Just a few seasons ago, you could scroll through a Twitter search to find lots of fans calling for the job of Reggie McKenzie.
Now, the Oakland Raiders General Manager seems poised for his first executive of the year award. It is well deserved considering he helped this team develop from 4-12 seasons to 12-4 seasons.
Guess, what Raider Nation?
It is time to put even more faith, hope and positive energy towards the efforts of McKenzie.
Oakland will be without quarterback Derek Carr. Plus, they will be without left tackle Donald Penn. Both players have been cornerstones in the Raiders return to greatness.
Therefore, it seems easy to say our team is done. I’ve already written a piece that says the Raiders are not dead, yet. Meaning the team must belive in themselves and not make excuses.
Beyond that, Raiders fans must believe in the personnel skills of McKenzie.
Rookie quarterback Connor Cook and tackle Menelik Watson must both fill in for the crucial Carr and Penn.
Cook will become the first rookie to make his first pro start via the playoffs. Therefore, he is a dark horse. We know he won a lot of games in college with Michigan State. Otherwise, we must believe that McKenzie saw a starting quarterback when he traded up in the draft to get Cook.
As for Watson, he has started 17 games. He made five starts this season at right tackle, but he will start on the left side Saturday.
Watson has been a mixed bag. He has battled for the starting posistion, and he has fought injuries since coming into the league.
Per Pro Football Focus, Watson has played 255 snaps this season. The subscription service gave him a 70.0 grade, which ranks him around the 40th best tackle in the league. Hence, Watson has proven to be capable.
Now, we will see him in a playoff setting versus Pro Bowl defensive end Jadaveon Clowney. Clowney was taken No. 1 overall in the same draft as Khalil Mack and Carr. He has six sacks this season.
Therefore, Watson has a good chance to prove himself. on Saturday.
Either way, we got to trust McKenzie’s selection of the second round right tackle.
McKenzie selected Watson and Cook for a reason. It is time for both young players to prove themselves.
Don’t lose the fiath in Cook, Watson or McKenzie. Keep the faith Raider Nation.
