Raiders' Strong Offseason Position: Analysis From The Athletic

Michael

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Post on Jun 27, 2025

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Raiders' Strong Offseason Position: A Deep Dive into The Athletic's Analysis

The Las Vegas Raiders have emerged from the NFL offseason looking surprisingly robust. While many predicted another year of struggle, savvy moves by General Manager Dave Ziegler and Head Coach Josh McDaniels have left analysts, including those at The Athletic, impressed. This article delves into The Athletic's assessment, examining the key factors contributing to the Raiders' improved outlook and exploring potential challenges that remain.

Key Improvements: A Holistic Approach

The Athletic's analysis highlights a multifaceted approach to improvement, going beyond just flashy free-agent signings. Instead, the Raiders focused on solidifying foundational elements of their team:

• Improved Offensive Line: The Raiders significantly upgraded their offensive line, a crucial area of weakness in previous seasons. This involved strategic drafting and smart free-agent acquisitions, creating a more stable pocket for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and opening running lanes for Josh Jacobs. The Athletic points to this as a game-changer, potentially unlocking the Raiders' offensive potential.

• Defensive Reinforcements: The defense, another area of concern in recent years, received significant bolstering. While not headline-grabbing signings, the additions provide depth and competitiveness, something The Athletic emphasizes as crucial for consistency. They highlight specific players who fill key roles, improving overall team performance.

• Coaching Stability and Synergy: The Athletic emphasizes the importance of the improved chemistry between McDaniels and Ziegler. Their collaborative approach, evident in the offseason moves, is seen as a significant factor in the team's improved direction. This synergy is a key element often overlooked, but crucial for long-term success.

Remaining Challenges and Potential Pitfalls

Despite the considerable progress, The Athletic also acknowledges potential hurdles:

• Quarterback Health: Jimmy Garoppolo's injury history remains a significant concern. His reliability is crucial to the Raiders' success, and The Athletic stresses the importance of managing his workload and ensuring his health throughout the season.

• Defensive Consistency: While improvements were made, maintaining consistent defensive performance throughout a 17-game season is always a challenge. The Athletic notes the need for continued growth and development within the defensive unit.

• Western Conference Competition: The AFC West remains one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. The Athletic rightly points out that the Raiders still face tough competition from the Chiefs, Chargers, and Broncos, requiring consistent high-level play to compete for a playoff spot.

The Verdict: Cautious Optimism

The Athletic's overall assessment of the Raiders' offseason is one of cautious optimism. The team has clearly addressed key weaknesses and improved its overall depth. However, the challenges remain significant, and success will hinge on factors such as quarterback health, defensive consistency, and navigating the brutal AFC West. The upcoming season will be a true test of the Raiders' progress, and The Athletic's analysis provides a valuable framework for understanding the team's prospects. For a more detailed breakdown and in-depth analysis, be sure to check out the full article on The Athletic's website (link to article if available).

Keywords: Las Vegas Raiders, NFL, offseason, Dave Ziegler, Josh McDaniels, Jimmy Garoppolo, Josh Jacobs, AFC West, NFL analysis, The Athletic, NFL news, football news, NFL offseason analysis, offensive line, defense, NFL predictions.