Firing the head coach, offensive coordinator, and general manager of your team is normally a sign of dysfunction. Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis responded to an underwhelming season thus far by cleaning house. Now the question is, can this season’s campaign be salvaged?
A new chapter for the Las Vegas Raiders
One man who’s never been apologetic when it comes to the Raiders is Rich Gannon. Arguably the greatest signal-caller that the organization has had in the 21st century, Gannon has at times riled Raider Nation. You may not always agree with his takes, but it’s obvious he still very much cares about the Silver and Black. In the aftermath of Josh McDaniels, Mick Lombardi, and Dave Ziegler being jettisoned, Gannon spoke candidly about the situation.
Ever the professional, No. 12 acknowledged the regime that’s now since departed, highlighting how much work was put into an effort that simply didn’t yield results. (h/t NFL SiriusXM)
“I am a Raider, I want to see them [the Raiders] do well. It pains me, it pains me to see this team struggle. Here’s who I bummed out for: Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler. I know how much time, effort, and energy they put into this thing. I’m disappointed for Mark Davis because he wants to win like no other. The players who are there now like Maxx Crosby who is playing his *ss off.”
Gannon is certainly right. Crosby is playing on a godly level, piling up pressures each game, but his efforts are going to the wayside when the offense can’t cross the 20-point mark. Speaking of the offense, Gannon also mentioned Davante Adams, the star wideout who finally had enough on Monday Night Football, throwing his helmet in utter frustration.
Raider Nation has had enough…
At the same time, the former NFL MVP knows all too well Raider Nation’s passion—the same passion we witnessed burst onto social media when the firings were announced on Halloween evening. Even still, Gannon does believe the situation can be fixed in Sin City.
“I’m disappointed for the fans, Raiders fans are as loyal, die hard, and passionate as they come. It’s been way too long since they’ve had success, I’d like to help them to get back there, I don’t know how to do it, but it pains me to see this organization struggle and I know it can be fixed.”
One thing’s for sure: Raiders fans are tired of losing too, Rich.
*Top Photo: Sports Illustrated
By Tony Brucks
As a bay area fan of all the teams that were/are there for the last 57 years I know without a doubt my beloved Raiders can be fixed.
It starts with the right coach. GM optional as Bill Walsh did both jobs and you see the results and success they had.
Right now my Raiders have to focus on what is staring them in the face. The New York Giants this Sunday. Jimmy Chokesalot and Hoyer are obviously out of the picture as QB’s as they cant QB a pee wee team. That leaves a rookie QB running for his life throwing on the run behind a offensive line that cant block their grandma. The running game is null & void too because this same OL cant open a hole with a can opener which means our QB will be throwing the ball even more.
The good news is we have an adequate defense. Some very good all pro receivers, running back and damn good rookies in our other receiver and TE.
We also have the best kickers in the league.
This team is damn-well fixable.
All that is necessary is getting off our collective a$$es and getting it done.
(by GTHANG)
So disappointing to hear almost-legend Gannon kiss up to the McDaniels regime. Will he ever admit he was wrong to endorse running Carr out of town for weak-arm happy-feet Garoppolo? I doubt it.
AOC should give us a legit shot to win some games. If nothing else, we won’t have to watch the train wreck we had to endure with Jimmy and McD.