Chargers: AFC West Power Rankings after start of league year
By Jason Reed
3. Oakland Raiders
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Key Additions: Jordy Nelson, Rashaan Melvin, Doug Martin
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Key Losses: Michael Crabtree, David Amerson
Perhaps the most overblown thing of this entire NFL off-season has been the Oakland Raiders signing head coach John Gruden. Gruden is a great coach, don’t get me wrong, but his signing proves that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Gruden is being billed as this revolutionary, franchise-altering head coach. I just do not see that with Gruden, who outside of a few great years, was slightly above average at best as a head coach.
The moves the Raiders made bewildered me as well. While I know more things go into these decisions, the Raiders released Michael Crabtree and picked up Jordy Nelson. Crabtree had more receiving yards in less games than Nelson last season and he is younger.
Plus, Nelson is coming from the best quarterback in the NFL in Aaron Rodgers. Understandably, his numbers were far less impressive when he didn’t have Rodgers delivering the perfect passes.
David Amerson is an underrated loss, although Rashaan Melvin was a good signing to add depth. Doug Martin is an interesting pickup and could be good alongside Marshawn Lynch; could be.
It is just hard to see this Raiders team, which arguably is entering this season at the exact same talent level, make any sort of splash. All in all, the Raiders season will simply be “meh”.