The Oakland Raiders, the NFL's long-time version of a - more sad than funny - circus sideshow, beat the Buffalo Bills yesterday, improving their recent record to 3-2 and closing out their home season on a high-note.
The team has been playing better - not great, not by any means - but better, markedly better, and it could mean that bigger things are coming for the perennially moribund franchise.
"We are trying to change the culture," quarterback Derek Carr said after his team's 26-24 victory, per Ann Killion of the San Francisco Chronicle. "And we are changing the culture. We know if we keep fighting and working hard, it's going to get there."
If Carr is right, and the Raiders, under the watchful eye of interim head coach Tony Sparano, really are finally taking steps toward returning the organization to contender status, what does that mean for owner Mark Davis' plans for the off-season?
Should he tear it all down and start anew - again? Or should he leave what he already has in place - seemingly the seeds of an already promising future - and allow it to take root and grow into what it will?
Sparano has one-year remaining on his current deal - he's the only member of the coaching staff with a contract that extends beyond the end of this season. He's both gotten the support and garnered the praise of a number of players and coaches on his staff. He's got a team playing out the string of this season working hard and refusing to give up.
"The guys continue to come out fighting, when it would be very easy to do the opposite," said Charles Woodson, a 17-year veteran. "This team has never really gotten down to the point where we were ready to give up."
Sparano has been in the NFL for 16 seasons, four of which he spent as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
He's got experience, he's leading a team on the rise, and he's got at his disposal a number of quality young building blocks that include a potential franchise quarterback in Carr, a game changing defensive player in Khalil Mack and a stud defensive tackle in Justin Ellis.
With GM Reggie McKenzie's job seemingly safe, it may behoove Davis to keep Sparano on and see if the incremental improvements he and McKenzie have brought to the team this season, can be continued and expanded on next year.
Asked recently if he thinks he should be considered for the job, full-time, Sparano was clear and concise.
"Yes."
