Norton’s defense still deficient
Minutes after the San Francisco 49ers released NaVorro Bowman in a surprise move two days before the NFL’s sixth weekend of games, message boards and social media lit up with pleas from Raiders fans for general manager Reggie McKenzie to sign the free agent inside linebacker.
Such is the state of the Raiders defense where an aging player who has missed most of the past two seasons with knee and Achilles injuries would garner such interest.
And make no mistake, the Raiders were definitely interested and had made inquiries to the 49ers about Bowman before he was let go. Nothing had materialized when S&BI went to press, but the fact that Oakland was willing to kick the tires spoke volumes about their situation,
Injuries to rookie middle linebacker Marquel Lee and weakside linebacker Cory James weakened an already struggling linebacker corps that has continued to have problems in pass coverage. A slightly improved run defense did little to mask serious deficiencies in the secondary. And outside of the usual stellar play of Khalil Mack and a clearly improved Mario Edwards Jr., the defensive line has not been the force up front many expected.
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‘We have to be a much more detailed football team'
Like so many Raiders fans, coach Jon Gruden found himself searching for answers after the Raiders’ second-half collapse that cost the team a spot in the expanded playoffs.
WHAT THEY'RE SAYING
Starting Tackle Kolton Miller is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Wanted: Defensive coordinator
The Raiders didn’t wait long to begin their search for a new defensive coordinator, and it’s becoming clear that Jon Gruden has already narrowed his list down.
Raiders' good, bad, ugly
Raiders’ good, bad, ugly
NEWS & NOTES
The Raiders had one of the easier schedules in 2020 and got only eight wins to show for it. Things won’t get any easier in 2021, either.
Looking back at 2020 season
The 2020 season will absolutely be remembered for being one of the strangest and most disappointing in franchise history.
Gruden feeling the heat?
“I know there is a big bull’s-eye on my chest, certainly. If the people want to use that as an incentive, then so be it. I worked for Al Davis in 1998. That was pressure. I was 34 years old. I’ve dealt with pressure before. I don’t really feel pressure. I love the excitement and thrill of competing, and I can’t worry about things I can’t control in that regard. I know people will want to step on me and beat me, and that is just the way this league is.”
From the SILVERANDBLACK.com Message Boards
S&BI continually scans the message boards across Raider Nation to see what Raider fans are talking about now that the 2020 season has ended for the Raiders. We chose some of the better posts and present them here.
Checklist for 2021
Now that the 2020 season has been put to rest for Las Vegas, the Raiders have shifted their focus to what figures to be a busy offseason as they prepare for 2021.
AFC WEST ROUNDUP
The Chargers fired coach Anthony Lynn after four seasons.
