Most Improved Teams (Team 4 of 4): Oakland Raiders

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Author: Peter DiPaola

Jon Gruden's reunion with the Oakland Raiders (soon to be Las Vegas Raiders, come 2020) was less than stellar as the team went 4-12 and saw pass rusher Khalil Mack and wide receiver Amari Cooper shipped out of town via trade.

Per www.pro-football-reference.com here are the Raiders offensive and defensive rankings from 2018:

OFFENSE:

Points 290 (28th)
Total yards 5379 (23rd)
Passing yards 3751 (18th)
Rushing yards 1628 (25th)
Passing touchdowns 19 (24th)
Rushing touchdowns 9 (27th)

DEFENSE:

Points 467 (32nd)
Total yards 6102 (26th)
Passing yards 3853 (19th)
Rushing yards 2249 (30th)
Passing touchdowns 36 (32nd)
Rushing touchdowns 16 (21st)

Oakland showed struggles on both sides of the football last season, on the offensive side of the football, they had no pass catcher with more than 68 catches in 2018, and no player had 1,000 yards. Tight End Jared Cook (now a New Orleans Saint) led the team in receiving touchdowns (6), yards (896) and was tied for the team lead in receptions (68) with running back Jalen Richard.

Oakland addressed their need for pass catchers by trading for wide receiver Antonio Brown, who in 2018 caught a league high 15 touchdowns on 104 catches, and had 1297 receiving yards. They also signed free agent wide receiver Tyrell Williams who had 5 touchdowns and 653 yards on 41 catches in 2018. They added two tight ends, one in the draft, 4th round pick, Foster Moreau, and free agent Luke Wilson.

In 2018, Oakland gave up 52 sacks, they were able to sign two offensive tackles this offseason, Trent Brown and Jordan Devey, along with offensive Guard, Richie Incognito. Richie is facing a two game suspension for off field conduct.

In regards to the ground game, they drafted Alabama running back, Josh Jacobs in the first round, in spirit of this piece, we will also mention that they signed free agent running back Isiah Crowell, who is now on injured reserve.

Defensively the Raiders had a hard time getting the opposing quarterback down in 2018, they ranked dead last with 13 sacks. To give perspective on just how bad their pass rush was in 2018, the Patriots and Giants, who both had the second fewest sacks in 2018, had 30 a piece. That is just a tad over double the amount of sacks. Oakland drafted three defensive ends in the 2019 draft, the first was Chris Farrell (4th overall), the second being Maxx Crosby, a 4th round choice, and then 7th round pick Quinton Bell.

Other defensive draft picks were Jonathan Abraham, safety (27th overall), cornerbacks Trayvon Mullen (2nd round) and Isaiah Johnson (4th round). Safety Lamarcus Joyner, signed with Oakland this offseason, as well as linebacker Vontaze Burfict.

Oakland's offseason moves show they are attempting to improve their team, who had issues on both sides of the ball in 2018. Now just one season away from moving to Las Vegas, the Raiders are faced with improving, with the addition of play makers on both sides of the football, the Raiders have made improvements on paper. How this will translate on the field is yet to be seen, but if they can play well this season and make strides to improve again next offseason, they could be a big attraction in a city that loves its shows.

Based on the moves made in free agency and trades with some controversial players, as well as three first round picks, the Raiders will be a team to keep an eye on in 2019, and beyond.

Statistical and draft information from www.pro-football-reference.com

Free agent information from www.espn.com

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Most Improved Teams (Team 3 of 4): New York Jets

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Author: Peter DiPaola

The New York Jets went 4-12 in 2018, and following the season, they parted ways with their head coach, Todd Bowles. New York was able to land former Miami Dolphins head coach, Adam Gase, an offensive minded coach.

Per www.pro-football-reference.com here are the Jets offensive and defensive rankings from 2018:

OFFENSE:

Points 333 (23rd)
Total yards 4787 (29th)
Passing yards 3165 (25th)
Rushing yards 1622 (26th)
Passing touchdowns 18 (26th)
Rushing touchdowns 11 (23rd)

DEFENSE:

Points 441 (29th)
Total yards 6086 (25th)
Passing yards 4065 (24th)
Rushing yards 2021 (26th)
Passing touchdowns 29 (19th)
Rushing touchdowns 16 (21st)

The Jets had their struggles on both sides of the football, which helped lead to their 4-12 record, but now with a fresh start with their coaching staff, key free agent additions and their draft class, the Jets made moves to try to improve their record in 2019.

One of the most marquee, if not the top free agent, running back Le'Veon Bell, signed with the Jets after taking the 2018 season off while he sat out due to not getting a contract worked out with the Steelers. During his 5 year tenure (6 in total, but again, sat out last season), he racked up 5336 yards and 35 touchdowns on the ground, and caught 312 passes for 2660 yards and 7 touchdowns. Being an all around back, he will help the Jets in both the run game and passing attack. Based on their ranking for yards in 2018 and touchdown totals for the Jets, he will be a welcomed addition, as long as he can continue to play at the level he did in Pittsburgh.

They also managed to sign free agent wide receiver Jamsion Crowder, who spent the last 4 seasons in the nations capital, playing for Washington. While playing in Washington, Crowder hauled in 2628 yards and 14 touchdowns on 221 receptions.

Both players can help assist second year quarterback, Sam Darnold, who was the 3rd overall pick in 2018. In 2018 Sam Darnold completed 57.7% of his passes for 17 touchdowns, 15 interceptions and 2865 yards in 13 games (all starts), he also had 138 rush yards and 1 rushing touchdown.

On the defensive side of the football, the Jets were able to sign C.J. Mosley, inside linebacker, who spent his first five seasons in Baltimore. During his tenure as a Raven, he racked up 597 total tackles, 8.5 sacks, 9 interceptions, 35 passes defended, 6 forced fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries and 2 defensive touchdowns.

Aside from adding Mosley, they signed free agent cornerback Brian Poole, who played three seasons in a Falcons uniform. In 2018 Brian had 3 interceptions and 3 sacks.

In the draft the Jets continued to add to their defense, by taking defensive lineman Quinnen Williams with the 3rd overall pick and then picked linebacker Jachai Polite in the 3rd round.

With a new coaching staff, talent added on both sides of the football in both free agency and the draft, the New York Jets continue their quest to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2010 season, which was also the 2nd straight season in which they reached the AFC Championship game.

The AFC East has been the Patriots division since Tom Brady and Bill Belichick started their run in the 2001 season. Could this be the Jets first division title since 2002? It is possible, because anything goes in the NFL. The New York Jets made our list because of the moves they have made this offseason, a new coaching staff and addition of new players, the Jets have some new exciting talent on a team that needed it.


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