Raiderstation

With Mendoza needing time to adjust, an unproven O line and what I consider average receivers, I’m not really expecting to light it up on offense.

Defensively, we should be at least middle of the pack. That should go a long ways in helping stack wins.

Having said that, we are improved across the board yet still more work to do. I would predict we have 6 wins this year, double what we had last year. If Pete can manage 3 last year, I have faith with a better coaching staff we can do better. If we can beat the teams we’re supposed to plus staying close in the 4th quarter against better talent, we have a punchers chance in some of those.

Personally, at least another year or two to make some real noise if we nail FA and the draft.

raiderjohn wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 11:24 am 1988 was the offseason we drafted him. We collected 3 first rounders for the '88 draft and parlayed that into Terry McDaniel, and Scott Davis.

2001 is when we added Jerry Rice, Charlie Garner and Trace Armstrong.
2002 we got Sam Adams, Parrella, Romanowski and Rod Woodson

Both of those match up vs 1988 very strongly.

Realistic expectations? Well realistic is the keyword here. I think we will see a significant bounce back from our OL, specifically in the run game. I can't see how things can get worse than Brennan Carroll. On top of that, we were better the year prior with a lot of those same scrubs. It might be wishful thinking, but I think we'll end up as a top 15 team rushing the ball by season's end.

Defensively, I think we're due for an uptick. This is another case of hitting rock bottom and bouncing off the floor. Rob Leonard being a first time DC is a concern but he's been here for awhile so I'd like to think we're not starting from scratch. The back end of the defense is still a massive concern, but I think we'll see the front 7 take a step forward.

Team goals? Realistic expectation would be over .500 in the 2nd half of the season. There's a lot of moving parts, and coaching will ultimately decide whether we're on the right path or not. I think there will be growing pains, but come November I expect us to be competing against most teams.

I think everything hinges on if & how long we have to look at Cousins on the field...he could be the second coming of Garropolo? I think Mendoza will give us a much better chance of winning than Cousins!!!

Im going to go out on a limb and say Brown's comment was a bit tongue in cheek as it was the year he became a Raider. Not every comment has to be dissected to death

This year I have no idea what our record may be. I think we will be much better than last season based on just the offensive coaching changes alone. Our defense on paper is much better than last year as well, my only question mark now is how Rob Leonard will do. Hes a holdover from Patrick Graham and I dont think PG is a very good DC. So we will see I guess.

If Mendoza doesn't play, top 5 pick.

im gonna put the win total at 8

mranquales wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 4:41 pm If Mendoza doesn't play, top 5 pick.

He will play because if we suck that bad they’ll put Mendoza in imo. Assuming you’re correct, you’d be pretty accurate I’d say.

My question is what if Kubiak works his magic on Cousins? Do we stay with him as long as we are in the playoff hunt? Or is there a certain number of losses until it’s Mendozas job?

LayneStaley wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 5:27 pm My question is what if Kubiak works his magic on Cousins? Do we stay with him as long as we are in the playoff hunt? Or is there a certain number of losses until it’s Mendozas job?

I highly doubt you will have to stress about that lmao...your overdosing on the Koolaid like you did with PC & the Sloth Geno!

LayneStaley wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 5:27 pm My question is what if Kubiak works his magic on Cousins? Do we stay with him as long as we are in the playoff hunt? Or is there a certain number of losses until it’s Mendozas job?

Kubiak, Spytek and Brady have all said their preference is to have a rookie QB sit. Based on that, if Cousins starts and The Raiders are winning, I think they'll stay with Cousins. Although Mendoza will get into some games if the outcome has already been decided.

pfish57 wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 5:34 pm I highly doubt you will have to stress about that lmao...your overdosing on the Koolaid like you did with PC & the Sloth Geno!

Oh hey pfish, forgot you existed for a bit. Nice to see you back doing your thing.

LayneStaley wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 6:48 pm Oh hey pfish, forgot you existed for a bit. Nice to see you back doing your thing.

I'm always here for you;) Just temper your expectations and life as a Raider fan will much easier!

LayneStaley wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 5:27 pm My question is what if Kubiak works his magic on Cousins? Do we stay with him as long as we are in the playoff hunt? Or is there a certain number of losses until it’s Mendozas job?

Its possible that Cousins does well, this isnt really a Geno situation because Carrol was senile and made terrible coaching staff decisions.

LayneStaley wrote: Fri May 01, 2026 5:27 pm My question is what if Kubiak works his magic on Cousins? Do we stay with him as long as we are in the playoff hunt? Or is there a certain number of losses until it’s Mendozas job?

I think we will be looking at an Alex Smith/Patrick Mahomes scenario. Winning will govern who see's the field (to an extent) but the more we can accomplish with Mendoza playing under his rookie contract the better it will be for the future of the Raiders and building a championship caliber team.

If he stays healthy keeping Bowers will require a healthy cap number as will Jeanty if he plays up to the level we all believe he can.

Exciting times for the Raiders.