Maxx Crosby imposes fear on the opposition, but did the Las Vegas Raiders put him at a disadvantage with a decision from this offseason? One anonymous NFL executive believes acquiring Chandler Jones, who had a subpar Year 1, was a mistake.
Furthermore, another anonymous NFL executive questioned the Raiders’ head coach Josh McDaniels’ system, which has alienated wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. The Silver and Black’s opponents are looking to neutralize Josh Jacobs, so the passing game needs to involve all the weapons.
SI’s Hondo S. Carpenter, Sr. spoke with two NFL team executives, and with the cloak of anonymity, they had plenty to say about the Raiders. Let’s dive into the details.
Was letting go of Yannick Ngakoue a mistake for the Raiders?
Any team facing Las Vegas is circling Crosby to ensure the pass rusher doesn’t blow up their offensive game plan. The 2021 NFL season saw the Raiders have Yannick Ngakoue playing alongside “Mad Maxx.” Ngakoue registered 10 sacks in his lone with the Silver and Black
The following offseason, the Raiders traded the former third-round selection in 2016 to the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. Afterward, Las Vegas signed Chandler Jones to a three-year contract. This decision by the front office continues to confuse one NFL executive.
“I never understood letting Yannick Ngakoue go for Jones,” the anonymous executive said. “You let a prime defensive end in his twenties go for a guy in his thirties, and I think Yannick was better? That’s on the Raiders. That move was a Patriot-type move; you get a guy you know because you know him. I know that move shocked many people around the league, and it was a bad move.”
Ngakoue registered 9.5 sacks with the Indianapolis Colts; meanwhile, Jones only registered four in his first season with the Raiders. Additionally, hindsight is now 20-20 with Jones on the Non-Football Illness list for his bizarre behavior, which began late in the preseason.
The 28-year-old Ngakoue only spent one season with the Colts and signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears this offseason. He has one sack through three games in 2023, so he’s still contributing to a bad Bears team. This move by the Raiders could be questioned if Ngakoue replicates his production from last season, considering he complimented Crosby so well.
So what do you say, Raiders fans? Were you on board upon Jones’ arrival? Or are you still pondering why the Silver and Black let go of Ngakoue? Let us know.
NFL executive questions Josh McDaniels’ use of Hunter Renfrow
Opposing NFL defenses are circling in on Josh Jacobs and forcing Jimmy Garoppolo to beat them. The 25-year-old running back has yet to register a 100-rushing yard game through three contests this season, putting pressure on “Jimmy G” to make defenses pay for prioritizing the run.
However, the veteran signal-caller and the passing game have struggled, resulting in a 1-2 record, and one NFL executive is confused by the lack of contribution from Renfrow. After a disappointing 2022 campaign, the 27-year-old pass catcher eyed a bounce-back 2023, but that’s not happening so far.
“You can’t have Hunter Renfrow not involved,” the anonymous executive said. “You just can’t. Josh [McDaniels] has an entire system for getting rid of the ball quickly, and with teams moving so many guys up to make it clear that Josh Jacobs won’t beat them, Jimmy (Garoppolo) is making his reads and, under duress, he, like most quarterbacks, doesn’t make great decisions. Teams are daring the Raiders to beat them with Jimmy.”
Through three games, Renfrow has recorded three receptions for 40 receiving yards. The former fifth-round pick also went without a target in the Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos. Currently, there are no signs that Renfrow will be getting out of this funk if his first three games are any indicator.
Jakobi Meyers’ arrival also sees “Jimmy G” look for the former New England Patriot often, which doesn’t bode well for Renfrow. So the newest Raiders signing is emerging as the No. 2 wide receiver behind Davante Adams.
Still, there are plenty of games left this season. Can Renfrow get back on track? Or will he even be on the team with the NFL trade deadline approaching on Oct. 31?
*Top Photo: Raiders.com