Like every year, Touchdown Actu offers you its traditional pre-season files. You can find them all by clicking on this link.
For his third season at the head of the team, Jon Gruden hopes to continue his momentum: 4-12 in 2018, then 7-9 in 2019. Hard when you play in the division of defending champion Kansas City. Still, with the development of young players as well as the addition of established veterans, the Raiders are a team to watch in the AFC conference.
What to win the jackpot? Place your bets, no more bets.
Last season: 7 wins for 9 losses.
Offseason movements
The team’s weak point in 2019, the linebacker squad has been the priority during the offseason. Cory Littleton (16 games, 134 tackles, 2 int, 3.5 sacks in 2019) was the best in this position on the market, as observers were surprised to see the Bears leave Nick Kwiatkoski (16 games, 76 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 int) to leave. When the 2019 season kicked off, the Raiders’ roster had the 9th youngest average age in the NFL.
In 2019, the Raiders lost three times by less than 4 points (4, 3 and 1). It is to win these matches that experienced players are invaluable. Jason Witten, Prince Amukamara and Jeff Heath come to bring all their experiences on the pitch and set an example in the locker room. If Marcus Mariota has shown his limits as a starter, few Plan B quarterbacks are better than him among the 32 NFL franchises.
Manager Mike Mayock used the draft to bolster positions that were sometimes underestimated: Tanner Muse (ST), Amik Robertson (Nickel Back) and John Simpson (OG). Respected for his evaluations of university players, he obviously relies a lot on his two first-round picks, two impact positions: Henry Ruggs III (WR) and Damon Arnette (CB).
Notable arrivals: Cory Littleton (LB), Nick Kwiatkoski (LB), Marcus Mariota (QB), Damarious Randall (S), Maliek Collins (DT), Prince Amukamara (CB), Carl Nassib (DE), Nelson Agholor (WR), Jason Witten (TE), Jeff Heath (S), Eric Kush (C)
Re-signatures : Richie Incognito (G), Keelan Doss (WR)
Draft : Henry Ruggs (WR), Damon Arnette (CB), Bryan Edwards (WR), Lynn Bowden (RB), Tanner Muse (LB), Amik Robertson (CB), John Simpson (G)
Notable losses: Tahir Whitehead (LB), DeAndre Washington (RB)
They gave up the season due to the Covid-19: Ukeme Eligwe (LB), DJ Killings (S), Jeremy Valoaga (DE)
Le(s) point(s) fort(s)
Author of a disappointing rookie season for a first-round choice, Kolton Miller has since progressed by reducing his penalties for penalties (8 in 2018 against 3 in 2019). Richie Incognito, often criticized for his behavior off the field, has achieved a leading 2019 season. He has played 100% of the offensive games in his 12 games played, with only one sack conceded. Out of 742 snaps, he only lost five duels! This is quite simply the best performance for an offensive lineman who played at least 500 games in 2019.
While Trent Brown has justified his important salary, rookie John Simpson comes to strengthen the position of guard … or take it? Because Gabe Jackson is no longer as dominant and his almost 10 million per year would incur no penalty if the contract were to be broken. In 2019, the Raiders offensive line allowed just 52 quarterback hits, the best NFL performance. With Rodney Hudson as the best in his position in pass protection (4 sacks conceded in the last 4 seasons).
Highest pass-blocking grades among centers by year:
2015 – Rodney Hudson: 89.9
2016 – Rodney Hudson: 89.3
2017 – Rodney Hudson: 91.1
2018 – Rodney Hudson: 90.8
2019 – Rodney Hudson: 91.2Rodney Hudson is the gold standard at center in the NFL ???? pic.twitter.com/IWajouTZZb
— PFF (@PFF) August 12, 2020
Behind these strong men, quarterback Derek Carr completes 70% of his passes (2nd NFL behind Drew Brees). His ratio of 21 wins against only 8 interceptions also puts him to his advantage. Admittedly, half of his passes travel between 1 and 9 yards. Only 41 of his passes have traveled more than 20 yards (62 for Patrick Mahomes, 67 for Deshaun Watson, 71 for Russell Wilson). If he asks for respect, a quarterback can only receive it if his team has a series of positive results. Unfair because dependent on those around him? Yes. But that’s the life of a quarterback in this league. And with receivers being able to finally attack the depth (Ruggs and Agholor), Derek Carr will be able to make the power of his arm speak.
18, 85 and 75. It was the total of yards gained in reception by Darren Waller in 2015, 2016 and 2018 (he did not play in 2017). In 2019, he exploded the counters with 1,145 yards. From a statistical point of view, only Travis Kelce brings more yards among the tight-ends of the league. In 2020, there will be no more surprise effect on the opponents. But by adding speed with Henry Ruggs and Nelson Agholor, the Raiders are hoping that the space left will benefit the wide receiver. The only certainty is that once again, the runners will be able to count on his effectiveness as a blocker.
Three strong points in attack therefore. Four even considering the superb rookie season of runner Josh Jacobs (1150 yards, 7 TDs).
In defense, Cory Littleton comes to bring his faculties in tackles: 125 in 2018, 132 in 2019. In a league turned towards the passing game, he also comes to bring his science of the cover in a division where the tight-ends of qualities are legion: Travis Kelce, Noah Fant and Hunter Henry. His presence alone influences the opponent’s playbook and his duet with tackler Nick Kwiatkoski promises. On the first curtain, Maxx Crosby surprised everyone because arriving from modest Eastern Michigan: 48 tackles including 10 sacks! On the other hand, Clelin Ferrell receives more instructions against the racing game and he is performing well, with only 5 failed tackles, where TJ Watt misses 9 and Maxx Crosby 13.
