The Las Vegas Raiders look like they will be one of the more intriguing and exciting squads during the 2021 season, thanks to the additions on both sides of the field.
The offense will be anchored by Darren Waller and the wide receiver corps, while defensively, they should be improved under defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. The AFC West will be tough with the reigning AFC Champions Kansas City Chiefs along with the feisty Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos, but the Raiders are positioned nicely to compete for a Wild Card spot.
Head coach Jon Gruden heads into his fourth year leading the Silver and Black and faces perhaps the most pressure to win since reuniting with the franchise. However, Gruden said that he is not worried about the stakes via Vinny Bonsignore of Las Vegas Review-Journal:
I always feel pressure. I feel pressure standing over a three-foot putt. I feel pressure when I go dancing with my wife, that someone is going to put me on YouTube.
I don’t really feel pressure. Mark Davis is going to let me know if it’s good enough or not. And I know what’s good and what isn’t. I’m 58-years-old now, and I’m not working any less than I did when I was 38.
So I’m doing the best I can. I’m proud of the results we have gotten, but also realistic. I know what’s at stake. But I’m not going to worry about it.
When Gruden took over the team, the Raiders lacked much direction and found it difficult to remain competitive every week. However, he and general manager Mike Mayock have spent the past few seasons rebuilding the roster, and now it looks like they will finally reap the benefits of their vision.
Las Vegas has a tough hill to climb if it hopes to make any noise in the postseason, but Gruden has the players and staff to get the job done.
