Oakland Raiders: 5 reasons they’ll reach playoffs

1. Talented group of core players

Every team that has found success in the last decade has relied upon a core of players who take the lead. Specifically, the relationship between the head coach and the quarterback is the foundation of any winning franchise. Look at what Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have done in New England, that is the best example out there. One thing the Raiders have lacked is consistency at the head coaching position, they have that now. Gruden and Carr will have ample time to build and foster a relationship.

Without question, Carr is the heart and soul of the Raiders. Some of his teammates have already said that he looks like a new man under Gruden’s guidance, and that should excite all Raiders fans. If they are able to work well together and create that kind of Belichick-Brady bond, they will be successful for a long time.

In addition, the defense has the same sort of thing going on. Khalil Mack is an elite defensive player in the NFL and now has a proven defensive coordinator to help him succeed. In addition, Bruce Irvin has stepped up to become a vocal leader on defense. Those relationships will be vital  for improvement from the defense.

Throw in rising superstar Amari Cooper and the four core players in Oakland are all extremely talented. Carr has shown the potential to be a top-tier quarterback in the NFL with his MVP-caliber 2016 season. Khalil Mack has already won a Defensive Player of the Year award. Bruce Irvin is a Super Bowl champion and Amari Cooper made the Pro Bowl in two of his first three seasons.

That group, along with multiple others such as Rodney Hudson and Marshawn Lynch, are more than capable of making a run to the playoffs. The talent is there, the coaching is finally there, now all that awaits is putting it all together and reaching the playoffs.