Improving from a good team to a great team is one of the hardest things to accomplish in the NFL, but the Raiders are preparing to make the jump after adding a few pieces to a playoff team that narrowly lost to the AFC Champions in the wild-card round.
Although there are no guarantees in this business, the teams that ultimately compete for the championship are constantly looking to improve the roster by any means necessary. The Raiders' new regime has already shown a willingness to take advantage of opportunities to add blue-chip players to the lineup, as evidenced by the blockbuster signings of Davante Adams and Chandler Jones.
By adding a pair of former All-Pros, the Raiders have inched closer to trotting out a team with enough blue-chippers to compete at a championship level. Adams is universally recognized as the No.1 receiver in football with a polished game that enables him to anchor an offense as an unstoppable force on the perimeter. The ninth-year pro has tallied 100-plus catches and 1,300-plus receiving yards in three of the past four seasons with 47 touchdowns during that span.
As a crafty route runner with outstanding balance, body control and short-area quickness, Adams is a headache for opponents ill-equipped to deal with a five-star WR1. The veteran consistently gets against single and double teams, and his presence creates opportunities for others on the backside. Considering Darren Waller and Hunter Renfrow are established all-stars with the capacity to put up big numbers against tilted coverage, the Raiders' offense will put opposing defensive coordinators in a bind when they are crafting their game plans for the week.
If Adams receives extra attention, Waller and Renfrow will go bonkers against overmatched defenders in the slot and out wide. Derek Carr will simply play "pitch and catch" to the pass-catcher facing a favorable matchup, and there is really nothing opponents will be able to do about it with three big-time playmakers on the field.
If opponents opt to play the Raiders straight up or utilize brackets or double coverage to neutralize No. 13 and No. 83, Adams will torch opponents who grant him free access and single coverage. Given the telepathic connection that he enjoys with Carr, opponents are asking for trouble when leaving a cornerback on the island against the veteran.
On defense, Jones' arrival fortifies a pass rush that already features an emerging star in Maxx Crosby. The 11th-year pro is a sack machine off the edges with 107.5 career sacks, including 71.5 during a six-year stint with the Cardinals. The two-time All-Pro is a model of consistency as a pass rusher with 10-plus sacks in seven of his 10 seasons, and 33 career forced fumbles in 139 games.
The steady production and relentless effort from the veteran make him the perfect partner for Crosby. As a blue-collar rusher who wins with fanatical effort and violent hands, the fourth-year pro will face more one-on-ones and rack up plenty of garbage sacks with opponents paying close attention to Jones on the other side. Keep in mind that Crosby was the center of attention in 2021 with opponents frequently sliding pass protection to his side and taking their chances against Yannick Ngakoue.
Those tactics will likely change with offensive play-callers paying close attention to Jones' whereabouts based on his disruptive potential. In a division that features exceptional quarterback play, the Raiders' decision to upgrade the pass rush gives them a better chance of harassing Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert and Russell Wilson in key games down the stretch. Moreover, the addition of Jones gives the Raiders' defense more ammunition to deal with the "Murderer's Row" of quarterbacks in the AFC.
After falling short in the playoffs a season ago, the Raiders are committed to making an extended run this season. With a couple of veteran blue-chip players joining the party, the Raiders are ready to take the next step on their championship journey.
View exclusive photos of players arriving for the start of the 2022 voluntary offseason program.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake (23) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Darius Phillips (20) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Garrett Gilbert (14) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Mack Hollins (10) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Cre'Von LeBlanc (31) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jordan Meredith (61) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Lester Cotton Sr. (67) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Micah Kiser (43) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Jayon Brown (50) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Brandon Parker (75) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders fullback Sutton Smith (41) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders guard John Simpson (76) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Andrew Billings (97) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Trey Ragas (36) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Jacob Hollister (88) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Duron Harmon (30) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Divine Deablo (5) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders long snapper Trent Sieg (47) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu (65) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (11) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dillon Stoner (16) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Anthony Averett (29) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tyree Gillespie (37) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Anthony Averett (29) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor (72) and guard/tackle Alex Leatherwood (70) arrive for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor (72) and guard/tackle Alex Leatherwood (70) arrive for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (99) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Amik Robertson (21) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Kyle Peko (92) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kendal Vickers (95) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Johnathan Abram (24) arrives for the team's first day of the offseason program at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center.
