LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Gardner Minshew #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders drops back to pass during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers, at Allegiant Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Derek Carr wasn’t in a Raiders uniform last season as he went to the New Orleans Saints during the offseason. Coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler were out the door following week eight’s loss to the Detroit Lions. Champ Kelly was named interim GM while Antonio Pierce was promoted to interim head coach – Pierce was hired full-time after a strong finish to 2023.
Highlights from 2023 include a 63-21 thrashing over the rival Chargers and a stunning Christmas Day win over the Chiefs. The Raiders finished the rollercoaster year 8-9.
The Raiders hired Chargers GM Tom Telesco to begin the offseason. Star defensive end Maxx Crosby was awarded an extension that will cement him as the second highest-paid defensive end in the league. Las Vegas signed Christian Wilkins to a four-year contract worth $110 million. In addition, the Raiders brought in Michael Gallup, Gardner Minshew II, Alexander Mattison and Cody Whitehair in part of a revamp on offense.
Brock Bowers was chosen 13th overall as a backup to Michael Mayer. Bowers brings stellar speed and playmaking abilities to the team – these skills make Bowers a “slot” tight end, an ingredient to a lethal tight end duo with Mayer. Oregon’s Jackson Powers–Johnson was picked in round two since he possesses elite blocking abilities – the Raiders intend on moving Powers-Johnson to guard as Whitehair is going to be starting at center.
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2024 isn’t going to be an easy year as the Raiders own the NFL’s ninth-toughest schedule.
Time will tell if the Raiders will be successful this year – however, momentum from 2023 should carry over into the first weeks as coach Pierce gains the trust of the locker room. Look out for Crosby to lead the defense and Minshew to call the shots on offense.
Sept. 15 at Baltimore Ravens, 10 a.m., CBS
Sept. 22 Carolina Panthers, 1:05 p.m., CBS
Sept. 29 Cleveland Browns, 1:25 p.m., CBS
Oct. 6 at Denver Broncos, 1:05 p.m., FOX
Oct. 13 Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:05 p.m., CBS
Oct. 20 at Los Angeles Rams, 1:05 p.m., CBS
Oct. 27 Kansas City Chiefs, 1:25 p.m., CBS
Nov. 3 at Cincinnati Bengals, 10 a.m., FOX
BYE WEEK
Nov. 17 at Miami Dolphins, 10 a.m., CBS
Nov. 24 Denver Broncos, 1:05 p.m., CBS
Nov. 29 at Kansas City Chiefs, Noon, Amazon Prime
Dec. 8 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 10 a.m., CBS
Dec. 16 Atlanta Falcons, 5:30 p.m., ESPN
Dec. 22 Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:25 p.m., CBS
Dec. 29 at New Orleans Saints, 10 a.m., FOX
Week 18 Los Angeles Chargers, TBA
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