The entire saga surrounding Josh McDaniels and the Las Vegas Raiders‘ offense is literally the epitome of irony. Regrettably, this is a fable that has Raider Nation feeling weary—apprehensive, perhaps. Yes, the team has been winning, but the “how” is not sustainable, especially not once the team gets past this stretch of “winnable” games. Oh boy, this could get ugly for the second-year coach.
For one, the situation surrounding Davante Adams could go south relatively quickly. Say the Raiders win in Chicago this week—another close, ugly win, if you will—only to get obliterated by the Detroit Lions the following week. It could very well prove what Adams is trying to echo—the missed opportunities and lack of execution are going to catch up sooner or later. Still, let’s call a spade a spade, a lot of this is McDaniels’ own doing.
What should Josh McDaniels do with the Raiders offense?
The quarterback situation is truly at the root of everything. For a lack of better terms, the oft-injured Jimmy Garoppolo is McDaniels’ “guy.” After jettisoning long-time starter Derek Carr following a very public divorce, it was evident that McDaniels would get his pick. That pick was “Jimmy G.” Even after Aidan O’Connell showed promise in his debut, substituting for Garoppolo, McDaniels was quick to remind everyone who held the keys to his offense.
While it’s not known when Garoppolo will be back, unless either O’Connell or Brian Hoyer light it up, he’ll still be the starter. If that’s the case, the missed opportunities must stop. The question is: how do you do that? Opposing defenses aren’t afraid of McDaniels’ offense. They bring the house nearly every play; just ask Garoppolo himself.
While Raiders beat writer Hondo Carpenter of Sports Illustrated let it be known that McDaniels is “p***** off.” Has the coach stopped to look in the mirror? If not for the emergence of Patrick Graham’s defense, the Raiders could easily have an identical record as their opponent this Sunday.
When you look at the offense as a whole, the changes made by McDaniels—these were calculated moves that were to help him get the unit going. Carr is gone, Darren Waller is gone, and Hunter Renfrow has been iced out of the offense entirely. You then couple that with the regression of the offensive line; it’s a disaster.
At this point, the Raiders need something to jump-start the offense. Maybe, just maybe, a quarterback controversy could help, right? O’Connell airs it out; the Raiders win, but Garoppolo is then set to return. What do you do? Either that or Josh McDaniels is just doomed, cursed—pick your synonym.
*Top Photo: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Josh McDaniels is a bum!
(by GTHANG)
The Raiders should trade Adams for Chris Olave.
Olave is younger, cheaper, and has upside. And like Adams, he’s had some big games but his last few have been duds. Carr would welcome Adams with open arms; Saints are in win-now mode and would likely agree if the money works.
McD could take a raw talent and say he made Olave great.
It’s a little surprising Adams is still here. Garoppolo has set him up for big hits multiple times, and the other QB options are a journeyman and a rookie. He wants out for sure.
Olave is a TERRIBLE route runner and gives up on plays! Ya we need that. Why not keep our good players and…… get more good players?
When will Mark Davis wise up? I know he doesn’t want to pay for another lame coach but he made this mess by continuely hiring these types of coaches. McDaniel is a terrible coach and some what coordinator at best we all can see this.
I love Devante. He is the consumate professional. That being said he deserves to play for a contender. He has earned this right.
With McCaffrey hurt and Deebo banged up I am sure the Niners would give at least a second round (should be a first round) pick to get him.
Lets do the right thing and honor his wishes for a trade. And make it to a playoff contender.
Disagree. He is not professional he is cancer. Win and win and now he bitches that he’s not getting enough. It’s not about wins for this diva. He stays and plays or raiders get market value. Screw him. A first and a second. Nothing less.
He’s worth 2 first round picks.