Talk to many die hard Raiders fans about the 2018 season so far and you’re bound to either get backhanded or listen to them lament about how the sky is falling in O*akland. The season, thus far, hasn’t been kind to the Silver & Black but the three of the next four games coming out the bye week are all winnable games.
With matchups against the reeling Indianapolis Colts, San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals, the Raiders could hit mid-November with four wins on the season. I caution you, though, to expect coach Jon Gruden’s squad to finish with six losses en route to a four-win season.
After this past weekend’s disaster in London, even William Shakespeare’s corpse turned in his grave out in Stratford-upon-Avon. The Raiders were blasted by the mediocre Seattle Seahawks, 27-3. If it’s even possible, the score wasn’t nearly as indicative of the dominance Seattle willed upon The (struggling) Raider Nation.
It almost makes you wanna cry.
The breaking point is here. Damn. #Raiders pic.twitter.com/bAAkwygaVE
— Damon Bruce (@DamonBruce) October 14, 2018
The team just isn’t very good and it’s going to get worse, before it gets better. Quarterback Derek Carr doesn’t look like he’s worth backup money, let alone his massive $125 million contract. Amari Cooper plays hide-and-go-seek every other weekend and could be on his way out before the trade deadline. Marshawn Lynch has an ankle sprain that may cost him extended time.
Whatever could go wrong, has gone wrong.
Fans aren’t taking the terrible start very well either. While The Raider Nation isn’t known for being patient, logical, calm and understanding, the negativity is starting to reach epidemic proportions. The vitriol towards Gruden, owner Mark Davis and Carr has been brutal. Anger has bombarded social media.
Breaking news…this just in. THE OAKLAND RAIDERS SUCK!!!!! Been a fan for over 40 years and I'm done. Mark Davis and Jon Gruden can both kiss my ass. #RaiderNation
— chris fair (@chrisfair818) October 14, 2018
You guys SUCK DONKEY DICK! AL is rolling all over his grave. You're making this franchise a laughingstock of the league. Fire gruden, if this is his way of building a team looks like. I won today, because I didn't waste my precious valuable time watching your sorry asses! pic.twitter.com/lcEZ7dfiT2
— Ivan Castellanos (@C10Hortelano) October 14, 2018
Man The @Raiders are terrible! They have to be the worst team in the NFL right now. pic.twitter.com/OxuGIuUM1Z
— The Brit Chief 🇬🇧 (@BritChiefUK) October 14, 2018
Gruden is somehow managing to keep his alternate ego “Coach Chucky” at bay, for now, although benched cornerback Rashaan Melvin voiced frustration on social media. He wore one in return. The Raiders coach responded with a sick passive-aggressive burn, and exposed a good reason why the team stinks to high hell right now.
Gruden was aware of Rashaan Melvin's tweet/unhappiness: "Melvin is on his seventh team. Maybe he is confused about what technique he is using. He is frustrated. I can't blame him … He is a good kid." #Raiders
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) October 16, 2018
The absolute lack of player leadership is probably the result of losing such a dynamic motivator…like the guy who went to Chicago. You know, that guy. I forgot his name but I’m sure he’s having a terrible time on a last place team.
The absence of Khalil Mack in the locker is doing more to expose the old Raiders roster than the talent. It’s blatantly obvious there are too many entitled bosses collecting paychecks. Even the quote from defensive end Bruce Irvin after such a bad loss reeked of “quit.”
Some possible personal perspective from #Raiders DE Bruce Irvin? "We lost, but I've got a beautiful wife I get to go home to, boy. I'm going to try to make some babies, man."
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) October 14, 2018
There’s hope, though, Raider Nation.
Enjoy the bliss of the best stretch of Raider football you’ll get to see in 2018, the last in Oakland if the reported lawsuit by the O*akland City Council continues. The Raiders should play well and pick up the wins against Indy, San Fran and Arizona. All three are going through similar nightmare seasons as well. Don’t waste the golden of this season’s narrative before Gruden gets deep into this expected reboot.
This rebuild could be revolutionary. It could be Vegas Golden Knights general manager George McPhee building a Stanley Cup Final team with a perfect ensemble of NHL castoffs in just one offseason. It could be Theo Epstein building a Cubs World Series champion by drafting mature offensive players while everyone went after pitching.
It could be. Or, it might not. One way or another, the Raiders franchise is all-in on Gruden’s plan. If we’re really lucky, it’ll come to fruition Season One here in Vegas. Curious how many O*kland “Vegas Haters” will head south and change their tune, if Gruden gets it done. The Raider Nation is a global fraternity.
I’m positive the Las Vegas Raiders fans here in Sin City will welcome them with open arms. I just hope they remember to tip!
