Los Angeles Chargers: The Oakland Raiders are dangerous
By Jason Reed
It is something that no fan of the Los Angeles Chargers ever wants to admit but the Oakland Raiders are gearing up to be dangerous in 2019.
The Los Angeles Chargers had a great 2018 season, finishing with the joint-best record in the AFC and much more room to grow in 2019. However, two of the team’s wins might not be that easy in 2019 as the Oakland Raiders are gearing up to be dangerous.
The Raiders were a laughing stock last season. Jon Gruden came in and far underperformed expectations in his first season and traded away two huge fan favorites in Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper.
Derek Carr did not look great and the team’s most notable addition, Jordy Nelson, was nothing special. The Raiders stumbled to a 4-12 record but now have the potential to be the 2017 Los Angeles Rams, who enjoyed a huge turnaround after going 4-12 the year prior.
More from LA Sports Hub
- Lakers: 5 Players to Target Through Trades to make another championship run
- LA Chargers: Week 8 against Denver Broncos is a must-win
- LA Rams: Jared Goff wants to keep the Los Angeles title streak going
- Lakers Rumors: Los Angeles Clippers interested in Rajon Rondo
- LA Chargers: Justin Herbert wins AFC Rookie of the Month
It pains me to admit as a Charger fan but the Raiders have been doing all the right things this offseason.
Antonio Brown is the biggest addition and the Raiders only had to pay a third and fifth-round pick for the best receiver in the game. Yes, he is a diva, yes he is getting older but he will still be very productive and is definitely worth the draft picks.
The team shored up the receiving corps by adding a deep threat, and former Charger, Tyrell Williams. Williams is the perfect piece to play opposite of Brown and open the field for Carr and the offense.
The offensive line got better with two great additions in Rodger Saffold and Trent Brown. The defense got an added boost with the addition of Lamarcus Joyner at safety.
There are still some holes on the team. The Raiders need to potentially replace Marshawn Lynch and need to get a pass rusher. Tight end could be improved as well.
And they have the picks to bolster the team.
Oakland has three picks in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The Raiders own the fourth overall pick, 24th overall pick and 27th overall pick. That right there is enough to fill those three holes.
The team also has its second, fourth, a fifth and two seventh-round picks. Oh, and the team has two first-round and third-round picks in 2020. They have the assets to make noise.
Of course, the team still needs Derek Carr to step up and play well to make any serious noise and many are doubtful that he can make that leap.
Next. How Le'Veon Bell affects Melvin Gordon's contract. dark
However, the Oakland Raiders certainly do pose a threat for the Los Angeles Chargers and the rest of the AFC in 2019, as much as it pains me to admit.