Season 62 Power Ranking Preview - #18
by adelfish | 5 years ago | 1 Comments
Season 62 Power Ranking Preview - #18
Welcome to the 2020 Red Zone Power Ranking Preview. In this long-running preview, I will be going team at a time, ranking them 32-1, discussing the user, the team, the schedule, etc.
COVERED TEAMS: Lions, Jaguars, Bengals, Patriots, Bears, Vikings, Dolphins, Seahawks, Rams, Giants, Cowboys, Saints, Steelers, Panthers
We are a month away from the release of Madden 21, and we are almost halfway through this preview, that has covered teams in extensive detail so far. We continue right along to #18, a team that has the classic storyline of 'You Really Can Go Home Again' and has relocated to a new city. An owner going back to coach his favorite team, in a division that is nothing short of pure entertainment bliss....
#18 - Las Vegas Raiders (Tiko)
(7-9 Projected Record)
If I had to rank divisions based on my interest and excitement level as a spectator, the AFC West would probably top that ranking. The spectacle of this group of owners will be a treat to watch, and Coach Tiko Brown is atop that mountain of entertainment.
In a division with Coach Spittah, Astin, and Ian Johns, how could this be anything short of a trash-talking induced dumpster fire, with Tiko being at the center of it all? The loud-mouthed head coach returns home, to help the team relocate to Las Vegas, and set their sights on climbing the very talented AFC West, in an attempt to shock us all.
The Raiders have a very interesting roster, with an influx of youth thanks to the Khalil Mack trade from two years ago, and a ton of talented veterans through free agency. With Coach Tiko coming into the fray, can this roster take a step and challenge the likes of the Chiefs, and compete with elite coaching in Astin and Ian Johns? Let's find out.
One Big Question
Coach Tiko Brown goes home to his beloved Raiders in the midst of a move to Sin City. In a loaded division, this Raiders teams is certainly underrated, can Coach Brown get the most out of Derek Carr to make a playoff push?
Hey so you may not have heard, but the Raiders finally brought in a little competition for quarterback Derek Carr, in the form of failed 1st round pick Marcus Mariota. This is interesting, becuase Derek Carr was solid last year, managing the offense very well amidst Antonio Brown drama and more.
The old saying is when you have two quarterbacks you really have none, but are we sure that Derek Carr is mediocre? I kind of like him, and I think Tiko gives him a fair shot. Mariota's athleticism will be enticing, but I think his destiny with Vegas is a backup (a very well paid one at that).
Either way, I think that the offense in Vegas has a lot of potential, with the way the offensive line has been constructed, and a recent influx of speed at the wide receiver position. We will dive into the cap numbers later, but the Raiders have a financial commitment of $30 million each season to the duo of Carr & Mariota. Simply put, they are staying.
With the weapons and the protection, I honestly could see this being one of Coach Tiko's best cycles from an offensive standpoint. He struggled mightily in Chicago, but saw some moments of success. Despite the brutal division he is in, I could see it being a success from an individual performance standpoint.
One Big Schedule Issue
Well, let's start with the obvious - they play in the AFC West. Tiko will have to face Astin, Spittah, and Ian Johns a total of 6 times in 16 games, which is as about as brutal as it gets. Is he favored in any of those matchups the first season? I actually have him going 2-4 in the West, splitting with the Chargers and Chiefs.
They actually have a great opportunity to start fast with their opening four games.
@ Carolina (Malik)
vs New Orleans (Spencer)
@ New England (Glenn)
vs Buffalo (JP)
Do I think Tiko is at least on the same level or better than all of these coaches? Yes. The team talent is a different story, but there is no reason he shouldn't start at least 2-2. Anything lower than that would be shocking.
Playing the rest of the NFC South will be difficult, along with the AFC East. His other two matchups are Cleveland (Prew) and Indianapolis (Jake). Not easy, but the thing he has going for him is a talented roster.
Overall, I was able to find 7 wins on this schedule, and I'm not sure if it is generous or not. I currently have him losing to New Orleans and Buffalo, those could go either way. I also have him losing to Miami and the Jets. Those are four games I could see him either winning or losing, so I think he really has a ceiling of 11 wins, but that seems way far off.
