The Oakland Raiders closed out their season with a disapointing loss in Denver. In what was one of the most polarizing and rollercoaster years in recent memory, the Silver and Black finished with an 7-9 record.
As always though, Raider Nation had much to say on the loss, the year, and the future. Let’s dive in and look at some different perspectives from social media with the season now in the books.
Reactions from Raider Ramble Readers
The Raider Ramble ran a quick poll to get some instant reactions from fans and as always, we had a mix bag of emotions.
https://twitter.com/R8derrob22/status/1211453994083573761?s=19
Carr gotta go!
— Raul Salinas (@RaiderRaRu) December 30, 2019
1. Find Carr’s trade value.
2. In FA, go all out for Yannick & Peters Get one of them! Get rid of Carr if it’ll help both!
3. Get via draft 2 good young LB’s
4. Look into getting Adams. If we can’t, bring back KJ.
6. Find a young interior OL— A Real One (@riderface61980) December 30, 2019
The usual suspect reared its head as many still clamor for a change at quarterback. And who can blame them given the team’s struggles? Football is a team sport, yes, but the signal-caller will almost always get the blame as well as the praise, not a new development there.
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Get a WR in the draft, draft a linebacker that’s good in coverage, and get some f****** players that are gonna fit this defensive scheme if they’re not gonna fire Guenther which I hope they do, and Gruden needs to either switch up the offense or let someone else call plays
— #ThankYouMiura (@BigBesar69) December 30, 2019
The other point of view is that the team needs to find a true number one receiver and that the Raiders need to address the defense. Particularly, the linebacker position, where defensive coordinator Paul Guenther desperately needs reinforcements.
Perspective On What Might’ve Been
Oakland finished at 7-9, which is better than last season, of course we’re talking overall big picture here. However, as Black Hole Banter pointed out after the game via their Twitter, the team was 6-4 at one point.
7-9 is better than most of #RaiderNation expected.
BUT
They were 6-4.
Finished 1-5 and averaged 14.6 points scored during that span, not like they were dropping 30 and losing. That starts and ends with Jon Gruden. Can’t fade down the stretch like that.
— Black Hole Banter (@BlackHoleBanter) December 30, 2019
We can see why so many fans are frustrated with the team when you ponder what might’ve been. Also, many did not expect the team to be 6-4 at one point but now many use that as an excuse for fading down the stretch. Quite simply put, fans are just tired of being let down year in year out.
Its ok to say the future is bright, but at some point, #Raiders have to actually see the sunlight—for more than 1 season.
The addition of Mike Mayock makes that possible (look at the 2019 rookie class). Now, this franchise needs more tangible results.
Fans are tired of waiting.
— Maurice Moton (@MoeMoton) December 30, 2019
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report said it best via his Twitter after the game. The “future” is very bright with general manager Mike Mayock drafting talent the way he did this year. By the same token, you definitely get the feeling that some (especially those on Twitter) are emphatically tired of the losing. They want results now.
Moving forward it will be interesting to see how the Raiders deal in free agency and address their needs come draft time. For now, fans on social media will eagerly await to see what is done to address the “future.”
Related: Raiders great Howie Long talks about exit in Oakland and QB Carr