Skip to main content
Raider Nation, Stand Up
Advertising

Five Takeaways From Head Coach Jack Del Rio's Monday Press Conference

The Oakland Raiders fell on the road Sunday afternoon, dropping their regular season finale to the Kansas City Chiefs 23-17 at Arrowhead Stadium.

The Silver and Black finished the season 7-9, and Monday afternoon, Head Coach Jack Del Rio held his final press conference of the season.

Here are the highlights from his time behind the microphone.

He shared his thoughts about the 2015 season.

"I would say that it was a good beginning, definitely a year we can build upon. We didn't quite meet the goals that I established, but I think it was productive on many fronts. Definitely a year that we feel we can build upon going forward."

The Raiders are getting close to being a postseason contender.

"I think we're very close. You get a chance to earn that. The teams that are in – there are 12 teams that are playing this weekend – they all earned their way in. It's our goal to make sure that we're one of those teams next year."

Now that the season is over, the time for evaluation begins.

"We'll be very thorough in going through the roster evaluations and assessing our team, and let some of the feelings and some of the freshness from the season that's just been finished, kind of let that settle and be real thorough in evaluation and really know our roster first. Much like last year when we first got here, you just want to attack it and look for ways you can improve and anywhere you think you can, look to do that."

Head Coach Del Rio has been pleased with the production from the 2015 rookie class.

"I think all in all, it was a very solid class; a lot of good participation throughout the class. You start with the number one pick, obviously. 'Coop' [Amari Cooper] had a real good rookie year, a real nice start to his career, so real proud of him for the way he came in and was a pro from Day 1. You go right down through the line. Clive [Walford] played well, caught four or five more balls yesterday. You can see where some of that athleticism we were so excited about back in the spring has really developed into somebody that's going to be a good player for us going forward. Ben Heeney made a bunch of plays again yesterday and he's emerged and done some good things. [Jon] Feliciano started again and has done some solid work in there."

He is also pleased with the growth from quarterback Derek Carr in his second season.

"He's had a great start to his career. Two years in, you look at what he's been able to accomplish. To lead us back in several games this year, to be able to throw the number of touchdowns and limit the number of interceptions, I think he's got a real bright future. We're excited about where Derek is."

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

Latest Content

Advertising