This Raiders season has not gone according to plan. Optimism accompanied Jon Gruden’s return to the Silver and Black, as many believed Oakland was a good coach (or two) away from being a legitimate postseason contender.
However, the Raiders spent their fall contending for a high draft pick as losses piled sky high, which prompted a full-scale rebuild. Trading Khalil Mack set this season’s course, accelerated by the Amari Cooper deal and so many other veterans leaving in season. Reggie McKenzie was fired on Dec. 10, reportedly because of the Mack trade.
Winning games remained the Raiders' primary focus, but the development and evaluation were vital while building for the future.