• Latest
  • Trending
  • All
  • NFL
  • NHL
  • MLB
  • NBA
  • Pro Wrestling
  • MMA
Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Jihad Ward

Rise or Falter: Raiders DL Ward Needs Big 2018

January 10, 2018
Tom Brady’s Knee Rehab Is Progressing Well

Tom Brady’s Knee Rehab Is Progressing Well

April 19, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Ben Cleveland

April 19, 2021
ADVERTISEMENT
Recent Chicago Bears signee, wide receiver Marquise Goodwin

Chicago Bears: Do Recent Signings Change Draft Moves?

April 19, 2021
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Opinion: The Unbridled Draft Mess

April 19, 2021
Carmi Mock Draft 2.0

Carmi Mock Draft 2.0

April 18, 2021
Jeremy Swayman’s Star Turn For Bruins Giving Michaud ‘Proud Uncle Moment’

Jeremy Swayman’s Star Turn For Bruins Giving Michaud ‘Proud Uncle Moment’

April 17, 2021
AL Notes: April Featuring Surprising Division Leaders And Struggling Favorites

AL Notes: April Featuring Surprising Division Leaders And Struggling Favorites

April 17, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Nico Collins

April 17, 2021
Packers 2021 Mock Draft – Part 1

Packers 2021 Mock Draft – Part 1

April 17, 2021
Washington Football Team: What’s in a Name? Apparently a Lot

Washington Football Team: What’s in a Name? Apparently a Lot

April 17, 2021
Giants Six-Round Mock Draft 1.0

Giants Six-Round Mock Draft 1.0

April 17, 2021
Adam Lowry “Thrilled” To Remain With Winnipeg Through 2026

Wade Allison Fits Right In With The Flyers In His NHL Debut

April 16, 2021
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • FullPressRadio.com
  • SHOP FPC
  • FullPressHockey.com
  • FullPressWrestling.com


Monday, April 19, 2021
Full Press Coverage
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows
No Result
View All Result
Full Press Coverage
No Result
View All Result
Home NFL AFC

Rise or Falter: Raiders DL Ward Needs Big 2018

Terrance Biggs by Terrance Biggs
January 10, 2018
in AFC, AFC West, Las Vegas Raiders
Reading Time: 2min read
0
Oakland Raiders defensive lineman Jihad Ward
1.5k
SHARES
3.3k
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

With the NFL Draft and free agency inching up, the heat on the front office to build a champion. Equally important is the ability to sustain excellence. Since the Raiders invested heavily in Jon Gruden, the heat also intensifies on Reggie McKenzie to succeed. For better or worse, the roster sits on the shoulders of McKenzie. Recently, many of his decisions fell flat. Jihad Ward serves as glaring reminder for improvement.

he Ward Issue

More FromFPC

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Ben Cleveland

April 19, 2021

Raiders Opinion: The Unbridled Draft Mess

April 19, 2021

Carmi Mock Draft 2.0

April 18, 2021

2021 Chiefs Draft Prospect: Nico Collins

April 17, 2021

When the Raiders drafted Jihad Ward 44th overall in 2016, many scratched their collective heads in wonder. If you look at the career paths of the players drafted immediately following Ward, eyebrows raise. Alabama’s Derrick Henry and A’Shawn Robinson fell to the Titans and Lions. Imagine wither one of them in Oakland. Instead, Ward’s tenure remains marred by struggle, injury, and controversy.

 

Lack of Production

Upside alone should not merit a second round pick. Granted, Ward did not receive high level coaching at Illinois, embroiled in their own issue. However, considering the expectations of a plug and play lineman, Ward never capitalized on his opportunities. In 762 snaps, he tallied 32 tackles, 1 sack, and a fumble recovery. Meanwhile, the undrafted Denico Autry finished 2017 with a career-high five sacks. Additionally, Autry batted down seven passes. Autry enters free agency with elevated value, while Autray enters 2018 with an unsure future.

 

Controversy

So far, Ward’s tenure in Oakland has not remained free of controversy. From social media posts that bashed his defensive line coach, cracks appeared in Ward’s outlook. In itself, that undermines the authority of a position coach, leading to tension. As Jon Gruden took the podium, he mentioned accountability. As a result, coaches will enjoy a tighter control over the team. Entering his third and possibly final season with the Raiders, Ward needs to adjust to the new staff, not vice versa.

 

Scheme

As mentioned, Paul Guenther brings a new scheme to the Raiders. Within that scheme, the defensive line must generate pressure, occasionally without blitzing. Think of it like basketball, where players need to create their own chances without screens. As a result, the heat on Ward to produce during preseason increases. While no one expects him to transform into Carlos Dunlap or Geno Atkins, one sack in two seasons is not going to maintain a roster spot.

