The 2022 regular season wasn’t too kind to the Las Vegas Raiders and their first-year head coach, Josh McDaniels. However, the word is that the players believe in what McDaniels is trying to accomplish. You also have to wonder what the future holds for Josh Jacobs; will he be back? A Raiders beat writer with boots on the ground weighed in on both issues.
All throughout 2022, there were several reports that came out where players declared their support for McDaniels. Even owner Mark Davis came out and declared that McDaniels wasn’t going anywhere despite an up-and-down season. Well, a mostly down year, save for the three-game winning streak that raised everyone’s hopes. After clinching a playoff spot last season, it’s hard to argue that the Raiders took a step back this year. However, with a new head coach, new scheme, and overall team philosophy, the Raiders were simply headed in a different direction. Needless to say, fans just want to see wins, as does the team.
Raiders Blog: The Raiders Players Believe In Josh McDaniels
Fans wanting McDaniels fired shouldn’t be all that surprising. This fanbase has been put through the ringer for nearly a generation, so seeing the product struggle is hard. Even so, ownership proved they’re not going to be reactionary and will play the long game. In turn, it seems that the players in the locker room believe in the big picture as well. Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal recently mentioned that, after talking to several players throughout the last few days, their confidence in the second-year regime is there.
In talking to multiple @Raiders players over the last few days, on and off the record, it’s pretty clear that in spite of the disappointing record, there is a belief and confidence in Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler. A lot of work is ahead, but the buy-in is there.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) January 9, 2023
Josh Jacobs “Should” Be Back?
Speaking of confidence, if the Raiders don’t want to lose it from their fans, bringing back Jacobs should be a priority. The NFL’s 2022 leading rusher has won over Raider Nation with his effort and stellar play. The problem is that his position is essentially expandable. Paying serious coin for a running back just doesn’t happen too often, especially when you can restock the position every draft. Nevertheless, Bonsignore is rather confident that the Raiders will retain Jacobs. This is going to be an interesting offseason, to say the least. As far as Jacobs himself goes, he agrees with the fans that he wants to be back. Do with that as you please.
Nothing shocks me in sorts anymore, but I would be shocked in Josh Jacobs wasn’t with the @Raiders next season.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) January 9, 2023
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*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images