A lot of expectations have been put on the Las Vegas Raiders heading into Pete Carroll’s first season with the team. While a vast improvement is expected, the amount of turnover that happened over the offseason is sure to be met with some bumps along the way.
They also play in arguably the toughest division in all of football. The NFC West is a gauntlet, and no one would think any less of the Raiders if they were to still finish at the bottom of the division.
Perhaps that is why they began the season ranked 25th in ESPN’s preseason power rankings. After their Week 1 victory over the New England Patriots, they moved up four spots to 21.
Raiders Ranked 21st In Latest ESPN Power Rankings
After a 20-13 victory that saw Geno Smith throw for 362 yards and a touchdown, the Raiders were able to improve upon their ranking.
While Geno received most of the publicity, and rightfully so, the defense really shone, and GM John Spytek looks like a mastermind for signing free agent linebacker Devin White.
White came to Las Vegas on a mission to prove he can still play at a high level. His Raider debut was an encouraging performance, as he had a team-high 11 tackles and a pressure. The former Buc was effective in the run game, collecting eight run tackles and a pair of run stuffs. Normally, White is the Raiders’ weakside linebacker, but when Elandon Roberts sprained his elbow, he played snaps at middle linebacker as well.”
White signed a one-year deal with the Raiders worth $1.17 million. If he holds his pace after Week 1, it could be one of the biggest free agency steals in recent memory.
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The Raiders go straight into division play next week as they host the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. The Chargers took care of business in Brazil, knocking off the Kansas City Chiefs 27-21.
If the Raiders can contend and potentially beat the Chargers, they should shoot up the rankings next week.