2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 8-9

It was a difficult season for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023. Despite the final record around .500, the Raiders went through it last season. It began with a 1-3 start under Josh McDaniels, who lost the locker room midway through the season. Antonio Pierce stepped in as the interim and the Raiders would win three out of four to end the season. He was hired as the full-time head coach after an abundance of support from players.

2024 Las Vegas Raiders Season Preview

Offense

Key Additions: QB Gardner Minshew, TE Brock Bowers, C Jackson Powers-Johnson, OT Delmar Graze, RB Alexander Mattison

Key Losses: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, RB Josh Jacobs, WR Hunter Renfrow, TE Austin Hooper, OT Jermaine Eleumunor, OG Greg Van Roten

The Las Vegas Raiders signed Gardner Minshew in free agency but still wanted to improve the quarterback position during the 2024 NFL Draft.

The goal was to attempt to move up, which the front office did, but the opportunity never presented itself. Minshew has been named the starter for the upcoming season with Aidan O’Connell being slated as the backup. The Jimmy Garoppolo experiment was a failure and now it is up to Minshew to run the offense.

Minshew can sling the ball around the field and will have a top-end wide receiver to work with. Davante Adams returns to Vegas despite rumors of a trade. He remains one of the best receivers in the league and is a major benefit for the Raiders. During the draft, the front office opted to add Brock Bowers. He fell to them at No. 13 and the Raiders felt like it was too good to pass on. Michael Mayer will also man the tight end position and this could be a strength for Vegas.

In the backfield, the relationship between Josh Jacobs and the Raiders ended when he went to Green Bay. Now, Zamir White will takeover as the primary back. He excelled late in the season when he got a chance for extended carries. When Jacobs was hurt, White impressed. White will be behind a line that struggled in pass protection last season. This led to the addition of Delmar Glaze in the draft. He will contend for the right tackle job right away.

The Raiders are in a bit of a transition until the next franchise quarterback can be found. Until then, the team is looking to compete with Adams on the roster. Can it be done this season? Anything is possible if Minshew plays at his very best.

Defense

Key Additions: DT Christian Wilkins, CB Decamerion Richardson, LB Tommy Eichenberg

Key Losses: DT John Jenkins, DT Jerry Tillery, CB Amik Robertson

The Raiders’ defensive attack will be led by the pass rush once again. This begins with Maxx Crosby coming off the edge, logging 14.5 sacks last season. Crosby is one of the best overall players in the league. He led the charge for Pierce to be the head coach, threatening a trade request if he was not hired full-time.

With Crosby on the edge, the Raiders wanted to improve the interior defensive line. Christian Wilkins came over on a massive deal in free agency. He totaled nine sacks with the Miami Dolphins last season. The front seven will have to make up for a secondary that needed improvements last year.

Las Vegas improved at safety with Trevor Moehrig taking a big step forward. Marcus Epps has been nothing above average but can improve with the help of the front. Cornerback remains a major issue for the Raiders. Jack Jones and Jakorian Bennett are young options that did not emerge last season. Fourth-round pick Decamerion Richardson has a chance to make an impact and that is what the Raiders need in the secondary.

The front seven is solidified with a rock-solid group of linebackers. Robert Spillane came over from Pittsburgh to solidify the group.

Schedule

Week 1: at Los Angeles Chargers

Week 2: at Baltimore Ravens

Week 3: vs. Carolina Panthers

Week 4: vs. Cleveland Browns

Week 5: at Denver Broncos

Week 6: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Week 7: at Los Angeles Rams

Week 8: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Week 9: at Cincinnati Bengals

Week 10: BYE WEEK

Week 11: at Miami Dolphins

Week 12: vs. Denver Broncos

Week 13: at Kansas City Chiefs – Friday Night Football

Week 14: at Tampa Bay Bucs

Week 15: vs. Atlanta Falcons – Monday Night Football

Week 16: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Week 17: at New Orleans Saints

Week 18: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Record Prediction: 6-11