Raiders Preview: Team Steps Forward, Forgets Recent Past -

Despite the criticism far and wide, the Las Vegas Raiders continue to firm up their 2023 plans with the NFL Draft directly ahead.

As the Las Vegas Raiders offseason careens towards the NFL Draft, a bit of a vision is beginning to emerge. Many questioned the trade of Darren Waller, but with the Raiders signing tight ends O.J. Howard and Austin Hooper, the offensive mold has been formed and filled. With newly-signed quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s strengths sitting in shorter passing opportunities, the team may have more use for sturdy, chip-and-go tight ends as opposed to a wide receiver in the body of a tight end like Waller was.

Firmly In The Big Chair

Considering their tight end signings, and the franchise tagging of the NFL’s leading rusher in Josh Jacobs, the Raiders are now poised to emulate a form of the Tennessee Titans’ run-first offense, while adding a bit more creativity. When the Raiders moved on from Derek Carr, they moved on from his offensive strengths as well. This is Garoppolo’s team, and the offense should reflect as such. Expect Davante Adams to show off his elite route running on shorter routes, while still threatening the occasional deep shot. Additionally, Jacobs should experience a similar workload, giving him the option to repeat his feat of recording the most rushing yards in the NFL. Despite swirling rumors of a potential trade, Hunter Renfrow could find a rebirth in this newly-formed offense, as his aptitude for route running can be fully put on display. Renfrow does not blow past defenders but instead makes them miss.

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by Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2023 at 7:49 pm

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Some Things Never Change

The offense the Raiders are forming is going to be a little bit new, but also a little bit similar. Expect the run game to grab top billing, which would allow Las Vegas to develop a devastating play-action threat. Yet, expecting Garoppolo to drop deep balls at the same rate Carr does not appear logical. Since the Raiders started the same quarterback for the last nine seasons, barring a few injuries, an expectation of certain playstyles has developed without a second thought. Now, with a new face under center, that playstyle will fall by the wayside for what could be a less flashy, but more efficient passing game.

Run Locally, Think Vertically

As many run-first teams have shown, heavy amounts of deep passes are not needed to find success in the NFL. At times, it helps, but if the Raiders force Garoppolo to fit into Carr’s shoes instead of working towards his strengths, victories will be few and far between. If the Raiders can build up their defense to at least a capable level this offseason, the talent surrounding Garoppolo can get things done offensively.

Overview

While a majority of Raiders’ social media circles’ snap reaction to Garoppolo’s signing was not overwhelmingly positive, the tone could change quickly if the offense all gets on the same page. Playing in the AFC West looks more difficult than last season projected to be. However, a safer, more consistent quarterback will suit the Raiders better in the postseason conversation at playoff time.