Raiders were extremely successful.

In 2000, they reached the AFC Championship, only to lose on a big play from Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe and the Baltimore Ravens. In 2001, they were undone by the “Tuck Rule” as the New England Patriots and Tom Brady went on to a dynasty.

Following that season, however, Gruden was traded to Tampa Bay and led the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl title — against Gruden’s former team. After leaving Tampa in 2009, he joined the broadcast booth for Monday Night Football at ESPN before returning to coaching in 2018.

At first, he ignited panic by trading Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper, which had rough effects on the franchise in his first year. Fast forward to 2020, and the Raiders look more and more like a competitive team in the NFL.

Jon Gruden seems to have won over the Raiders fanbase

There is the documented era of Antonio Brown however that attaches itself to Gruden’s legacy as did his final years in Tampa Bay. This time looks to be different. Jon Gruden has built the Raiders in his vision, with a few things to clean up.

Derek Carr may have had a good game on a consistent basis, but he’s been up and down since his injury in 2017. The defense is still suspect in some areas, although they are certainly not lacking in effort. And the offensive line, albeit talented, needs some work.

This isn’t new to Gruden however. He built the Raiders once before, he can do it again. The good news for Raiders fans? He seems to finally understand that it takes both sides of the ball to win a game.

Letting up 32 points against Kansas City isn’t good by any measure. To Gruden, however, he will take a win in any form, just like how he will take any gratitude and admiration from fans, which he has earned.