There is no shortage of areas that need to be upgraded, and although they did finish with their best record since 2016, it’s clear the Raiders still have plenty of work to do in order to avoid collapsing down the stretch like they’ve done each of the last two seasons.
It’s a fact that is not lost on head coach Jon Gruden.
“Our goal is to win a championship and you shouldn’t go on a cruise or go on a vacation when you’re 8-8,” Gruden said. “We’ve got to take a good look at how we can close the gap. We feel like we did to a degree with the best teams in the league, but we’re not there yet. There’s not a lot of time to rest when you’re 8-8. We’ve got work to do.”
The main priority is finding a replacement for defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, a process that began within days of Las Vegas’ season-ending win over the Denver Broncos.
It’s critical that Gruden get this one right.
Here are some other issues the Raiders need to address as they look toward next season.
This story is from the February - March 2021 edition of Silver & Black Illustrated.
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This story is from the February - March 2021 edition of Silver & Black Illustrated.
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‘We have to be a much more detailed football team'
Like so many Raiders fans, coach Jon Gruden found himself searching for answers after the Raiders’ second-half collapse that cost the team a spot in the expanded playoffs.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Starting Tackle Kolton Miller is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Wanted: Defensive coordinator
The Raiders didn’t wait long to begin their search for a new defensive coordinator, and it’s becoming clear that Jon Gruden has already narrowed his list down.
Raiders' good, bad, ugly
Raiders’ good, bad, ugly
NEWS & NOTES
The Raiders had one of the easier schedules in 2020 and got only eight wins to show for it. Things won’t get any easier in 2021, either.
Looking back at 2020 season
The 2020 season will absolutely be remembered for being one of the strangest and most disappointing in franchise history.
Gruden feeling the heat?
“I know there is a big bull’s-eye on my chest, certainly. If the people want to use that as an incentive, then so be it. I worked for Al Davis in 1998. That was pressure. I was 34 years old. I’ve dealt with pressure before. I don’t really feel pressure. I love the excitement and thrill of competing, and I can’t worry about things I can’t control in that regard. I know people will want to step on me and beat me, and that is just the way this league is.”
From the SILVERANDBLACK.com Message Boards
S&BI continually scans the message boards across Raider Nation to see what Raider fans are talking about now that the 2020 season has ended for the Raiders. We chose some of the better posts and present them here.
Checklist for 2021
Now that the 2020 season has been put to rest for Las Vegas, the Raiders have shifted their focus to what figures to be a busy offseason as they prepare for 2021.
AFC WEST ROUNDUP
The Chargers fired coach Anthony Lynn after four seasons.
