Bold predictions for the AFC West in 2020
By Byron Smith
Gruden’s seat grows warmer
The 2019 free agency was defined by the quarterback market, with names like Philip Rivers, Cam Newton, Teddy Bridgewater, Jameis Winston, Andy Dalton, and of course, Tom Brady. With all of those names on the market at one point of another, plus multiple high-value first round draft picks, certainly Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock would be able to find some new talent to replace a quarterback they lack faith in, right? Right?
The only quarterback that the duo were able to bring in was Marcus Mariota, a quarterback who could not throw the ball well enough for Tennessee, a team that does not throw the ball.
The quarterback situation has been bad for the Raiders for quite a few years now, and it is abundantly clear that Gruden does not have an answer—especially when he chooses to use his high-level draft pick on a speedy receiver like Henry Ruggs III, a weapon that neither Carr and Mariota can use properly.
If Carr continues to be straddle the line between bad and mediocre play, the pressure is going to continue to build against Gruden among Raiders’ fans (if there are any left). Mariota would not fare much better, and knowing the impatience and savagery of NFL fans, Gruden may start to find himself on a very hot coaching seat.
Do Mayock and Mark Davis have what it takes to actually fire Gruden? No. However, that does not necessarily mean that Gruden will not feel the pressure of the fans and executives as his choices continue to keep the Raiders’ offense from reaching its potential.