When Jon Gruden took over the Raiders this winter, a palpable shift resonated. RaiderNation experienced a sense of confident calm that the team lacked since, well, Al Davis sent Gruden to Tampa. Coaching takes talent and molds them into something more than they would be separately. Due to his lofty contract, the Raiders will rely on Gruden more.
“Winning isn’t everything, but it beats everything that comes in second” Bear Bryant
If you listen to Jon Gruden’s interviews with the sounds off and focus on his expressions, one major point exists. During the 2018 season and beyond, he will do what it takes to make this team successful. Gruden takes a loss harder than many coaches do. As a result, he gets up before roosters crow and arrives at the facility. On the other hand, Jack del Rio garnered a reputation for a less that tenacious workday approach. Nothing means more to Jon Gruden than winning.
“A coach is someone that tells you what you don’t want to hear, shows you what you don’ want to see, so you can be who you’ve known you could be” Tom Landry
Jon Gruden overhauled a large portion of this roster to his specs. For the holdovers, they must expect hard coaching. Gone are the days of the laidback Jack Del Rio. Known for his ability to scheme and offense and irritate certain players, Gruden will bend this team to his will. Under those consequences, the Raiders will not endure many lapses in either judgment or attitude. Remember Gruden deactivated Keyshawn Johnson, his number one receiver in Tampa
On the other hand, a rookie like Marcell Ateman will benefit from structure. At Oklahoma State, Ateman played in a passing offense but seemed to lack route discipline. Under Gruden, Ateman could blossom into a red zone threat that gives Derek Carr another weapon. Ateman possess the size. Now, all he needs is refinement. Under those circumstances, a meticulous coach like Gruden can shape a talented wideout into a threat.
“You never stay the same. You either get better or you get worse” Gruden, himself
In essence, every coach should feel this way. Yet, many fail when given the opportunity. By signing a ten-year deal, the Raiders did their part. Now, Gruden has to turn this franchise into winner. In order to accomplish this, expect turnover and challenging players. For example, Gruden said this about Obi Melifonwu. Granted, second-year higher picks usually receive a grace period. Due to his injuries and importance of his position, the Raiders need Melifonwu healthy. Gruden realizes this and applied plus. While not the most diplomatic, Jon Gruden will make the Raiders his team, by using his methodology.
