Oakland Raiders: Is It Playoffs Or Bust In 2016?
Throughout the NFL offseason and heading into training camp, talk of a revitalized Oakland Raiders team has not only raised expectations, it has blurred what qualifies as a successful season for the Silver and Black.
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The hype train surrounding the Oakland Raiders has reached a fever pitch and continues to grow. Expectations for this team are higher than they have been in well over a decade, with many people projecting a possible AFC West title — and a wild card berth at a bare minimum.
With the anticipation and expectations as high as they are for this team though, the definition of what is considered a “successful” season by many people, has become somewhat blurred.
Raider fans have never shied away from lofty expectations. As a matter of fact, Raider Nation can be a bit rambunctious — perhaps even a little overly enthusiastic — when it comes to projecting the amount of success their beloved Silver and Black will likely have entering a new season.
So, being confident enough to reach for the stars is never an issue. The uncertainty comes from years of having those lofty expectations shattered well before the midway point of the NFL season.
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In previous years, the mere mention of a potential winning season by any Raider fan would garner numerous chuckles and looks of disbelief from league pundits. Not to mention all of the team’s opposing fans, who would happily point out the team’s recent history of mediocrity.
But in 2016, the sense of optimism doesn’t appear to be just wishful thinking. There is actually reason for optimism. Raiders’ management seems to have finally had a revelation about how to build a winning NFL franchise.
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Spearheaded by a dynamic young quarterback in Derek Carr, and the dominating defensive force that is Khalil Mack, there is no denying the young, phenomenal talent leading the Raiders’ resurgence.
But in the NFL, youthful talent means any number of growing pains and few checks in the win column as a result. So, Raiders’ General Manager, Reggie Mckenzie saw free agency as a vessel for adding some much needed experience and leadership to a roster lacking in both.
McKenzie used free agency to shore up offensive and defensive holes with proven veterans who will hopefully help teach his young studs how to win.
The Raiders were able to snag offensive guard Kelechi Osemele off the Baltimore Ravens roster to solidify their offensive line . The acquisition of a bruiser like Osemele helps the Raiders’ get back to the bully-on-the-block style of play that once defined the Raiders’ legendary mystique.
Two key additions were also made on the defensive side of the ball.
Former Seattle Seahawks standout linebacker, Bruce Irvin, was brought in to team up with Mack and give the Raiders a dynamic pass rushing duo.
Former Kansas City Chief, Sean Smith, was added to a much maligned secondary, whose inconsistent play forced defensive coordinator, Ken Norton Jr, to employ a defensive scheme that seemed a bit — passive at times.
The combination of an offseason that has been widely viewed as a success and talented young core has given the organization a shot of confidence not seen around the facility in more than a decade.
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But with high expectations comes high pressure.
And those expectations — of a successful season — are shared throughout the fan base and in every office in the Raiders facility in, Alameda California.
But defining a successful season to a fan base that hasn’t seen a winning season since Rich Gannon was throwing strikes to Tim Brown and Jerry Rice can take on a life of its own.
If Raider fans were honest with themselves (which is easier said than done) they would know success can’t be defined by just a Super Bowl win or even an appearance. A sense of realism must be overruled any fantasy driven projections.
The more realistic definition of what would qualify as a successful season in Oakland would be the steady growth of Carr. Primarily, limiting his fourth quarter miscues and generally being more consistent throughout the course of the game.
Another key factor in reviving the “Just Win Baby” mentality in Raider Nation, would be an uptick in secondary play and a pass rush led by Mack and Irvin, that consistently gets in the face of opposing quarterbacks.
It is imperative the Raiders get off to a fast start with a road heavy front loaded schedule. The early part of the schedule features tough match-ups on the road against the Ravens, and an improving Tennessee Titans team led by second year signal caller, Marcus Mariota.
If the Raiders were to meet or exceed expectations, their week 17 meeting in Mile High Stadium with the Denver Broncos, could decide who wins the AFC West> Or, it could be a do-or-die game that has heavy playoff implications.
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A playoff berth must be the minimum goal for everyone associated with the Raiders’ organization. Gaining the experience of playoff football can only be achieved by participation in football’s postseason and the Raiders roster as presently constructed, is filled with young players lacking that experience.
A pressure filled playoff game will only increase the development of Carr and enhance the taste for greatness throughout the organization.
So, Raider success can’t be defined by just the first winning record since the early 2000’s. It has to be defined by the team’s overall team growth — and the ultimate test which is only given in the class room labeled, “NFL Playoffs.”