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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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