The Silver and Black enter the 2025 NFL season with plenty of intrigue. Raider Nation always has high expectations, and this year is no different. But while there are clear signs of progress, there are also lingering concerns that could hold the team back.
The Good:
1st, I like the new head coach, Pete Carroll, a lot! Enough said.
FYI: Remember, I was ghostwriting the Cowboys during the Jimmy Johnson and Barry Switzer head coaching eras. And yes, I believe head coaches do make a big difference in teams' winning (Or losing) ball games!
The Raiders’ defense looks sharper and more aggressive, anchored by Maxx Crosby, who continues to play at an elite level. The secondary has shown improvement with stronger coverage and better depth, giving the unit more balance than in recent years. Offensively, the run game has been steadier, giving the team more balance and taking pressure off the quarterback. And I like Geno Smith a lot at QB! His experience and leadership is a big plus to the Raiders!
There’s a new sense of belief that this roster can compete with anyone on any given Sunday. We'll see on opening day, September 7th, when the Raiders take the field to battle the New England Pats!
The Not-So-Good:
The biggest question mark remains consistency at quarterback. Flashes of talent have been there, but turnovers and missed opportunities continue to haunt the offense in key moments. Will Geno Smith be the answer? I think he will. The offensive line still struggles against top-tier pass rushes, making sustained drives harder to come by. On top of that, the Raiders face a tough AFC West, where every divisional game feels like a playoff battle. To truly rise, they’ll need to turn those close losses into wins!
{My Take}
The Raiders of 2025 are a team on the verge; they have the talent to make noise, but whether they become a true playoff contender or just another middle-of-the-pack squad depends on solving their offensive inconsistency. Raider Nation has waited a long time for a breakthrough, and this season just might be the one that shows which direction the franchise is truly heading. To the playoffs would be nice!
GE - Gary England
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Gary. why the move from the Cowboys to the Raiders? Just asking. Your sports articles are well-written and straight to the point. That's good! Steve Dallas
ReplyDeleteHey Steve, actually, I moved for a writing/blog position with the Chargers that fell through because of bond issues. I got busy with music and entertainment in Vegas. Recently, I had the opportunity to return to where I started. God works in mysterious ways. #ProSports #NFL And thanks for your very kind words :-)
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