The weak spots)
The cornerback rookie Trayvon Mullen had a good first season with only 29 receptions allowed on 57 balls thrown in his direction and he conceded only two touchdowns while defending ten passes (deflected or blocked). Yes, but in 2019, the Raiders were the 25th air defense in yards conceded. Solid inside with Lamarcus Joyner, the Raiders are also preparing the future of the nickel position with the draft of Amik Robertson.
To form the titular trio with Joyner and Mullen, the Raiders essentially have two options: the experience of Prince Amukamara or the raw talent of rookie Damon Arnette. Former first round of the 2011 draft, at 31, Prince Amukamara is coming out of a solid season with the Chicago Bears (8 defended passes and 53 tackles). In 2011, manager Mike Mayock was the benchmark for drafting for the NFL Network and the day before the draft, he announced Amukamara in 10th position in his Mock Draft. He will finally be chosen 19th by the New York Giants. Since then, the player has not confirmed expectations placing him as a possible top 10 in the draft, but his 80 defended passes in 113 games mean he is still in the league for a tenth season. Worthy of his rank of choice in the first round, as Mike Mayock had perceived.
In the shadow of Denzel Ward (Browns) in 2017 and Jeffrey Okudah (Lions) in 2019, Damon Arnette has started 38 games with Ohio State, one of the best university for football. 53 games played in all. If the best NCAA conferences are far from the level of the NFL, the beginner has nevertheless been able to benefit from quality training. The reduction in training due to the Covid-19 pandemic is penalizing him, as is the second-year player Isaiah Johnson. The two young players will have to show talent to play minutes with Nevin Lawson to take over from Prince Amukamara and Trayvon Mullen. One of these players has to win and Trayvon Mullen has yet to raise his level of play because for the moment, the unity of the cornerbacks is the weak point of the team.
A weak point that Jon Gruden hopes to minimize by producing safeties. Johnathan Abram seems to have enormous potential both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Damarious Randall, Erik Harris and Jeff Heath forming with him a quality “midfield” quartet.
Obviously, for everyone to be more comfortable, it would be fashionable for the pass rush to raise their level of play. With only 32 sacks last season, the Raiders were in the bottom third of the league.
X factor
In 2019, the Raiders receiving squad was honest. The best. Tyrell Williams was number one but produced as a number 2 (42 rec, 651 yards and 6 touchdowns). In the slot, and considering it was a first season with the pros, Hunter Renfrow delivered promises with 605 yards and 4 touchdowns. The real number 1 was a tight end with Darren Waller and his 90 receptions. Insufficient to mark the spirits when arriving in a new city.
Nelson Agholor was therefore recruited for his ability to attack depth. After an unconfirmed first-round pick status, the 2020 season is crucial to his future in the league. The beefy Braylon Edwards was drafted from South Carolina. Solid for contested receptions, its floor is solid after four university seasons (234 receptions and 22 TDs). Lynn Bowden has a profile opposite to that of Braylon Edwards: a player offering a lot of room for improvement but giving little certainty as to his best position since with Kentucky, he played catcher, runner and quarterback. It is a bet to sometimes surprise the opponent with an original game. If that receiving squad were to be on the rise in 2020, then that would mean that the first round pick, Henry Ruggs, is validated.
The player to watch: Henry Ruggs III
Receiver Henry Ruggs III brings speed. Proof that the success of the Chiefs necessarily influences their opponents, even more division rivals.
“The main question for Jon (Gruden) and I was how to have a more dynamic attack,” explained Mike Mayock at a press conference during the offseason.
The receiver trained in Alabama is a Formula 1 (4.27 seconds on 40 yards). At 1.80m, his hands are wider than those of receiver Mike Evans (1.96m, Bucs). Although playing with the University of Alabama provides less opposition than the NFL, Henry Ruggs III has received the most comprehensive training and can thus travel the entire tree of plots. He is a very fast player, able to stretch the game by his calls but also and above all to gain yards after reception thanks to a lightning acceleration. And speed is far from being its only asset. His hands are secure as well. In college, he caught 98 passes and released only 2 balls. None in 2019.
Some receivers need a season or even two to digest the difference between college football and the NFL, others do it faster (Odell Beckham in 2014 or Juju Smith-Schuster in 2017). If Henry Ruggs III had such a remarkable season as runner Josh Jacobs in 2019, air attack would be a real threat to opposing defenses. The total wins would increase and Derek Carr would get respect.
Calendar
@Panthers, Saints, @Patriots, Bills, @Chiefs, bye week, Buccaneers, @Browns, @Chargers, Broncos, Chiefs, @Falcons, @Jets, Colts, Chargers, Dolphins, @Broncos
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In summary
With a very difficult start to the calendar in 2020, the Raiders must be ready or lose confidence in the young players. Coach and managers say they are ambitious, knowing that the team is not yet ready to consider itself a strong contender for the playoffs.
The attack has a lot of advantages. The defense still has progress to be made.
Seeming to give a scorecard possibilities ranging from 6-10 to 9-7, the Raiders want to do justice to their new stadium: Just Win Baby? Or Just Wait a little longer?
