In a Bleacher Report article titled, “Every NFL Team’s Biggest Problem Heading into Week 1,” NFL expert Brad Gagnon had a very puzzling outlook on what the Las Vegas Raiders’ biggest problem is.
Gagnon simply wrote “Problem: Substantial Change (again).”
Huh? But the Raiders brought in some bonafide superstars and winners during the offseason?
Geno Smith is a more accomplished quarterback than the Raiders have had in years, rookie Ashton Jeanty is a generational talent at running back, the Raiders drafted two exciting prospects at wide receiver, and they have completely overhauled the linebacker position with several Pro Bowlers.
Not to mention the biggest change of all, hiring Super Bowl-winning coach Pete Carroll to run the show.
“It’s just…a lot,” Gagnon wrote. “But the early-season schedule is fairly soft. If they can get through that and their core can stay healthy and productive, the Raiders can overcome this.”
It’s hard to see why Gagnon thinks bringing in exciting new talent at several key positions is a bad thing that the Raiders need to “overcome”. What were they supposed to do, keep the same losing players and personnel in place in the name of “continuity?”
Gagnon gave no actual reasons why installing any of these changes could be harmful for the Raiders, he’s just averse to constant change itself.
While the team has certainly been needing to learn how to play together, if chemistry is the Raiders’ “biggest problem”, they’re in really good shape.
Other Issues Gagnon Could Have Picked
Raiders fans know this is far from a perfect team. There are a few things Gagnon could have harped on that would have made more sense as a big issue for Las Vegas than substantial change.
For one, their divisional strength of schedule. The AFC West this season has a chance to be one of the toughest divisions in NFL history. The Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers all made the playoffs last year, and each of those teams has the roster to compete again.
There’s no avoiding it, the Raiders have to play six games against those three teams. Even if the Raiders are drastically improved in 2025, making the playoffs in this division is going to be very, very difficult.
Another, internal problem is the unproven players on the defensive secondary. No one seems to know how good the corners and safeties on this team are going to be.
Finally, the Raiders’ best wide receiver, Jakobi Meyers, just recently requested a trade. If he’s not excited to be in Las Vegas, the Raiders don’t have a go-to wideout behind him. They need his veteran leadership.
All three of those seem like much bigger problems than just the general concept of “change”.
Raiders Season Is Fast Approaching
Of course, Raiders fans will have an opportunity to see the new-look roster in action very soon.
The Raiders are set to take on the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA in the early window of games at 10 AM PT on Sunday.
Maybe then, the Raiders can start to prove that all of their offseason change truly was positive.
The Patriots also have something to prove, however, with new Head Coach Mike Vrabel at the helm. They’ll be just as eager to open the new season and new era with a win in front of their home fans.
Raider fans, who was your favorite acquisition by Las Vegas this past offseason?
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