Trying to make a big splash in 2018 in the midst of a move to Las Vegas, the Oakland Raiders hired a familiar face.
Jon Gruden was hired back in Jan. 2018 and led the team to a 4-12 record in his first year back, showing it will take time for the Raiders to get back to the playoffs. The front office made some trades to get rid of Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack before and during the season, signaling a full-scale rebuild is in the works.
The first victory for the new Gruden-era was an overtime victory against the Cleveland Browns, which saw quarterback Derek Carr throw for 437 yards and four touchdowns. Marshawn Lynch had 20 carries and 130 yards, while Cooper and Jared Cook combined for 16 receptions and 238 yards along with three touchdowns.
The next win for the Raiders was after the Cooper trade with Dallas when they squeaked out a 23-21 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Oakland’s defense got two interceptions and was able to hold the Cardinals from victory despite a fourth-quarter touchdown.
Their third win saw the Raiders defense cause problems to the Pittsburgh Steelers and another big game from Carr, who threw over 300 yards. Despite being down 14-10 at halftime, Oakland got two big touchdowns in the fourth quarter to rally for their third victory.
The Raiders played what many thought to be their final game in Oakland and they made it a memorable Christmas Eve by beating their arch-rivals, the Denver Broncos.
Going 4-12 on the season, the Raiders will now look to year two trying to improve on their record with the No. 4 overall pick.
The Raiders also have two more picks in the first round due to trades to the Bears and Cowboys, which could set the team up well for 2019.
