It is no secret the Oakland Raiders have struggled mightily thus far in the 2018 NFL season. Despite his efforts to remain optimistic, it appears even head coach Jon Gruden is ready to acknowledge their room for improvement.
Oakland has stumbled to a 1-4 start to the season. According to Michael Gehlken of Las Vegas Review-Journal, Gruden admitted that they are nowhere close to a finished product:
English reporter asked Jon Gruden how close Raiders are to turning the corner. “I think we have a ways to go. We have a lot to prove.”
Needless to say, Gruden’s comments are rather concerning. There was plenty of optimism that his arrival would lift them back into playoff contention. Unfortunately, it is clear that they still have much to improve on before that becomes a possibility. However, at least he is being realistic about the state of the team.
The Raiders have not had much to hang their hat on this season. Although the offense has had no issues moving the ball, they have not been able to convert their opportunities into points. Oakland currently ranks sixth in the league in total yards per game (411.2), however, they are in the bottom-third for points per game (21.4).
Meanwhile, their defense has proven to be as porous as ever. Gruden has already received his fair share of scathing criticism for trading Khalil Mack. However, the trade has been magnified by both the Raiders’ abysmal pass-rush and Mack’s success in Chicago. Although Gruden has pointed out their deficiencies on multiple occasions, they have yet to find a potential solution. Things will not get any easier in Week 6 as Oakland will have their hands full trying to contain Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks.
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