The Raiders are ready to capitalize on a wild card birth and the next step is winning the AFC West. The new regime of Dave Ziegler and Josh McDaniels are already working towards that goal with a strong off-season. The 2022 season is critical for the silver and black. Three key factors will determine if the Raiders can win a wide open division https://gridironheroics.com/wide-open-afc-west-is-nfls-most-exciting-division/ for the first time since 2002.
New Regime
The Raiders surprised many this off-season with the hiring of GM Dave Ziegler and Head Coach Josh McDaniels. McDaniels brings an unquestioned resume and has to built all quality staff across the team. Strong coaching and discipline seems lacking at times on the Raiders and McDaniels has his sights on fixing that. With six Super Bowl rings and 8 top 10 offenses Coach has a clear vision for success. After a season of making the playoffs with a rookie QB and strong running game. McDaniels has shown once again he can win in multiple ways. Ziegler has a strong view of building through the draft and retaining quality players. Gone are the days of veterans stopping by the Raiders for one last pay day and that change is long overdue.
Pass Rush
Fresh off leading the NFL in QB pressures, Maxx Crosby is ready to take the next step. A few more sacks and forced fumbles would put Maxx in elite company of pass rushers. Chandler Jones joins the Raiders to add a dynamic 1-2 punch for the Las Vegas edge. Jones has had a reputation on making big plays throughout his career. Taking advantage of one on one match-ups should create a lot of big plays for Chandler. Malcom Koonce and Kyler Fackrell add good depth in 3rd down rush situations.
Derek Carr
Armed with a new contact extension, Carr is ready to win the West. Former college teammate Davante Adams adds another weapon. Hunter Renfow is coming off an 111 catch season and will be a feature of McDaniels offense. Darren Waller is among the best at his position. Combined with Foster Moreau the Raiders have a dynamic two TE set. The upgrade in weapons and a QB friendly coach will help Carr win his 1st AFC West.
Thank you for reading, for more Raiders talk you can follow me on Twitter http://@BrianRobert85 or read my previous article on the Raiders O Line https://gridironheroics.com/all-eyes-on-raiders-offensive-line/.