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NFL power rankings: 2019 edition – Patriots finish on top, again

By Russell S. Baxter

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots and teammate Tom Brady #12 celebrate at the end of the Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots and teammate Tom Brady #12 celebrate at the end of the Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. The New England Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 13-3. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 30: Tight end Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders gets tackled by cornerback Charvarius Ward #35 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 30: Tight end Jared Cook #87 of the Oakland Raiders gets tackled by cornerback Charvarius Ward #35 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter G. Aiken/Getty Images) /

30. Oakland Raiders (4-12)

4th Place, AFC West

Season Review: Given the turnstile that was the team’s roster dating back to last offseason, was it any surprise the Jon Gruden’s squad won only four games? Just before the start of 2018, the team dealt pass-rushing standout Khalil Mack to the Chicago Bears. In late October, the Silver and Black traded wide receiver Amari Cooper to the Dallas Cowboys. Quarterback Derek Carr made far too many mistakes, totaling nearly as many turnovers (17) as TD passes (19), while being sacked 51 times. Tight end Jared Cook had a solid year, but the Oakland defense was once again a liability.

2018 Turning Point: The Raiders didn’t win their first game of the season until they beat the Browns in overtime in Week 4. Up until that point Gruden’s team had been extremely competitive. But after a tough road loss to the Chargers, the team stunk it up royally in a 17-3 loss to the Seahawks (Week 6) at London.

2019 Priorities: Former NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock was hired to be the club’s general manager. It will be interesting to see how he and Gruden co-exist. It appears that Carr is the team’s quarterback of the foreseeable future. The Raiders must get the most out of their three ‘19 first-round picks.

Next: No. 29

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