Tony Sparano: Pros and Cons

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos head coach John Fox (left) greets Oakland Raiders interim head coach Tony Sparano (right) after the game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Pro: Signing Sparano Will Show Sorely Missed Consistency

One of the Raiders biggest problems has been keeping a coach for longer than a season or two. The Raiders have had eight different head coaches (including Sparano) since 2002, all with losing records save for Hue Jackson – who had an 8-8 record in 2011. Although Sparano may not have completely convinced the fans that he is the right coach for the Raiders, Mark Davis should at least give him a chance with this young but talented roster. The Raiders are trending up, and consistency at the head coach position could nurture and grow these quality young pieces.

Con: Can’t get the Easy Win

The Raiders this season played four games against teams that, much like themselves, have struggled for years and are considered sub par NFL squads. Two of these games came during Sparano’s time as head coach.

Oct 26, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders interim head coach Tony Sparano against the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Browns won 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

In Week Eight, the Raiders played the Cleveland Browns – who at the time were 4-3 but were clearly a hot mess with a fragile starting quarterback in Brian Hoyer, an immature back up quarterback who doesn’t care about his bad reputation in Johnny Manziel and an equally immature wide receiver in Josh Gordon. A Browns team that ranked last in defending the run should equal a big day for Latavius Murray and Marcel Reece?

Unfortunately, that was not the case, as the Raiders had just 76 yards rushing in the game and lost, 23-13. Carr was sacked four times, lost one of his two fumbles and also threw a interception. What could be worse than losing to the Browns?

Losing to the St.Louis Rams 52-0.

In Week 13, the Raiders played a Rams team that was without a winning season since 2005. Fielding a quarterback has troubled the Rams, as Sam Bradford is hurt nearly every year.

Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end

(91) looks on from the bench during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Oakland 52-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

The Raiders failed to score in the game and could not stop the Rams offense even to save their lives. They allowed six touchdown passes, two field goals and a 43-yard return off an interception.

Both Carr and Schaub played in thet game, each getting sacked three times and losing a fumble. Carr was intercepted twice and Schaub was intercepted once.

Should the Raiders keep Sparano, he will need to prove that he can be aggressive in games against bad teams and not underestimate them. These losses are embarrassing and unreasonable.