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5 bold predictions for Raiders in 2019

By Rucker Haringey

NFL DFS: MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 26: Head Coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders of the North Team during the 2019 Reese's Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 26, 2019 in Mobile, Alabama. The North defeated the South 34 to 24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
NFL DFS: MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 26: Head Coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders of the North Team during the 2019 Reese's Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium on January 26, 2019 in Mobile, Alabama. The North defeated the South 34 to 24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 10: Richie Incognito #64 of the Buffalo Bills stands in a huddle during the second half against the New York Jets on September 10, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats New York 21-12. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 10: Richie Incognito #64 of the Buffalo Bills stands in a huddle during the second half against the New York Jets on September 10, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats New York 21-12. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

4. Richie Incognito will start at least 12 games

When Incognito is enjoying good mental and physical health, he can be one of the best guards in all of football. The question is whether or not he’s anywhere close to good health at this stage of his career.

Frankly, the bigger questions about Incognito are on the mental side of things. There’s no reason to rehash his checkered past here, but suffice it to say there are reasons for the Raiders to keep a close eye on him.

On the flip side, if any coach can help a troubled player find his way back to the promised land of the NFL it’s Gruden. His personality doesn’t fit everyone, but it does have a strange history of resonating with players who have struggled under previous coaches. There’s at least a decent chance that Gruden can get Incognito back on track.

It’s tempting to project him to start all 16 games, but this prediction stays at 12 because of concerns about his physical health. He’s been durable throughout his career, but he didn’t play a game in 2018. If the Raiders can get a solid starting performance from Incognito for 12 games they will consider him a gamble that’s paid off.

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