Raiders' Season Will Be Defined by Defense, Not Derek Carr

The Las Vegas Raiders have had big hopes for themselves ever since they gave Jon Gruden $100 million and moved to the desert. Their operation hasn’t always run the smoothest, with the Raiders failing to have a winning season in the Gruden era.

Along with Gruden, Derek Carr has been one of the other constants for the Raiders. Carr has been with the Raiders since 2014 and has only led them to a winning season once. However, in 2020, Carr had a career-high in yards and in QBR, showing for a glimpse actual development was made.

Although NFL teams normally go as far as their quarterback can take them, the Raiders will only be as competitive as their defense lets them. For the Raiders, that means picking at the top of the draft once again.

The Las Vegas defense has been close to non-existent since Gruden took over on the team. The defense is last in points per game, expected points added and defensive efficiency since Gruden was hired. The Raiders were also the 30th-ranked scoring defense in the league last year. 

Yesterday, Yannick Ngakoue claimed he and Maxx Crosby were the best edge rushing duo in the league. However, Ngakoue just got there and the Raiders were 29th in the league when it came to sacks. 

If the Raiders want to go far, the defense needs a makeover and fast. 

WynnBET projects the Raiders to still struggle this season. Their win total projection is set at 6.5 wins, with the over odds (-130) favored against the under (+130). Even if they do exceed their win total, Las Vegas is projected to end up at the bottom of the AFC West. The Raiders are +2000 to win the division. 

The Raiders have a long way to go before they are legitimate contenders again. Defense wins championships and Vegas’ is nonexistent.