Tag: Las Vegas

No More Bye Week Blues and Keys versus the Buccaneers

The Las Vegas Raiders entered week 6 with a well deserved bye after defeating their rivals the Kansas City Chiefs by eight points.

No one, including myself gave Vegas a realistic shot at beating the Chiefs. Kansas City was playing well and the Raiders were up and down. An emphasis on the down part in the second half.

Still, I am thankful I was wrong. Vegas became the first team to defeat Chiefs starting QB Pat Mahomes by more than a touchdowns.

Kudos to Derek Carr and Jon Gruden for leading this team out of a two-game slump. The team could’ve gone either way but a statement road win over the Super Bowl champs should give this team momentum. For as much credit as they get for the teams struggling offense in the second half of past games, they deserve credit for coming out swinging this time.

The Chiefs played hard too. They didn’t play their best but it was far from a let down. Andy Reid has totally owned the Raiders since coming to the AFC West. The weather also fell into favor for the Raiders and Carr.

It also helped getting Trent Brown and Henry Ruggs back. You see the instant impact Ruggs brings when opponents must respect his speed on deep routes and play actions. Brown also brings his own level of physicality to the run game.

The defensive line also had their best outing of the season. Maxx Crosby is the only one who got home but Clellin Ferrell and Mo Hurst both played well.

Now, the question is how do the Raiders return from the Bye. Their next game won’t be any slouch. They’ll face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers off their own big win of the NFC favorite Green Bay Packers.

Tampa Bay beat the Panthers and lost to the Saints. The Raiders beat both those two common opponents.

Moreover, the Raiders can’t act like they made their season with one win over a division opponent. They still have five more division games including another one against Kansas City.

Again, it’s not about reinventing the wheel. The Raiders need to keep pushing the ball. Three receiver sets continue to work. Nelson Agholor continues to make big plays. Hunter Renefrow got his strike in. They will need those contributions along with Darren Waller’s consistency versus a Tampa defense that is good against the pass.

On defense, the Raiders need to continue finding ways to get sacks. They also could have problems with the Bucs multiple tight ends.

Added pressure from the front can disrupt Tom Brady. Otherwise, the Raiders could face a long day with all that size and speed Tampa offers on the outside.

The Buccaneers also have a loaded backfield. Ronald Jones has come on as the starter but Leonard Fournette will probably return to the mix this week. Fournette’s size and physicality factors in versus a Raiders defense that can struggle versus the run. Jones’ is a threat as a pass catcher and runner. He’s shifty and could make some Raiders miss.

Ultimately, the Raiders will need to continue controlling the clock with Josh Jacobs. That’s the easiest way to cool down this Tampa offense that is loaded with weapons. They’ll also need to keep taking deep shots to keep the defense honest.

Tampa’s offensive line is good too. They are top-10 in run and pass blocking. Still, the Raiders defensive line proved it could impact games versus a good offensive line a few weeks ago in Kansas City. They need to keep that momentum going.

The last thing anyone wants is a let down after the Bye Week and a big division win. The Silver and Black got two weeks to prepare for this game. They should come out executing at that level. They should also come out fired up to face Gruden’s former team on Sunday Night.

3-0 in sight? Week Three 2020 Preview

Las Vegas opened with a bang as the Raiders upset the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football.

The Raiders weren’t without their flaws. Their pass rush was still non-existent. Alvin Kamara and Latavis Murray were effective as receivers and runners versus the Raiders defense.

Our run game still averaged less than four yards a carry. How much can the team ride Josh Jacobs?

Derek Carr completed passes to a number of different receivers en route to three touchdowns and 284 yards. He was efficient as always but took a few good shots down the field.

We got a good long look at rookie guard John Simpson as Richie Incognito left with an injury. Early reviews are good. Rookie corner Damon Arnette took his lumps again. All rookie corners face ups and downs.

Either way, the Raiders face another tough test this week versus the New England Patriots. They will again face a perennial playoff team today.

We all know how they can start slow in those East Coast early start games. Carr won’t have the safety of a Dome. The Raiders haven’t won in New England since the ’90s.

