No one out there really believes that the Oakland Raiders are knocking on the door of the playoffs. The team hasn't enjoyed a season above .500 since 2003. In that span, Oakland has become a punch line due to outrageous free agent signings (Randy Moss) and laughable draft selections (JaMarcus Russell, Darius Heyward-Bey). But as Andy Dufresne says in "The Shawshank Redemption," "Hope is a good thing. Maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies."
The Raiders do have a few reasons for long-term hope.
Second-year quarterback Derek Carr has the makings of a franchise signal-caller. New head coach Jack Del Rio has a proven track record of experience calling the shots, and Oakland is optimistic that its top five pick will add an immediate impact-player. Alas, none of it seems to matter much in the eyes of NFL analysts for the upcoming season.
ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson recently projected Oakland to finish this season with a 6-10 record, last in the AFC West.
"The Raiders have won a total of 11 games in three seasons," Williamson wrote. "They are starting another coaching era, this time with Jack Del Rio, who was head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-11. This schedule is not nearly as difficult as last year's, the toughest in the NFL. The Raiders have some winnable games and with young foundation players, quarterback Derek Carr and linebacker Khalil Mack, the Raiders should double their win total from 2014."
6-10 may be an improvement, but fans are likely to still be disappointed. I can't say that I blame them after a decade of losing (this also coming from a Washington Redskins fan). But at least the Raiders have a few key pieces in place that will make the team's revival a bit easier. Along with Carr and Mack, cornerback D.J. Hayden looks like a keeper. Amari Cooper or Leonard Williams seem like can't miss prospects.
There is light at the end of the tunnel, Raiders fans. It may take a while to reach it, but at least you're on your way.
