The Raiders didn’t have to wait long to deal with their first bit of drama this season.
Right tackle Trent Brown’s calf injury in the season-opener and Jon Gruden’s reaction — “It’s obviously a concern,” the Raiders head coach said — led to a swift and stern blowback.
Some in the media quickly speculated that Gruden has already grown tired of Brown, the mammoth-sized Pro Bowl offensive lineman who signed a $66 million, four-year contract with the team in March 2019.
Brown missed the majority of training camp with the same injury. He also was limited to 11 games last season due to injuries, although Brown did garner Pro Bowl honors for his work in that short time.
In the days after Las Vegas beat Carolina, the Raiders were fairly tightlipped about Brown’s condition. Gruden barely said anything regarding the topic and repeatedly referenced the daily injury to reporters for updates.
Amid word that Brown’s calf injury isn’t serious enough to require him to go on injured reserve, the big right tackle was listed as questionable to play against the New Orleans Saints. Even if he returns to the lineup soon, there will be continued speculation about his future with the Raiders.
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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.