5 bold predictions for Las Vegas Raiders in 2021

Jon Gruden’s tenure with the Raiders has been a roller coaster ride. Expect that trend to continue for Las Vegas during the 2021 season. 

The Raiders franchise is lodged in the middle of Jon Gruden’s 10-year contract and the team still doesn’t have a discernable direction. That’s bad news for Las Vegas fans hoping for a playoff berth in 2021, but it makes the team fertile ground for bold predictions.

The team’s offense will once again be triggered by Derek Carr at the quarterback position. Gruden doesn’t love him, but he’s played too well in recent seasons to replace with anything other than a bona fide star. That sort of signal-caller remains outside the Raiders’ grasp.

The defense needs to undergo serious change after a disastrous 2020 campaign. Gruden hopes that hiring Gus Bradley to oversee the unit will prove much-needed stability. On the other hand, that’s not a word that ever accurately describes a team under Gruden.

Add it all up and it’s going to be a wild season in Sin City. Keep a close eye on the following five bold predictions.

5. Marcus Mariota will start at least four games

Most NFL observers expected Mariota to play for a new team in 2021. Instead, he accepted a pay cut to remain in Vegas. It’s safe to assume he didn’t make that decision based on the prospects of holding a clipboard for a full 17-game slate.

Gruden is clearly itching to make a change at quarterback. That puts Carr’s job at risk the moment he has a bad game. The uncertainty about Las Vegas’ offensive line also puts the veteran at risk. One way or another, Mariota will get at least four regular season starts this year.