OFFENSE: B
If you like numbers, the Raiders delivered.
By most individual metrics, Derek Carr was a Top 10 defender while pitching for a 4,103-yard career. For the first time in the franchise’s history, the Raiders had a 4,000-yard passer, a 1,000-yard rusher (Josh Jacobs) and a 1,000-yard receiver (Darren Waller) in consecutive seasons.
Waller set the team’s record for most catches (107) in one season. Jacobs became the first running back in the franchise’s history to begin his career with consecutive 1,000-yard efforts.
Nelson Agholor was a find on the receiver, totaling 896 yards in a single season, placing second in the NFL with six touchdown receptions over 20 yards.
But the offensive line couldn’t stay healthy, and Jacobs averaged just 3.9 yards per load for what was a terribly inconsistent racing game. Rookie wideout and pick in the first round Henry Ruggs disappointed with just 26 receptions on 43 targets, and the Raiders ranked 23rd in the red zone score percentage (54.2), again settling for many field goals.
Turnover was also a major problem. The Raiders had 16 fumbles, the league record, and a turnover rate of minus 11.
DEFENSE: F
Ah, the curse of Raiders’ existence.
There was no Alpha to lean on in a unit that failed to stay healthy. No real leader to follow. No type of player has good defense capabilities to make a difference. Without responsability.
The Raiders again had a hard time creating their own luck, ranking 30th among the NFL teams with just 15 items to go. They were not able to put much pressure on the defender, totaling just 21 sacks to reach 29th place in the league. Maxx Crosby led the team in sacks for the second consecutive season, but even his production dropped from 10 to seven.
Some of those hired via a free agency – linebacker Cory Littleton (82 tackles, Pro Football Focus score of 71 out of 90 eligible linebackers) and Maliek Collins tackle (125 out of 130 tackles) – underperformed when healthy.
Others – linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (81 tackles, 20 out of 90) for one – were better. And as much as the end of second year Clelin Ferrell improved, second year safety Johnathan Abram and debuting cornerback Damon Arnette fought hard.
Raiders ranked 25 in allowed yards and 30 in points against, allowing averages of 389.1 and 29.9. Now, they hire a new coordinator to try to fix things.
SPECIAL TEAMS: A
Daniel Carlson deserves the most praise here. The placekicker set a franchise record for points in a season with 144. He placed fourth in the NFL in field goals scored (33) and his 94.3 percentage was sixth among those with a minimum of 15 attempts. Carlson also led the league in field goals from 20-29 yards – a perfect 18 to 18.
The Raiders may have found their future-returning punt at Hunter Renfrow, whose 11.5 average helped the team finish fifth in the NFL. AJ Cole had a net average of 40.1 yards per punt and had 20 of 44 deals dropped within the 20 yard line.
The next step here is for Renfrow and other returning players to create the kind of great moves that separate the best units in the league.
COACHING: C
It is a general brand based on an 8-8 finish. The Raiders have improved their winning total under Jon Gruden in each of the past three seasons, but none have managed to get a playoff spot.
Gruden certainly needs to do a better job shaping his squad and then training him. His career problems with stumbling at the end of the season for the teams he leads need to cease if the Raiders are to achieve any real promise under him.
Everyone needs to be better.
– Ed Graney / Review-Journal