To better forecast the future in Vegas, we must first venture into the past. In 2022, the Raiders stumbled to a third-place finish in the AFC, including one of the most embarrassing losses in franchise history. This defeat came at the hands of the Jeff Saturday-led Colts.
The front office made a concerted effort this offseason to cut the fat from the roster. The most jarring of these moves came when Derek Carr, a nine-year starter at quarterback, was released from his contract soon after the Super Bowl.
In Carr’s place, general manager Dave Ziegler signed Mr. GQ himself, Jimmy Garoppolo. The roster turnover continued when Darren Waller got sent packing to the Big Apple, leaving behind a massive hole atop the depth chart.
To further exacerbate the issue, All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs has yet to suit up for the Raiders this offseason. He is seeking a new contract, and to this point, the front office has been unwilling to meet his price.
Going further, the defense is a mixed bag as 2023 approaches. Maxx Crosby returns to lead the unit, but age and inexperience could hamper the defense all year; even with a promising NFL Draft class.
Let’s examine five disappointing stats from 2022 and decide whether these issues will persist this coming season. First up, a star running back with an impending holdout. What does it mean for Vegas if the team’s top ball carrier sits out to open the new campaign?
The Raiders Desperately Need Josh Jacobs On The Field
406: Number of rushing yards accumulated by players other than Jacobs.
Simply put, the Raiders do not have much to work with behind Jacobs. Last season, the team only gained 406 yards on the ground when its lead back was on the sidelines. This is primarily due to a lack of opportunity for the rest of the positional group. But being an injury (or holdout) away from disaster is never a good spot to be in.
Zamir White, Brandon Bolden, and Ameer Abdullah are serviceable enough as depth pieces, but none of these guys are ready to shoulder the bell-cow load. It goes deeper than opportunity, as the roster lacks another name that instills fear in its opponent.
Should Patrick Graham Trust Divine Deablo With The Green Dot?
58.4: Deablo’s PFF Grade On Defense
Deablo will start at linebacker for Graham’s unit, donning the green dot and serving as the quarterback of the defense. While coaches have heaped praise at the feet of the ascending defender, the Virginia Tech product must prove his development will translate to Sundays.
He bulked up this offseason to help his case as a run defender, and the third-year player has always flexed above-average mobility. The defense could surprise folks if Vegas gets the most out of Deablo. But if he falters — or suffers another season-ending injury — things will get ugly for the Raiders.
Chandler Jones Might Go Down As A Bust In Vegas
60.4: Career-Worst Pass-Rushing Grade For Jones
The Raiders made a blockbuster move last offseason by signing Jones to a three-year deal. Unfortunately, this investment fell on its face, as the veteran pass rusher looked like a shell of himself in 2022.
Before then, Jones eclipsed the double-digit sack mark in every season in which he appeared in 15 or more games. In year one with the Raiders, the former first-rounder posted a career-low 4.5 sacks (disregarding the injury-riddled 2020 campaign).
Entering the second season of his lucrative deal, Jones hopes to regain his footing as one of the premier defenders in the league. But, at the advanced age of 33 and coming off the worst pass-rushing year of his career, the Raiders might have invested in damaged goods.
Will The Secondary Hold Up Under The Guidance Of Trevon Moehrig?
49.0: Moehrig’s Coverage Grade In 2022 (Via PFF)
When you think of the elite deep safeties in the NFL, one thing stands out: they almost ALL own top-tier coverage abilities. Moehrig boasts remarkable range and instincts as a defensive back. But his 49.0 coverage grade revealed shortcomings in his game.
The TCU alum allowed a completion on 72.5 percent of passes thrown his way. On top of that, Moehrig gave up four touchdowns last season, including five penalties that led to first downs for the opponent. Serving as the centerfielder for the defense, the 24-year-old MUST be better.
The Raiders Were Unable To Finish Close Games
Nine Losses By One Possession
Depending on your perspective, this final section either goes down as a positive or a negative. The Raiders lost an astonishing nine one-score games in 2022, showing their inability to finish off opponents by keeping a foot on the pedal.
Should Carr hold some of the blame? Undoubtedly. His 60.8 completion rate marked the worst stint since his 2014 rookie season. Going deeper than quarterback, the defense also deserves its fair share of shade, as the unit allowed 20+ points in all but three games.
Inserting a proven winner like Garoppolo at quarterback could result in a better record in tight ball games. No one will ever say Jimmy G was the reason why the Niners were so successful, but few can argue with his record as a starter. Hopefully, head coach Josh McDaniels gets the monkey off his back and shows why an NFL franchise entrusted him to lead the way.
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images
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