Better, worse or the same? Looking at the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense – NFL Nation

HENDERSON, Nev. — It is not typically a group that simply performed within the postseason undergoes a large rehaul, from entrance workplace philosophy to on-the-field playcalling. But, listed here are the Las Vegas Raiders, implementing a sure Patriot Approach through the arrivals of coach Josh McDaniels and normal supervisor Dave Ziegler in January from New England.

As such, McDaniels and Ziegler try to place a shine on the outfit that endured the Jon Gruden/Henry Ruggs III/Damon Arnette controversies and a 1-5 midseason stretch to win 4 straight video games on the finish of the season to complete 10-7 and pressure their method into the playoffs for simply the second time since 2002. Expertise on the offensive aspect of the ball already exists, so not a lot finagling needed to occur, however the brand new regime was in a position to swing a commerce for the perfect receiver within the recreation to make the No. 11 general offense a risk to be a top-five unit.

The final time the Raiders introduced in a brand new coach, Gruden took a wrecking ball to the roster. The brand new regime, no less than for now, appears to have taken a sprucing rag to the roster. And, as proprietor Mark Davis mentioned, it isn’t a reset a lot as taking a subsequent step.

Breaking down the offense and judging whether or not the items inside are higher, worse or the identical is an train in persistence — hurrying as much as wait and see if McDaniels actually realized from his final painful expertise as a head coach with the Denver Broncos in 2009-10. Already with the fame of an elite playcaller — particularly within the crimson zone, an Achilles’ heel for the Raiders of late — McDaniels has the items in place (the No. 6 passing assault within the NFL, the No. 18-ranked scoring group) to, sure, take that subsequent step.

Quarterbacks

Additions: Chase Garbers (rookie free agent), Nick Mullens (Cleveland Browns), Jarrett Stidham (New England Patriots)

Losses: Marcus Mariota (Atlanta Falcons), Nathan Peterman (Chicago Bears)

Returners: Derek Carr

Higher, worse or the identical? Higher … with a caveat

After all, 1,000,000 instances after all, the Raiders’ QB scenario ought to be higher with the additions of the perfect receiver within the recreation in Davante Adams and an elite playcaller in McDaniels. However maintain this in thoughts — not solely is Carr studying a wholly new offense, the QB room is nearly additionally completely new with Mariota gone.

Plus, Carr’s QBR dropped precipitously the final two instances he modified playcallers, going from 56.1 in 2016 below Invoice Musgrave to 50.5 in 2017 below Todd Downing to 46.5 in 2018 below Jon Gruden. Carr’s QBR final yr with Gruden after which Greg Olson taking on upon Gruden’s resignation? Strive 52.4, a yr after a career-best 64.3.

Working backs

Additions: Ameer Abdullah (Carolina Panthers), Brandon Bolden (Patriots), Zamir White (fourth-round draft choose), Brittain Brown (seventh-round draft choose), Jakob Johnson (Patriots)

Losses: Peyton Barber (free agent), Jalen Richard (free agent), Alec Ingold (Miami Dolphins), Trey Ragas (free agent), Sutton Smith (free agent)

Returners: Kenyan Drake, Josh Jacobs

Higher, worse or the identical? Higher

Given the quantity of front-line expertise and depth added to Jacobs, who has averaged greater than 1,000 yards speeding a yr in his three seasons, and Drake, who was coming into his personal within the offense earlier than a damaged proper ankle ended his season in Week 13, the No. 28-ranked speeding assault within the NFL must be higher, proper?

Bolden is aware of the offense and was not introduced in to easily be a mentor. Utilizing a fourth-round choose on White ought to portend the long run on the place, particularly since Jacobs didn’t have his fifth-year possibility picked up by the brand new regime. In any occasion there are energy backs (Jacobs and White), pass-catching backs (Bolden and Drake) and short-yardage backs (Johnson) on this group, so McDaniels has a spread from which to choose and play.

