Despite the absence of a game for the Las Vegas Raiders this week, news about the Silver and Black continues to flow. The team has after all looked to its past to rectify its woes on offense; oh, and what about a major offseason prediction?
When you consider how badly things have gone for the Raiders, it’s never too early to look ahead to 2025. Let’s face it: at 2-7, with the bye week taking place currently, Las Vegas isn’t exactly in a favorable position to make waves. Indeed, a quick glance at social media suggests that Raider Nation is mostly fully embracing the “tank.” This year, the situation deteriorated to such an extent that Luke Getsy, the offensive coordinator, was fired. However, what comes next?
The Raiders look to their former head coach, Norv Turner, for help…
As has become customary for these Raiders under head coach Antonio Pierce, the team has welcomed another veteran coach into the fold. This time, in the form of Turner, who led the team in 2004-05 to a 9-23 record back in their Oakland days. His son, Scott, already an assistant with the team this season, was seen as the presumptive heir once Getsy was out. Clearly, the move to bring in Norv signifies that the team might not be 100 percent confident in the young, soon-to-be playcaller.
Whether it’s due to caution or a lack of confidence, the Raiders’ decision to bring back Turner is undoubtedly a reflection of their ongoing struggles. There’s no way anyone this past offseason would’ve predicted the elder Turner landing back on the coaching staff. At least the bye week will provide a chance for the father-son duo to implement some semblance of change; who knows, maybe they’ll sneak in a win or two.
Speaking of Pierce and “winning…”
Raiders insiders aren’t painting a great picture for AP’s future
One can never predict what owner Mark Davis will do next. Yes, he’s seen some positive developments this year. Most notably, Davis finally managed to bring on Tom Brady as a minority owner. The Raiders themselves are as financially valuable as ever thanks to Davis; the issue is the lack of on-field success. Whether apologists agree or disagree, Pierce will ultimately bear the responsibility.
So, what’s the vibe right now with regard to Davis? Both Vincent Bonsignore and Vic Tafur, who cover the Raiders on the ground for their respective publications, recently weighed in. Bonsignore wasn’t too optimistic; in fact, it would appear Pierce has some ground to make up.
“It does feel like Pierce has some ground to make up over the Raiders’ last nine games to secure his future in Las Vegas.”
Tafur, in his own right, doesn’t seem overly confident in what things are looking like right now. From a first-hand account of Davis, it’s clear that he’s p***** off, and who wouldn’t be if they were in his position?
“He was really mad today. I saw him walking today. He had a red face going, so he’s not happy. I can’t imagine what he’d be like if they lost the rest of their games. But like I said, I think he really wants to bring Antonio back next year.”
Well, Pierce chatter aside, the roster itself isn’t in great shape either. Devastating injuries have crippled the defense, so it makes sense that adding some reinforcements would be a hot topic.
Predicting a major defensive reinforcement?
Bleacher Report’s Scouting Department predicts that the Silver and Black will go after Detroit Lions star Carlton Davis this offseason. With eight pass deflections under his belt, Davis has played a key role in the Lions’ dominant play on defense. Could he do the same for the Raiders?
“The Raiders need a veteran starting corner who can stabilize the position. That’s exactly what Carlton Davis has done with the Lions this year. The 28-year-old has come in and given the Lions a more consistent player at the position and could be signed to do the same thing in Vegas.”
While not exactly an “elite” player, Davis would help to instantly stabilize the cornerback position. We remain uncertain about the composition of this group for the upcoming 2025 season, as the upcoming NFL draft presents intriguing prospects. We also need to consider what Jack Jones’ future holds. Regardless, Davis will be a name to keep in mind this offseason.
*Top Photo: Getty Images
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