Right now, the Las Vegas Raiders are a sinking ship—although, let’s keep things in perspective, the team is only three games in. The real question is whether Mark Davis should do anything drastic. Better yet, is there anything he can really do at this point?
Davis, for his part, often saw his name get dragged through the mud last season. It was a similar scenario to the one currently facing the Silver and Black. The team faltered under head coach Josh McDaniels, and the falsehood spread around the media was that Davis couldn’t afford to fire his coach. While this was ultimately proven to be untrue, the same story has circled its way this season.
Looking at the team this past Sunday night, you’d be hard-pressed to believe that much progress has been made. McDaniels has “his players” in place now, and to very few people’s surprise, the Raiders are heading toward a steep decline out of the gate. Despite the depressing 1-2 start, would Davis really pull the trigger and clean house? If last year was any indication, Davis is in it for the long haul. Of course, that’s not something Raiders fans are wanting to hear right now.
What do you do if you’re Mark Davis right now? Let this coaching staff ride out the rest of the season or do you pull the trigger?
Raiders fans understandably are frustrated—but cleaning house a few weeks into the season won’t help matters. Also, there’s the question regarding… pic.twitter.com/JGnV3uOWjC
— RaiderRamble.com™ (@TheRaiderRamble) September 25, 2023
Mark Davis, Dave Ziegler, and Josh McDaniels: An Unmitigated Disaster?
Both McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler were given the opportunity to assemble a roster “their way.” The roster (and coaching staff) is filled with former New England Patriots, but you already knew that. Some acquisitions have panned out, such as Jakobi Meyers, but collectively, there’s not much to show for installing McDaniels’ system. In fact, it’s quite the opposite.
The Raiders have regressed in all three phases of the game, which is quite remarkable when you look at the additions Ziegler has made. McDaniels got his quarterback, and in turn, Jimmy Garoppolo has looked the worst he ever has. Individually, there’ve certainly been notable performances, but overall, there’s still much to be desired. An upset fan is likely screaming at his television, demanding that Davis fire the duo.
However, for better or worse, Davis wants stability for his organization. Right now, McDaniels and Ziegler provide that; however, the collective groan from Raider Nation will turn louder if the losing continues. At the same time, Allegiant Stadium is filled to the brim with paying fans every game, so does he really need to change anything?
*Top Photo: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports