5 reasons why Jon Gruden, Raiders will win AFC West

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Oakland Raiders head coach Jon Gruden, answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 28, 2018 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Improved coaching staff

By the time the dust settled on the 2017 NFL season, the Oakland Raiders had fired their head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator. Heading into 2018, there are three new faces at those important roles, beginning with Jon Gruden as head coach.

Gruden is an absolute legend in Oakland, and he should turn this thing around very quickly. He does not take the kind of nonsense that Jack Del Rio did, and this roster is going to learn early that they have to play the right way, and carry themselves the right way as well.

He is bringing in his guys, including offensive coordinator Greg Olson. this is Olson’s second stint with the team, as he was the O.C. back when Derek Carr was a rookie. He is a huge upgrade over Todd Downing, who proved to be very overwhelmed as the O.C. last season.

Defensive coordinator Paul Guenther was a huge get from Cincinnati, where his defenses were outstanding despite not having the best talent. Last year, Ken Norton Jr. really appeared lost at times, and the defense was downright atrocious for most of the season.

Outside of those three, special teams coach Rich Bisaccia is one of the best in the business, and he better be, after the team lost All-Pro punter Marquette King this past week. Oakland also got rid of kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson, so he has a lot of work to do in his first season with the Silver and Black.

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