5 reasons why Raiders will fail with Jon Gruden

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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 17: Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson (87) warms up before the NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Falcons on September 17, 2017, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Frank Mattia/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Signing older veterans is a recipe for disaster

As said previously, the NFL is a league built on speed and athleticism. In short, professional football is a young man’s game.

The Raiders apparently missed that memo. The signings through the first week have been curious, and the fits have been strange. Oakland has added a pair of blocking tight ends in Smith and Carrier, a fullback, an old receiver in Nelson (a move that forced the release of a younger, more dynamic Michael Crabtree) and an ancient running back in Doug Martin.

The only two signings that make sense are linebacker Tahir Whitehead and corner Rashaan Melvin, helping a defense that needs aid all over the field. Whitehead isn’t a star, but he’s a solid plugger. Melvin is a up-and-coming corner who played well with the Indianapolis Colts, but was only signed for a year. Somehow, he got a third of the term that 33-year-odl Jordy Nelson received.

Oakland is considerably older and slower in a division with the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, two teams that are blazing fast and athletic across the board. It’s going to be a tough chore to keep up with either team on the field and in the standings.