Reasons for Optimism
Starting on offense, the Raiders have a ton of reasons to be excited about the coming cycle and season. Starting in the backfield, many believe Josh Jacobs was snubbed as rookie of the year, but there is no doubt accolades will come for him. He was as good as advertised, and became a real difference maker for the Raiders at the running back position.
Tyrell Williams is a very solid wide receiver making $33 million over the next 3 seasons, and he is joined by speedster rookie Henry Ruggs who will be a threat to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. There is no doubt the offense will be tailored to his strengths. Even the underrated Hunter Renfrow will be a great third threat at the position.
The Raiders locked up breakout star tight end Darren Waller for the next 4 seasons, one of the most athletic tight ends in football, he will be huge for Carr on third downs, and stretching the field. Vegas even brought in Jason Witten on a 1 year deal, to mentor and backup Waller.
The offensive line is where this team makes their money, and it is interesting how this is a more veteran group. They have two elite blockers inside, with Rodney Hudson at center and Richie Incognito at guard, and the improving Gabe Jackson at the other guard spot. Their tackle duo is good too, with Trent Brown and Kolton Miller. LT to RT, this is one of the best groups in football.
Defensively, they are still a work in progress. I do really like Clelin Ferrell despite an underwhelming rookie season, and defensive end Maxx Crosby was a steal where they drafted him. Maurice Hurst is developing into a star at the defensive tackle spot as well.
Vegas spent a ton of money to acquire linebackers Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski in free agency, two very good players who will quarterback their defense. Littleton is one of the more athletic players at the position, and fills a hole that the Raiders have had for years. The Raiders will also get Johnathan Abram back from injury, the rookie safety who missed almost his entire first season.
Reasons for Negativity
It just seems that the Raiders still lack a star on offense, even with the addition of Ruggs. Jacobs is great, but is not a game-breaking speed running back. If Ruggs can be that threat, this offense is poised to take a major step. Even Waller could be that guy, but there is just something about this offense on paper that still seems limited to me, I could be wrong.
I think that worry comes from the quarterback position, and as I mentioned earlier, paying a combined $30 million for two game managers is a strange decision. Mariota is here to push Carr, but what upside does he provide? With 3 years remaining on Carr's deal, I do think Coach Tiko needs to look sooner rather than later for an upgrade.
Defensively the Raiders have given out some strange contracts. Carl Nassib is making $24 million over the next 3 years, and safety Lamarcus Joyner is locked in for $33 million for 3 years. I feel like the Raiders consistently had spending sprees the last few summers, and some of these deals for average players are going to hurt.
Defensively, the front seven is...meh. I do like the linebackers, and I alluded to the potential on the defensive line, but who is getting to the quarterback? This team traded Khalil Mack, but have yet to reproduce his production. Tiko will have to work hard to get to the quarterback with this group as they continue to grow.
My biggest worry is the secondary, the Raiders did spend a 1st round pick on cornerback Damon Arnette, but many considered it a reach. Outside of him, they will have Trayvon Mullen, Prince Amukamara, and a cast of others competing for snaps. Arnette is the future, but this group seems to be held together with tape currently.
Last Word
The Raiders are headed in a good direction, they have a good balance of youth, veterans, and talent. The next step is developing this wave of two years of draft picks, especially the likes of Ruggs, Ferrell, Abram, and Arnette. Getting these guys to live up to their potential will help Tiko tremendously.
Can he compete in the AFC West? With his current roster, I think he can, but it seems as he is destined for last place in the first season. The Chiefs and Chargers are too good, and Astin is well...Astin. The trash talk will be legendary though, I can't wait.
Let's see how many of you read this...in main chat with no context, I want you to post a compliment sandwich of each, or one, of your division mates. For example...
Weedseed...
'You have a great football mind'
'I'd trust Hue Jackson with my 2nd grade football team before I'd trust you'
'You are a genuinly nice human being'
Create one or multiple with the hashtag #RZComplimentSandwich. The best one gets a little something something....and DON'T TELL PEOPLE WHO DON'T READ THESE!