2026 Season Prediction Thread
Friends, let me me first say how much I appreciate you and your continued takes, and the fact that you return year after year even when this blog goes dark during the offseason.
Just seeing your comments on these initial preseason games puts a smile on my face. It's getting real once again and there's lots to talk about!
I don't know what to think so far. Honestly, I think I'm so fatigued after years (err..decades - RaiderTake is now 21 years old) of new-regime hype that quickly devolves into disappointment that I'm in a sort of permanent "prove it" mode. Promises of anything "minty fresh" just feel empty until I see any sort of sustained success under a single coach, which hasn't happend since I started RaiderTake.
In short, while I'm not pessimistic, you might call me jaded.
I think that the Raiders will improve this year and get to around seven wins, but I'm not expecting some big jump.
Honestly, I think this year is, in many ways, all about next year. In other words, can this season at a minimum set the table for sustained momentum going forward? That won't be evident solely in the win column, it will come from having the horses to run the longer race and a coach and culture ready to lead the way. It'll be a feeling more than a winning percentage.
We've seen new-coach bumps in the win column several times before. And we've seen what usually happens afterward with the Raiders. Getting better or getting good has proven to be temporary phenomenon, while building something great has been elusive for a quarter century now.
On that note, while we're mired in the dog days of preseason, what are your takes and predictions for this season - and beyond?
posted by Raider Take at 9:59 AM
5 Comments:
Take,
I agree. I don't think this is a year where the Raiders are going to win everything; but it will be a good building block. I'd be content with 7 wins, anything below that will be disappointing to me.
My main concern, so far, in preseason is:
Who is going to step up on the D-Line other than Maxx, to help create pressure?
Will they be able to stop the run?
Pressure on the DLine helps our young DBs, if there is no pressure, will our young DB group hold up?
As far as offense, who outside of Bowers will step up for WR group?
I will say, the OLine looks vastly improved than last season, however, Jordan Meredith, JPJ, and RT are still a concern. I do like Trey Zuhn, I know he is a rookie and needs reps and will improve.
The positives so far have been Mike Washington appears to be a valuable punch with Jeanty. What I hear from reporters is that Maxx and Bowers are near unstoppable in practice (we have not seen them play in preseason).
I think Caleb Rogers has played better than Spencer Buford, but they have Buford as 1st team LG. Thomas Booker and Cian Slone have looked good on the DLine, Pegues and Hemingway have seem to disappear. Eichenberg looks sloppy and undisciplined. Greedy Vance reminds me of a young Nnamdi.
Going to be an interesting year, and again, I come into the season hype with the mantra of: Just Prove It, BABY!
Thanks for your take, RT. Nicely done! That's what I see, i.e., this year is all about next year and beyond. And that's why I'm quietly lobbying for Mendoza to start. Unless the Raiders have some magic potion on defense, there's really no chance to make a run this year. And Mendoza taking reps with the first team offense is the only way to set the future in motion. This is all predicated on significant improvement the Raiders made on the O-line, as well as a run game that's almost certain to improve behind that line and with the addition of a solid FB. It's already showing lots of promise.
Some fans think Mendoza shouldn't play because of the Raiders marginal WR corp, but the WRs don't protect the QB, the line does... and the first team looks up to the task.
It's the coach's decision, but Kubiak knows Mendoza will have to play this year, and Cousins already has one foot out the door for his next overpaid contract.
To all these points, Raiders would be smart to roster AOC. He is Mendoza's backup next year. Some writers are suggesting the Raiders only keep 2 QBs... which seems very shortsighted IMO.
It's worth mentioning that the Raiders have nobody to blame but themselves for lack of WRs. But some folks here told me how great Jalen Nailor was going to be (after sitting in the middle of stacked WR corp in MN). He and Tucker have mostly been held out of preseason, so it might be a little premature to label them as insufficient. I'm under the impression Kubiak just needs one from the pack to stand out and fill the top 3.
And not to beat a dead horse, but Jakobi Meyers was that guy until his absurd trade. Meyers caught over 100 balls with no drops two years ago. Who does that? Nobody! But the Raiders went all in with Bech and Thorton Jr, who couldn't catch a cold if they tried. Now, neither has stepped up... but both will likely make the roster (and one or both may be gone by next year).
WRs were available all off-season, and the Raiders had the money.
Just like that, Jeanty injured his leg in practice today. Vinny B said he was carried off the field by trainers, couldnt put weight on it, and the team took a knee and moment of silence. The team has not released any updates.
Seems like it's always going to be something holding the Raiders back. But the NFL isn't just about having a great team. There's an element of luck. Clearly, the Raiders version is bad luck.
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