Go For It On Fourth Fan Preview 2018: The Oakland Raiders

Go For It On Fourth Fan Preview 2018: The Oakland Raiders

For my half of the Go For It On Fourth preview for the 2018 NFL season, I decided to ask fans of every team questions about how they think their team will do this season. Instead of asking just one fan per team, I decided to get as many fans as I could involved. For some teams, that was several. For some teams, that was just one fan. But we very much appreciate everyone who got involved in our Preview for the 2018 Season!

Representing the Oakland Raiders:

Paul, Brightlingsea, Essex
Jerry, location not given
James, Raiders, Manchester @heebjeebus

NB: These interviews were conducted before the Khalil
Mack trade.

First of all, sum up last season for us:

Paul: Raiders were extremely disappointing after such a promising year in 2016, they showed flashes but Crabtree had drop issues, Cooper was not targeted enough and the secondary were awful... not sure that Del Rio deserved the boot but with Vegas on the horizon we decided to make a splash. The season as a whole was a controversial one mainly due to politcs & a messed up catch rule. Nice to see the Pats lose in the super bowl but not nice to see the Eagles win it... can’t have everything!

Jerry: Last season was a huge disappointment (I'm a season ticket holder, and also went to the Nashville game.)

James: Last season started ok, then turned to shit on 1st December.

How was your offseason?

Paul: Interesting! The Gruden hiring will dominate the franchise for years to come and the Khalil Mack drama is still up in the air.

Jerry: I think the offseason was very good as we have a capable coach in Jon Gruden, he was in the booth for nearly 10 years but stayed current with current football situations etc.

James: Off-season was ok, not sure about drafts, but sorry to be losing our lousy drunk kicker. Awesome on his day, and needs to be replaced.

Key additions from free agency and the Draft?

Paul: The draft was dull for us but I think we’ve strengthened in key areas... Free agency saw us pick up aging veterans (Jordy Nelson) on the cheap and letting go some household names.(Crabtree, King & Janikowski)

What's your hopes for this coming season?

Paul: Honestly? Not to embarrass ourselves, I believe there is a plan in place but we’ve gotta suck it up for a couple of years...it’s all about Vegas now.

James: Hopes for this season? Last year I hoped for the play offs and that went nowhere, so this year I want to still be interested going into the last day of the season.

What's your thoughts on your starting quarterback?

Paul: He gets paid a lot of money, needs to earn it...he’s solid but not exciting, wouldn’t trade him so I must like him

Jerry: I think Jon will be good for QB Carr.

James: Derek Carr is God.

And your thoughts on your head coach?

Paul: Too early to say but it’s exciting to see him again so I’m happy for now.

James: Don't know enough about the coach to comment. A lot can happen in 9 years.

A player that will be key for you this season?

Paul: I think Gruden is gonna run the life out of Lynch so outside of our franchise QB, Beast Mode needs a big year.

Jerry: I think Arden Key will have a great season, and our rookie Chris Warren looks good as well as a handful other players.

James: The key players are Carr and Amari Cooper, who had a stinker last year.

And who would you happily drive to their next club?

Paul: The ones I wanted gone are gone (Sean Smith),not a fan of Doug Martin but he hasn’t even suited up yet so I’ll give him a break

What made you choose to support your team?

Paul: 1983 Super Bowl was on TV.. I chose Raiders and my mate chose Redskins.. Marcus Allen & stories of Raiders past & Al Davis cemented my passion

Jerry: My family was almost all 49er fans, I was watching tv as a small child and liked the team I saw (Raiders), the colors and the way they played.

James: The Al Davis era was when I got into them, and watching the snow bowl game in 2001 vs the Pats.

For a first-time NFL fan, tell us some reasons why they should support your team?

Paul: History, iconic franchise and you can’t look shit wearing black!

Jerry: As a NFL fan from Europe, the Raiders is a great team to root for, as we are worldwide, and no matter where you go, you see another fan there is that tight close feeling you have like a family.

James: Reasons to support the raiders? Don’t!

Compare your team to a European football club.

Paul: I’ll stick to what I know...my own team Aston Villa…great times in the 70s & 80s that except for the odd flash have disappointed or disgraced for several years...

James: immediately compared them to Newcastle vs the Patriots’ Man U and cheating Alex Ferguson.

What's the best-case scenario for you this season?

Paul: Sneaking into the playoffs via a wildcard by beating teams in our own division

And what's the worst-case scenario?

Paul: Being bad but not bad enough to get a decent draft position...if we’re gonna suck, let’s really suck!

Can Jon Gruden make a successful return to coaching football after 9 years away in the commentary box?

Paul: Yes he can, everyone says football has changed but it’s just Xs & Os and it’s not like he’s not been involved in the game...itll be interesting coz in Gruden’s words “we’re gonna zig while everyone else zags”...who’s to say 1998 style of football can’t beat 2017 style? He won’t be an instant success but it’s all about Vegas baby!

Predict your record for this season, and how far (if at all) you will go in the postseason.

Paul: Is 8-8 a cop out? Probably. but I really can’t call it either way, it’s gonna be a rollercoaster! Wildcard loss to Cleveland!?!?!

Jerry: I'm thinking 10 wins 6 losses, but hoping for 11 and 5 and a division crown.

James: Don't think we'll make the postseason.

Tell us who you think will be lifting the Lombardi Trophy in Atlanta on February 3rd next year?

Paul: Houston Texans beat New Orleans and Deshawn Watson wins MVP.

Jerry: I think if they stay healthy, the Vikings could win it all, or the Saints in NFC, as for the AFC, just gotta beat the Patriots, I think the Jaguars have the edge, the Steelers choke out like KC, if the Raiders get in I think they would go deep.

James: Fancy the falcons to go a step further and at least reach the final this year.

Anything else you'd like to promote?

Paul: Not really but I would encourage all NFL fans to dig into the history books ... Raiders were great once upon a time

Jerry: Remember, win, lose or tie, RAIDERS TILL WE DIE.