3 Reasons Why the Las Vegas Raiders will Make the Playoffs in 2023
The Raiders failed to make the playoffs for the 19th time in the last 20 seasons in 2022. This offseason, they have parted ways with former franchise quarterback Derek Carr, Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller, and Pro Bowl linebacker Denzel Perryman. In a division where Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs rule the land, Las Vegas is trying to change the trajectory of their franchise.
After losing a couple of their stars, they are rebuilding the roster with more free agents. Jimmy Garoppolo was the headliner signing at quarterback, especially with his experience playing with Josh McDaniels in New England. The team also signed free agent tight ends O.J. Howard and Austin Hooper, as well as wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, who also played for McDaniels in New England. Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs was also retained by Las Vegas after having a career year in 2022.
The moves have allowed the Raiders to put forth a competitive team in 2023, and the draft hasn't even happened yet. The Raiders have a chance to be a very good team in 2023, especially with them stewing over a sour 6-11 record motivating them all offseason.
Here are three reasons why the Raiders will make the postseason in 2023:
Jimmy G's Winning Ways
Despite Derek Carr being a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback, his career record as a starter is just 63-79 (.444). Jimmy Garoppolo's career record as a starter is 40-17 (.702). Garoppolo is also 4-2 in the postseason compared to Carr's 0-1 playoff record (ESPN Stats & Info). In San Francisco, Garoppolo helped the 49ers reach two NFC Championships and one nfl/super-bowl" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">Super Bowl.
Garappolo has the winning experience in the NFL that Carr does not. That much is clear. Garoppolo's experience playing for McDaniels in New England is also key. McDaniels coached Jimmy G for over three years in New England as a backup to Tom Brady and helped him learn how to run a pro-style offense. Expect Garoppolo to take the Raiders to a place Derek Carr could not.
Elite Playmakers All Over the Field
Josh McDaniels has some elite players on his roster who can help bring this franchise back to the postseason.
Six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Davante Adams is one of the best in the business. All-Pro running back Josh Jacobs is coming off of his best season yet (1,653 rushing yards; led the NFL). Pro Bowl slot-man Hunter Renfrow is one of the more slippery pass-catchers in football, especially when he is healthy.
Defensively, All-Pro edge-rushers Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones form one of the fiercest combos in the sport.
On special teams, Las Vegas has arguably the best kicker and punter duo in the NFL in placekicker Daniel Carlson and punter A.J. Cole.
The Raiders have a whole lot of talent on their roster to make them a playoff team. If they can put it together, they will be one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC.
Do-or-Die for McDaniels
The Raiders will make the playoffs because they simply don't have any other option. Josh McDaniels' first season in Las Vegas was almost a disaster as the Raiders started off 2-7 through the first nine weeks of the season. This is McDaniels' second head-coaching stint. He was at the helm in Denver for two seasons (2009-2010). He finished with a combined record of 11-17 (Pro Football Reference).
If the former Patriots offensive coordinator cannot find a way to make it work in Las Vegas, will he ever get another chance to be a head coach in the NFL? Who knows. But one thing is for sure: if Josh McDaniels cannot take this Raiders team to the playoffs this season, his tenure could be over once again after just two seasons with another organization.
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