The Las Vegas Raiders are in a position to improve their record from 2024, pretty dramatically, in 2025. Then again, it’s not too hard when you won only four games last season. If they didn’t improve significantly, there would need to be some questions asked.
Yes, everyone will be talking about the offense, and rightfully so — the defense carried the load the last two seasons as one of the league’s best units, while the offense was one of the worst in both seasons. And, they added former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, just to make things even more interesting.
As for the defense, they certainly added some pieces, and overall, it feels like they have gotten better, but that’s not something we will get a definite answer on until the season comes. But so far, it’s clear they aren’t ready — at least that’s what the coach is saying.
“So from the defense, they’ll hate this answer, but we’ve got a long way to go, right? So do I as a defensive coordinator for the 2025 season,” Patrick Graham told reporters this week.
“So that’s the benefit of the OTAs and the minicamps; you get to get out here, football in June. You guys probably heard me saying that to the players; it’s a great experience. And the situational football we’re going through, that’s been positive, and we’re learning from it. And then, just in terms of — I’ve said it enough already, it’s been a great experience for me. It’s been a great experience for me.”
Of course, they aren’t ready — it’s June. No team is ready yet, and that’s not a bad thing because these guys really haven’t even put the pads on yet. Now, if this were two weeks or so before the first preseason game, then I would be worried. But, there’s nothing to be worried about, even if he says that his team will be mad hearing it.
But they will be ready. Let’s remember what we have seen from this team over the last two years. They have had such bad offenses, being put in bad positions constantly, but still have managed to put together elite units. And let’s also remember that they are bringing back Patrick Graham and his system, and integrating some of Pete Carroll’s things that he has made so successful throughout his years in the league.
This defense will be good.