Tight Ends

Additions: Cole Fotheringham (undrafted rookie), Jacob Hollister (Jacksonville Jaguars), Jesper Horsted (Bears)

Losses: Derek Service (free agent), Daniel Helm (free agent)

Returners: Darren Waller, Foster Moreau, Nick Bowers

Higher, worse or the identical? Identical

Whereas rumors had been flying that Waller, who’s in line for a contract extension, was in line to be traded, the previous Professional Bowler was as an alternative watching outdated tape of Rob Gronkowski doing his factor in McDaniels’ offense to higher put together himself for the same position. And if Waller can keep wholesome — he missed six video games with knee and again points — he would be the excellent complement to Adams, who will take the highest off of defenses, and Professional Bowler Hunter Renfrow, who will work beneath from the slot.

However Waller, who set a franchise file with 107 catches in 2020, had simply 55 final season and it’s a must to surprise if his manufacturing goes down once more with the addition of Adams, the emergence of Renfrow and Carr’s ever-growing belief in Moreau. Particularly with mentioned extension in play.

Receivers

Additions: Davante Adams (Green Bay Packers), Keelan Cole (New York Jets), Justin Hall (rookie free agent), Mack Hollins (Dolphins), Demarcus Robinson (Kansas City Chiefs), Jordan Veasy (Houston Texans)

Losses: Bryan Edwards (Falcons), Zay Jones (Jaguars), DeSean Jackson (free agent), Henry Ruggs III (launched)

Returners: Hunter Renfrow, Dillon Stoner, DJ Turner, Tyron Johnson

Higher, worse or the identical? Higher

Including the perfect receiver within the NFL who, I do not know in the event you’ve heard this but however, additionally occurs to be the faculty bestie of the QB? Yeah, the Raiders receiver room is the perfect it has been since Carr entered the NFL in 2014. Adams has averaged 108 catches for 1,328 yards and 12 TDs the final 4 years. Him becoming a member of Waller and Renfrow offers the Raiders one of the crucial feared pass-catching trios within the league. Interval.

The additions of Hollins and Robinson present some versatility and particular groups alternatives, nevertheless it all revolves round Adams and the way rapidly he and Carr can reignite their chemistry with out upsetting the vibe already set with Waller and Renfrow. Tim Brown and Jerry Rice 2.0? Pump the brakes a bit there, however that is the perfect WR room because the two Corridor of Famers wore Silver and Black on the flip of the century.

Offensive line

Additions: Dylan Parham (third-round draft choose), Thayer Munford (seventh-round draft choose), Alex Bars (Bears), Bamidele Olaseni (rookie free agent), Tyrone Wheatley Jr. (Bears), Jordan Meredith (no group in 2021)

Losses: Richie Incognito (free agent), Nick Martin (free agent), Jeremiah Poutasi (free agent),

Returners: Kolton Miller, John Simpson, Andre James, Alex Leatherwood, Denzelle Good, Brandon Parker, Lester Cotton Sr., Jermaine Eluemunor, Hroniss Grasu, Jackson Barton

Higher, worse or the identical? Identical

Are the Raiders actually going to run it again with the identical O-line that contributed to Carr being sacked 40 instances in 2021, the second-most of his profession? On the floor, it seems to be prefer it. However the two keys may very well be Good, who was misplaced for the season with a torn ACL in his left knee within the opener final yr, regaining his kind and, thus, his place at proper guard, and Leatherwood, final yr’s first-round choose, regaining his proper deal with spot after being relegated to proper guard in Week 5.

The very fact the brand new regime chosen an inside lineman (Parham) with its first choose spoke volumes. A summer time O-line prediction, then — LT Miller, LG Parham, C James, RG Good, RT Leatherwood, with Parker the swing deal with. Not attractive, however workable. Except it collapses — once more — and serves as one other built-in excuse.

Coming quickly: Protection