Let’s call a spade a spade, that Oakland finale was crap. I’m talking beginning to end, that game was just crap. I wasn’t buying into the early game hype. I waited for that second half implosion and like the Raiders as of late, they did not disappoint. Heads should roll, but whose?
Coaching
Let’s look at head coach Jon Gruden first; he is in the second of a 10-year contract and isn’t going anywhere anytime soon so we should not be calling for a mutiny just yet.
Greg Olson? I’m not even sure what he does and I doubt Gruden is really letting him assist with play-calling. He can go, let’s replace him with Jay Gruden.
Paul Guenther? Yep, screw that guy and his “I have to dial it back for the new guys” cop-out. As mentioned before, he is prided on his hidden schemes and blitz packages, I haven’t seen it. Bring in Ron Rivera, Mike Smith, or even the Ryan brothers. If not outside help, promote Brentson Buckner, who at least has the line playing inspired ball. PG is just too PG.
Quarterback
Derek Carr? I am hoping he retires or takes a pay-cut at this point and welcomes competition. He is not completely at fault but I believe the team could get more for the 16 million they could save from him. I don’t see him playing anywhere else. Either he retires on his own or Raiders retire him. If he sticks around, I hope the doors are open for a quarterback competition.
Offensive weapons
Nothing like seeing the final play; a Hail Mary as time expired, go through Marcell Atemans arms and bounce off of Keelan Doss’s head. That sums up Oakland’s receivers; all or nothing Hail Mary and the two closest guys to catch it were on the practice squad just a few months ago. There is some potential here but over half could be let go and it wouldn’t be noticed.
Running backs and tight ends get a pass here as they show up every week
The offensive line has been beaten and broken down what seems like all season long, I can see guard Gabe Jackson being cut to save $9 million in both cash and cap space. He’s just not the same anymore.
Related: Raider Ramble Roundtable: Week 15
Defense
The defensive line has been playing hard, they are growing and can become a force in the future. I don’t see any starters being released.
Linebackers have been the achilles heel for a long time and I expect MAYBE one starter to be back next season. I see a huge overhaul coming.
The secondary has holes. It has been plagued with injuries but has some potential stars. I can see Joyner and Riley not staying.
Special Teams
Daniel Carlson choked when it mattered… Twice. I don’t think he gets walked for it though. I think punter A.J. Cole is safe too.
Conclusion
The team should go back to preseason mode. It’s time for players to play for jobs. Shut down the injured starters. Park the Carr. Run the tread off the guys who have doomed us. Play more of the younger guys and see what they have. The season is over, the Oakland Raiders are no more. It is time to set the foundation for the Las Vegas Raiders.
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