Are the 2014 Oakland Raiders doomed to join the 2008 Detroit Lions as the only 0-16 teams?
The Raiders, who had the most money to spend on Free Agents and a top five pick, should have been able to generate some wins.
General Manager Reggie McKenzie made the right picks in the draft, as TJ Carrie has shown flashes at cornerback, Khalil Mack has been a dominant run stopper at linebacker, Gabe Jackson has been improving at guard and Derek Carr has been playing fearless at quarterback.
But what kills the team like always are the huge list of Free Agent misses.
Often injured running back Maurice Jones-Drew has been added to the injury list, LaMarr Woodley prior to being put on injured reserve has not shown the flashes that he was brought in for, aging Justin Tuck has shown pressure, but also has been slowed down and Austin Howard hasn’t fit into his role moving from tackle to guard, and that’s just to name a few.
The scheduling hasn’t helped Oakland as the team is playing the toughest schedule in the league.
After playing teams tough who are in tight races for a playoff spot, not including the Jets, a win isn’t doubtful for Oakland, but the team still has to play St. Louis, San Francisco, Kansas City, Buffalo and Denver in that order. The St. Louis game is the team’s best opportunity for victory.
St. Louis has shown its strength though by upsetting Denver, Seattle and San Francisco.
Two of which have already beaten Oakland, and all three being contenders in respected conferences.
The Raider fans, who always look to the words of the late Al Davis: “Just Win Baby.” Now fans are hoping the Raiders can just win one.
However, with a 0-16 record Oakland holds a huge fortune in its hands with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft.
If current college stars leave school early, the draft would have two high priced quarterback: Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston.
The Raiders could trade back and get some huge value, since Oakland thinks it could have its franchise quarterback with Carr, the team has no need to draft Mariota or Winston.
Is it going to be the same value the Rams got for the No. 2 pick in 2012?
Probably not, but the Raiders should have a lot of options with the No. 1 pick
The Raiders being 0-16 and tying a terrible NFL record that no fan base ever wants,But with what looks like key players from last year’s draft, the team can try to play the No. 1 overall pick to a huge advantage.
EDITOR’S NOTE: The newspaper went to press at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20.