Truth

In reality, Year 3 remains crucial for Jihad Ward. By all accounts, he is a Reggie McKenzie project. Now, with Gruden and Guenther aboard, his chances to impress lessen. The Raiders want him to succeed in the new system. In addition, Reggie McKenzie cannot afford another failed second round picked, based on potential. Upside is great. Unrealized potential gets coaches and management fired. In that case, this cannot serve as Ward’s lone Raiders highlight.

 

Tags: denico autryjihad wardjon grudenoakland raiderspaul guenther
Share614Tweet384
Previous Post

2018 Raiders Draft Profile: LB Josey Jewell

Next Post

Full Press Raiders: Gruden Roundtable

Terrance Biggs

Terrance Biggs

Next Post
Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden

Full Press Raiders: Gruden Roundtable

Chargers Extend Coordinators Bradley, Whisenhunt

Chargers Extend Coordinators Bradley, Whisenhunt

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

A Twitter List by iglen31

FPC Podcasts

  • Ep.237: Upside Down Logic In a Weird World
    by Full Press Coverage on April 19, 2021 at 3:20 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2078663234.mp3?updated=1618844292
  • Episode 39: The Bears and the Quarterback Position. What Should They Do in the Draft? (W/ Shane Westwood of Frustration Nation)
    by Full Press Coverage on April 19, 2021 at 10:00 am

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2987711255.mp3?updated=1618797543
  • MISSING: The Real New York Yankees
    by Full Press Coverage on April 18, 2021 at 11:06 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV9388285016.mp3
  • Ep 175: 2021 Rookie RB Class
    by Full Press Coverage on April 18, 2021 at 8:35 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6742449919.mp3?updated=1618778316
  • Ep 72: NBA Play-In Concerns/Julian Edelman Retires
    by Full Press Coverage on April 18, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV8416542299.mp3?updated=1618754252
  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 41 - Michael Jordan to Induct Kobe into HOF
    by Full Press Coverage on April 17, 2021 at 7:25 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44363965/the_pick_4_17.mp3
  • Ep 59: 2000 Royal Rumble Review
    by Full Press Coverage on April 17, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV2461731202.mp3?updated=1618603339
  • The Pick and Roll NBA Podcast W/ Jet and Sap - EP 40 - Celtics and Lakers Recap
    by Full Press Coverage on April 16, 2021 at 8:17 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44363920/the_pick_4_16.mp3
  • Ep. 195 - You're FIRED!
    by Talkamania on April 16, 2021 at 6:42 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdcn.co/e/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44362709/talkamania_episode_195.mp3
  • Ep. 236: Frustrations Needing Solutions
    by Full Press Coverage on April 16, 2021 at 5:00 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://pdst.fm/e/chtbl.com/track/G481GD/traffic.megaphone.fm/ADV6476085701.mp3?updated=1618530039

  • 4/15 - Jackie Robinson and April 15th Events in History
    by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2021 at 11:43 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44352891/adv1580103741.mp3
  • 4/13 - Julian Edelman Announces Retirement; John Sapochetti Joins
    by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2021 at 11:38 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44352890/adv8133226208.mp3
  • 4/12 - Weekend Wrap, Vaccine Recap, Ed O'Neal, NHL Trade Deadline
    by Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 1:59 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44303436/adv5842490920.mp3
  • 4/9 - Wrestlemania, 2024 Glendon/D'Abate Ticket, and Julian Edelman
    by Full Press Coverage on April 9, 2021 at 2:02 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44272056/adv5505172386.mp3
  • 4/8 - More Cowbell, Sports Movies, Space Adventures, and More
    by Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2021 at 2:28 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44258247/adv6567559796.mp3
  • 4/7 - Documentaries, Aaron Rodgers, and More With John Sapochetti
    by Full Press Coverage on April 7, 2021 at 2:29 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44242041/adv1869381289.mp3
  • 4/6 - Baylor Beats Gonzaga, Vaccines and Gil Hill, Sam Darnold To Panthers
    by Full Press Coverage on April 6, 2021 at 2:53 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44221388/adv9103610065.mp3
  • 4/5 - Married With Children, Vaccines, Red Sox, and More
    by Full Press Coverage on April 5, 2021 at 11:27 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44211047/adv7870235805.mp3
  • 3/30 - John Sapochetti Joins The Show
    by Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2021 at 6:17 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44133895/adv6448062767.mp3
  • 3/29 - Dolphins/49ers Trade; Jimmy G's Future; Cam and The Patriots
    by Full Press Coverage on March 29, 2021 at 2:27 pm

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://api.spreaker.com/download/episode/44099239/adv6405979487.mp3

  • 37 Thoughts on Wrestlemania 37 Night Two
    by Evan Gomes on April 12, 2021 at 2:09 pm

    37 Thoughts About Wrestlemania 37 Night Two 1. No rain delays on our Wrestlemania Sunday. It was a […]

  • Wrestlemania 37 Night Two Predictions
    by Evan Gomes on April 11, 2021 at 5:17 pm

