NFL power rankings: 32-team post-preseason breakdown ahead of Week 1
By Peter Panacy
Things are either going to go really well, or really poorly, for the Raiders this season — the Jon Gruden era, 2.0.
Gruden surely has his own way of doing things, which has included taking a hard-line stance on working a new deal with All-Pro pass-rusher Khalil Mack. According to all the reports, and as shown in the video below, the two sides are still not close to reaching a deal. And it’s possible that carries over into the regular season or, perhaps, to a trade.
Yikes for Oakland’s beleaguered defense.
The Raiders haven’t shown much of their offensive arsenal this preseason, which is part of Gruden’s plan, for sure. That’s OK, though. Gruden could work magic with quarterback Derek Carr who, like most of Oakland’s offense, is coming off a down 2017 campaign.
It could go well, which prompts the slight boost from No. 27 before training camp. Or it could all come crashing down.
For Gruden, it wouldn’t matter much. He has a 10-year deal in place and can take his time before the team moves to Las Vegas.
Update: The Raiders have moved Mack to the Chicago Bears, which would certainly push Oakland down further on these rankings.