Can any of the 0-2 NFL teams save their 2018 season?
By Ian Wharton
3. Oakland Raiders: There’s a pathway
The light is flickering for the Oakland Raiders, but they’re not fully down and out yet. While the Raiders lack the defensive talent to be a contender this year, their competitiveness and effort has been a splendid surprise. They ultimately fell in both weeks to more talented teams, but their schedule is significantly softer the rest of the way.
Upcoming games against the Dolphins, Browns, Seahawks, Colts, Cardinals, and Ravens could be 50-50 contests based on how things look today. Each of those teams is flawed in one way or another and a random turnover or two can flip a game.
Oakland’s offensive potential seemed to rise a bit last week even in the loss to Denver. Derek Carr’s absurd 29-of-32 completions was inflated, but they looked like the better team until they fell apart in the second-half as exhaustion set in. The reprioritization of Amari Cooper was important and Jared Cook has also surprised.
What gives the most concern is the defense. All layers of it. Gareon Conley has huge potential, and they have a legitimate defensive tackle rotation with Johnathan Hankins, Maurice Hurst, and P.J. Hall. Outside of that group, there’s not a consistent difference-maker yet.
They’ll need fortune to break their way. Losing against Miami probably ends their season, though. Miami would be in the driver’s seat for a Wild Card spot, along with Denver.
It’s already a key moment in Jon Gruden’s first season with the team.