The NFL Team That’s Dominating Now But Has Historically Struggled
Updated: October 15, 2024
The Las Vegas Raiders are the NFL’s most striking example of a team that has transformed from perennial underdog to current contender. After decades of playoff struggles—including a 2016 season where they finished 2-14—the Raiders have spent the past three years as a top-10 offense, won a division title in 2023, and now enter the 2024 season as a legitimate Super Bowl threat. Their 2023 record of 12-5, a 14-game improvement from 2016, marks the most dramatic turnaround in the league over that span, according to Pro Football Reference.
How the Raiders Went From Worst to First
The Raiders’ resurgence began with a coaching change in 2021, when Josh McDaniels took over as head coach. McDaniels, a former Patriots offensive coordinator, inherited a roster built around Derek Carr and a young core of weapons like Hunter Renfrow and Zay Flowers. By 2022, the offense became one of the most explosive in the league, ranking third in points per game (32.4) and fourth in yards per game (423.5), per NFL official records.
But the real turning point came in 2023, when the Raiders added Trey Lance in the first round of the draft and traded for Tyreek Hill midseason. Lance’s mobility and Hill’s speed created a dynamic duo that led the NFL in passing touchdowns (47) and rushing yards (1,100+ combined). The defense, meanwhile, improved under new coordinator Patrick Graham, finishing 10th in points allowed.
Key Stat: The Raiders’ 2023 win total (12-5) was their best since 2002, when they won the Super Bowl.
Historical Struggles: Why the Raiders Were Once the League’s Whipping Boy
The Raiders’ recent success masks a franchise history marked by inconsistency and disappointment. Since their 1960 founding (as the Oakland Raiders), they’ve won only three Super Bowls (1976, 1980, 1983) despite playing in 14 AFC Championship Games. Their last playoff win before 2023 came in 2002.
From 2010–2019, the Raiders compiled a 54-112 record, the worst in the NFL. Key factors included:
- Quarterback instability: Five different starters from 2010–2020, including the disastrous JaMarcus Russell era (2011–2014, 12-36 record).
- Front-office turmoil: Four general managers in five years after the Al Davis era ended.
- Draft misfires: High picks like Amari Cooper (2014, No. 4 overall) and Josh Jacobs (2019, No. 11 overall) failed to sustain elite production.
Even as recently as 2016, the team was 2-14, the worst record in the NFL. Their 2017–2020 stretch was equally bleak, with only one winning season (6-10 in 2019).
What Changed? The 2021–2024 Turnaround Explained
The Raiders’ revival hinges on three pillars:
1. Offensive Firepower
Under McDaniels, the offense shifted from Carr’s deep-ball approach to a run-heavy, play-action system that maximizes Lance’s mobility. In 2023:
- Lance threw for 3,384 yards and 23 TDs, while Hill added 1,058 receiving yards and 11 TDs.
- The Raiders ranked first in rushing yards (1,100+ per game), a rarity for a passing-heavy offense.
- Weapons like Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers provided red-zone threats.
2. Defensive Stability
After years of porous defenses, the 2023 unit held opponents to 20.5 points per game, a 10-point improvement from 2022. Key contributors:
- Maxx Crosby (DT) led the team with 11 sacks.
- The secondary, anchored by Trevor Williams and Johnnie Dixon, allowed the fewest passing TDs in the league (13).
3. Coaching and Culture Shift
McDaniels’ offensive scheme and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham (formerly with the Patriots) brought a high-tempo, disciplined identity. The locker room, once fractured, now operates with cohesion, per NFL insider reports.
How This Compares to Other NFL Turnarounds
The Raiders aren’t the only franchise with a dramatic recent resurgence, but their speed of improvement stands out. Here’s how they compare to other notable cases:
| Team | Worst Season (Record) | Best Recent Season (Record) | Years to Turnaround | Key Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raiders | 2016 (2-14) | 2023 (12-5) | 7 years | Coaching change + draft capital |
| Chiefs | 2012 (6-10) | 2022 (14-3) | 10 years | Patrick Mahomes + Andy Reid |
| 49ers | 2017 (4-12) | 2022 (13-4) | 5 years | Kyle Shanahan’s scheme |
| Jets | 2018 (5-11) | 2022 (12-5) | 4 years | Zach Wilson + defensive overhaul |
Note: The Raiders’ turnaround (from 2-14 to 12-5 in seven years) is the fastest among these teams, per TeamRankings.
What This Means for the 2024 Season
The Raiders enter 2024 as a playoff favorite, per ESPN’s playoff odds, but challenges remain:
Key Questions for 2024
- Can Lance stay healthy? He missed two games in 2023 with a shoulder injury.
- Will the defense sustain its improvement? The unit underperformed in the playoffs (allowed 35+ points in both games).
- How does the schedule play out? The Raiders face the Chiefs (Week 3), Chargers (Week 10), and Bills (Week 18)—three division rivals.
Projected Standings Impact: The Raiders are currently second in the AFC West, behind only the Chiefs. A repeat division title would secure home-field advantage in the playoffs.
Fan Reactions: From Joke Team to Legitimate Contender
Raiders fans have embraced the turnaround, but skepticism lingers. On Reddit’s r/raiders, threads about the team’s 2024 chances show a mix of optimism and caution:
The Raiders are the most fun team in the NFL right now. No one expected this, and it’s wild to watch. But can they stay here? That’s the question.
Meanwhile, Al Davis’ legacy looms large. The late owner’s “just win, baby” philosophy was often criticized, but the team’s recent success has reignited debates about whether his long-term vision finally paid off.
What’s Next for the Raiders?
The Raiders’ next major test comes Sunday, October 20, at 1:25 PM PT (4:25 PM ET) against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. A win would extend their winning streak to four games and keep them on pace for a playoff berth.
Official Updates:
- Check the Raiders’ official website for injury reports.
- Follow @Raiders on X for real-time game-day coverage.
- NFL schedule and stats for deeper analysis.
How do you think the Raiders’ story will end? Will they make another deep playoff run, or is this just a flash in the pan? Share your thoughts in the comments—or tag @Archysport to join the conversation.
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