    Wrestlemania 37 Night Two Predictions After an exciting Night One, we’ve still got another round […]

  • 37 Thoughts on Wrestlemania 37 Night One
    by Evan Gomes on April 11, 2021 at 3:45 am

    37 Thoughts on Wrestlemania 37 Night One The weather at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa had the […]

  • Wrestlemania 37 Night One Predictions
    by Evan Gomes on April 10, 2021 at 8:34 pm

    Wrestlemania 37 Night One Predictions The Showcase of The Immortals is here! Wrestlemania 37 is […]

  • Crossbody of Work Episode 58: Beth Phoenix
    by Evan Gomes on April 10, 2021 at 2:05 pm

    Welcome to Crossbody of Work, a show where we break down a wrestler’s career through five of […]

More Wrestling News

  • Cleveland’s Comeback Kids Are Going Streaking
    by Elaine Shircliff on April 19, 2021 at 2:25 pm

    The Cleveland Monsters come from behind against the Rochester Americans to extend their win-streak […]

  • Avangard Beats CSKA In The Opening Game
    by Aivis Kalnins on April 18, 2021 at 8:49 pm

    The Gagarin Cup final is officially underway and Bob Hartley and his team have earned their first […]

  • Montreal Canadiens Take One Step Forward, Two Steps Back?
    by Chris Wassel on April 18, 2021 at 4:20 pm

    The Canadiens condensed schedule reveals some very ugly trends sometimes. The post Montreal […]

  • Senators’ Shane Pinto’s NHL Debut is a Success
    by Murray Pam on April 18, 2021 at 4:11 pm

    After watching his close friend and fellow University of North Dakota teammate, Jacob […]

  • Jeremy Swayman’s Star Turn For Bruins Giving Michaud ‘Proud Uncle Moment’
    by Matt Kalman on April 17, 2021 at 6:13 pm

    In the aftermath of his first NHL shutout Friday night, Jeremy Swayman was asked about the […]

More Hockey News

  • Ep 59: Bruins Swing Big At Trade Deadline
    by Full Press Coverage on April 12, 2021 at 9:48 pm

    Ian and Chris welcome in Mike Cratty to discuss the trade acquisitions of […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/31287822/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-3-12%2Ff58714b8-6022-3934-eaa5-6290cfb68d8c.mp3
  • Ep 58: Chris' Trip To TD Garden, Bruins Trade Target Goes Elsewhere, Injuries, and the Capitals
    by Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2021 at 6:33 pm

    Ian and Chris discuss Blackey's return to the Garden, the Islanders trade […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/30997504/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-3-8%2Ff5ad8b3a-4858-ae42-2228-24fde2fee0c2.mp3
  • Ep 57: Trade Deadline Talk w/ Mike Cratty
    by Full Press Coverage on April 1, 2021 at 5:34 pm

    Mike Cratty joins Ian and Chris to discuss the Bruins win over the Devils, […]

    Your browser does not support the audio element. But you can check this for the original link: https://anchor.fm/s/cc094d0/podcast/play/30509893/https%3A%2F%2Fd3ctxlq1ktw2nl.cloudfront.net%2Fstaging%2F2021-3-1%2Feda15c50-e46c-8460-b62e-0f602613cda3.mp3
Full Press Coverage

© 2020 Full Press Coverage

Navigate Site

  • Staff Portal
  • Apply to Write
  • Contact Us
  • Have a news tip?
  • Privacy Policy
  • FPC Radio Network
  • NFL
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • FullPressHockey.com

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest
    • Full Press Radio Network
    • Apply to Write
    • Feedback
    • Privacy Policy
  • NFL
    • AFC
      • Baltimore Ravens
      • Buffalo Bills
      • Cincinnati Bengals
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Denver Broncos
      • Houston Texans
      • Indianapolis Colts
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Las Vegas Raiders
      • Los Angeles Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • New England Patriots
      • New York Jets
      • Pittsburgh Steelers
      • Tennessee Titans
    • NFC
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Atlanta Falcons
      • Carolina Panthers
      • Chicago Bears
      • Dallas Cowboys
      • Detroit Lions
      • Green Bay Packers
      • Los Angeles Rams
      • Minnesota Vikings
      • New Orleans Saints
      • New York Giants
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • San Francisco 49ers
      • Seattle Seahawks
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      • Washington Football Club
  • NBA
  • MLB
  • NHL
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Pro Wrestling
  • Other Sports
    • College Sports
    • MMA
    • XFL
    • Futbol
    • AAF
  • Podcasts
    • FPC Radio LIVE
    • Dylan and Ross Save Sports
    • The Eye Test for Two
    • Big Bad Bruins Podcast
    • Black Tuesday
    • Get Off My Lawn
    • The Sap and Kat Show
    • Talkamania
    • Crossbody of Work
    • The Salvaggio and Cratty Sports Podcast
    • All Shows

© 2020 Full Press Coverage