The Silver and Black Blues- What’s Next for the Raiders?

Since their relocation from Oakland, the Las Vegas Raiders have yet to light up the NFL. The bright lights of Vegas can't hide this constant shadow that looms over the black and whites. With serious investment in facilities and significant sponsorship deals from gaming corporations, they have to find consistent success on the field.

First of all, this carousel of general managers coming in and out needs to stop. Since 2021, LV have had 6 different GMs. There needs to be consistency, accountability and familiarity to build sustainability. This merry-go-round has led to several failed head coach appointments. Josh McDaniels was a failure, and a bad one, too. Rich Bissacia and Antonio Pierce had the players on side, but perhaps lacked that tactical endeavour. The Pete Carroll experiment only saw the side win two games and is now being replaced by offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, following his Super Bowl LX triumph with the Seattle Seahawks.

In order to see an upturn in performances in 2026, the hierarchy at the Raiders needs to stop splashing out on superstars who have a bigger social media presence than performance on the field. There needs to be a shift in the youth. Those hungry to improve and succeed. Whether it's from the draft or clever trades, or even the free agent market, the Raiders should want players proud to wear the jersey that carries so much history.

A Season of Struggles

With odds from legit online casino sites placing their chances at a staggering +18000 to win Superbowl LXI, we must first break down their 2025 campaign, which was full of headaches and nightmares.

As the season progressed, it quickly became painfully clear that the Raiders were nowhere near the elite levels needed to get into the playoffs. Across the whole of the field, they were very, very poor, but particularly at quarterback. For years, since Derek Carr’s departure, the team has struggled to find a reliable signal-caller. This ongoing issue has left fans frustrated and players scrambling to adapt week in and week out. Geno Smith, bought in ahead of the new season, failed excruciatingly with his overall stats showing he had thrown almost as many interceptions as he did touchdowns (19TD, 17 INT). This lack of stability at quarterback not only affects the game performance but also impacts team morale and cohesion.

Secondly, their route runners, whether it's the boys out wide or at the tight end, continually failed to provide reliable targets. Seeing this trend, it forced the Raiders to try to move the chains by keeping the ball in hand. This wasnt much better either though. 25.3% of there offensive plays were attempted via the running game but only saw an average of 0.6 yards made per carry before contact, the second worst in the league behind the Browns. 

On the defensive side of the ball, some slight hope. Whilst there's nothing spectacular that stands out you look at the defensive stats for the Raiders and they meet the league's average for yards, both rushing and passing allowed per game (317.8). Seems solid enough but when it comes to the crucial plays, the ones that make or break a game, the Raiders seem to crumble. They rank 30th for third down defense, stopping only 46.3% of opposition attempts at making the remaining yardage. Furthermore, they allowed 25.4 passes attempted per game and only applied 34.0 hurries to the QB across the whole season. The message Kubiak needs to get to his team and defensive coordinator, whoever that may be, is to get aggressive upfront in the, bully your opposite number, put pressure on the QB and make him make mistakes.
 

Looking Ahead: What Needs to Change

As the Raiders look toward the future, several key areas need to be addressed to improve their chances of success next year. With upward of $100 million of open cap space this offseason and 10 draft picks, the Raiders can address their laundry list of needs in multiple ways. First and foremost, securing a reliable passer and consistent quarterback should be at the top of the list.

Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana Hoosiers

Mendoza exhibits an exceptional football IQ, enabling him to quickly read defenses and make swift decisions, which is crucial for maintaining offensive momentum. His impressive arm talent allows for precise throws with both velocity and touch, which will enhance the Raiders' passing game. He navigates pressure effectively, utilizing improved footwork to locate open targets while remaining mobile in the pocket. Standing at 6'5" and 225 pounds, Mendoza combines athleticism with the ability to extend plays, making him a versatile threat. Known for his toughness, he stands firm under pressure, showcasing resilience that teams seek in franchise quarterbacks.

Next, that d-line upfront needs to be improved, if we’re to see more pressure on the opposition QB.

Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M

Howell was downright dominant in 2025, registering 11.5 sacks for the Texas A&M Aggies. Despite lacking desirable arm length, Howell is a speedy pass rusher and is highly athletic when pursuing the quarterback. He does a nice job of changing pace and uses his hands and manipulates his body well to keep blockers out of his pads. Howell is excellent when that ball is snapped with his first step explosiveness and playing speed allowing him to consistently threaten the edge as a pass-rusher.

An option in the secondary to tighten up that defense and stop those crucial plays.

Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
The Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year made 152 tackles, three and a half tackles for loss, five forced fumbles, 14 passes defended, a sack, and six interceptions in his career with the Aztecs. He was Pro Football Focus’ second-highest-graded cornerback in college football. Johnson is a tall, long corner who will use his size and high football IQ to bother receivers. His versatility to toggle between man and zone while having the intelligence to stay in his responsibilities for each. He sees route combinations well and uses his eyes and athleticism well in off coverage to change direction and recover down the field.

Keep the Core

The front office must focus on retaining key players and building depth in the roster. The Raiders have a poor history of getting rid of their best players, largely down to contractual or in-house politics. Names like Josh Jacobs and Khalil Mack have been moved on despite putting up good numbers in their respective positions. Losing these players left a significant void in the lineup, making it even more challenging to establish a consistent identity. This current issue with Maxx Crosby needs to be sorted out asap. The arguments from both sides can be understood but the hierarchy needs to do whatever they can to keep one of the best past rushers in the league. Additionally, Brock Bowers needs to use this off season to rehabilitate and rest up properly so he can be 100% ready for 2026. He was in and out of the team this season to an knee injury he picked up in week 1 vs the New England Patriots. When he is in the team he makes a huge difference, out of it , they truly miss him.
 

Allegiant Stadium: A Dream Unfulfilled

Finally, the Raiders need to capitalize on the energy of Allegiant Stadium. Creating a true home-field advantage is crucial, and that starts with winning games. Engaging the fan base and making the stadium a fortress where opponents dread to play will be key to the Raiders’ success.

The Raiders’ move to Allegiant Stadium was supposed to mark a new era for the franchise, one filled with Super Bowl aspirations and a fresh start in the entertainment capital of the world. However, the reality has been far from that dream. Instead of igniting a championship run, the stadium has become a symbol of the team’s struggles. The glitz and glamour of Las Vegas have not translated into on-field success, leaving fans wondering when they will see a competitive product that matches the excitement of the venue.

The Raiders' Quest for Resurgence

The 2025 season was a rough ride for the Raiders, with numerous internal and external noise that have hindered their performance. However, with some strategic moves in the draft and a focus on building a strong foundation, there is hope for a brighter future.

The road to redemption may be daunting, but with the right adjustments and a little luck, the Raiders could once again become a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. Fans will just have to hang tight and hope that next season brings some good times back to the black and white army.