The Las Vegas Raiders concluded the 2023 NFL season with an 8-9 record, a result that left them outside the playoff picture for the second consecutive year. Their season was a rollercoaster of exhilarating highs and frustrating lows.
The Las Vegas Raiders logo
One of the most memorable moments was their Week 6 demolition of their division rivals, the Los Angeles Chargers, in a stunning 63-21 victory. They followed this up with another impressive win the following week, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs on their home turf on Christmas Day with a score of 20-4.
Despite these flashes of brilliance, doubts lingered around the Raiders entering the 2023 season, primarily due to a lack of confidence in then-head coach Josh McDaniels. These doubts proved to be justified when McDaniels was relieved of his duties after a Week 8 loss to the Detroit Lions, leaving the Raiders with a disappointing 3-5 record.
Antonio Pierce stepped in as the interim head coach, injecting new energy into the team. The Raiders responded positively to Pierce’s leadership, finishing the season with a 5-4 record under his guidance. Recognizing his impact, the Raiders removed the interim tag, making Pierce the permanent head coach.
While the Raiders possess a talented roster and are poised to be a formidable opponent in the 2024 season, there are concerns, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, that raise questions about their ability to compete for a playoff spot.
Offseason Moves: A Mix of Promise and Uncertainty
The Raiders made a splash in free agency by signing former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to a massive 4-year, $110 million contract, with $82 million guaranteed. This significant investment demonstrates their commitment to bolstering their defensive line. Wilkins has consistently performed at a high level for the Dolphins, recording double-digit tackles for loss in each of the past three seasons and a career-high nine sacks in 2023.
Christian Wilkins in action for the Miami Dolphins
Pairing Wilkins with the already formidable Maxx Crosby, who has consistently been one of the league’s most underrated pass rushers, creates a potentially dominant force in the trenches. Malcolm Koonce’s emergence last season, where he recorded eight sacks and over 50 pressures, adds further depth to their pass rush.
However, the Raiders’ secondary remains a significant concern. While Jack Jones showed promise in 2023, the depth behind him is thin. Nate Hobbs is a reliable slot corner, but the remaining options, Brandon Facyson and Jakorian Bennett, have struggled at the NFL level. Injuries to key players in the secondary could expose the Raiders’ lack of depth and leave them vulnerable against high-powered passing attacks.
Offensive Outlook: Potential Roadblocks to Success
The Raiders’ offense presents a more complex picture. While they have a star-studded receiving corps led by the elite Davante Adams, the quarterback position remains a question mark. Aiden O’Connell showed glimpses of potential in limited action at the end of the 2023 season, but it’s premature to expect him to consistently perform at a high level against the NFL’s best defenses.
Davante Adams celebrates a touchdown with Derek Carr
The departure of Josh Jacobs, who rushed for over 1,100 yards in 2023, leaves a significant void in their running game. Zamir White, their current projected starter, has shown flashes of potential but lacks experience as a lead back. The Raiders’ inability to establish a consistent ground game could put additional pressure on their young quarterback and make it challenging to sustain drives against tough defenses.
2024 Schedule Analysis: A Difficult Path to the Playoffs
The Raiders face an uphill battle in the highly competitive AFC West, where they face their formidable division rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos, twice each. Their schedule also includes matchups against challenging opponents such as the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Miami Dolphins.
Their early-season schedule is particularly daunting, with road games against the Ravens and Chargers in the first four weeks. A slow start could put them in a difficult position for the remainder of the season, especially considering the strength of their division rivals.
Conclusion: A Season of Uncertainty
The Raiders enter the 2024 season with a mix of promising talent and glaring weaknesses. Their success hinges on several factors, including the development of their young quarterback, the ability to compensate for the loss of Josh Jacobs in the running game, and the health of their secondary. While they have the potential to be a tough out for any opponent, their lack of depth in key areas and the overall strength of the AFC make it unlikely they will be serious playoff contenders in 2024.