New England is obviously a different team with Cam Newton. Newton already has four rushing touchdowns this year. The Raiders defense needs to stay discipline with Newton in an offense that features many wrinkles.

Last week, the Pats lost a close game to the Seahawks. Seattle’s Russell Wilson was damn near flawless versus the Pats. Vegas needs a similar performance from Carr this week.

The Seahawks also established multiple runners. Las Vegas needs a similar performance from their offensive line as well as Jacobs.

Seattle also took away the running game as Cam Newton threw almost 50 times. He was also their leading rusher as Sony Michel didn’t do much.

The Pats don’t have the same receiving threats outside of Julian Edelman. Edelman went off versus the Hawks and he could do the same versus the Raiders young corners and over-aggressive safeties.

Again, the Raiders need to stay discipline upfront. They need their defensive line to have a big week by staying on their keys but disrupting as much as possible.

On offense, the Raiders will need to keep feeding Darren Waller and Jacobs. Those are their biggest weapons. They also gotta do something to not run Jacobs into the ground. They can’t give him thirty carries while he is battling injuries and expect to make a playoff run.

Thus, starting 3-0 comes down to coaching. Gruden needs to get the fired up like it’s opening night on Monday again.

The defense needs to stay discipline and honest for four quarters. They need to find ways to pressure Newton, especially if he throws the ball a lot again. Our d-line needs to step up and find who they were last year.

Offensively, they need to continue mixing it up with different receivers. Let’s keep seeing some more Nelson Agoholor, Zay Jones and Bryan Edwards. All three made big plays on Monday. Jacobs and Carr need all the help they can go.

This is a winnable game for the Raiders as long as they don’t stray away from the young and explosive team we’ve seen the past few weeks. 2-1 is still progress but 3-0 Is another level. We need every win possible in the competitive AFC West.

NFL Draft 2020: Trade Speculation and Full Mock Draft

It’s Draft Day.  No this ain’t a song and it won’t feel like that for a few Raiders on the chopping block or people who wanted to attend the event.

The Vegas Raiders were supposed to be the hometown favorites today. This draft was their official introduction to the city.

COVID-19 took all that away and now we watch as the event will be a more vintage fantasy draft like everything else that happens over zoom these days.

The spectacle is set for totally different reasons. We will see GMs flexing with ergo-dynamics and man caves. Front offices with the best communication and collaboration will thrive in this remote environment while more legacy clubs get exposed. Analytics are gonna be even more important to fill gaps left from less personal connections.

The Silver and Black will make waves through this draft with their five picks in the first three rounds. They are without a second round pick which also makes them a candidate to move back in the draft.

Remember, the Raiders don’t have late round selections either. Again, placing an incentive on why the Raiders should be active on the trade market throughout the Draft.

There are also rumors they could be in play for an edge rusher like Yannick Ngakoue but that remains to be seen. Trading our 19th pick Ngakoue wouldn’t even be bad given this draft class is deep but might not bring an instant spark like Ngakoue would to the Raiders defense. Obviously, it would be better if the Raiders could get him without forfeiting a Round One selection. That should be easier since he doesn’t want to be there but it depends on what other teams are offering.

Who can the Raiders trade Today?

Beyond their draft capital, let’s start at the top with Derek Carr. Moving Carr gets exponentially easier if the Raiders select a quarterback in the first three rounds. It also drops his trade value if the Raiders invest in a rookie quarterback since they already are paying Marcus Mariota a lot of money to be a veteran bridge and high quality backup. The Raiders would be lucky to get a second or third round pick for Carr which is probably why they will hold onto him for another season.

We also can’t forget Gabe Jackson who is the other player remaining from that 2014 Draft Class. Jackson is still a starting caliber guard and he never received his due. However, his contract and injuries make it easier to move on.

Many thought he would have already been a cap casualty. Either way, Raiders will probably try to draft an interior linemen in the middle rounds like they did Jackson. This will give Incognito a mentee and someone to push Jackson or Denzelle Good. At the very least, drafting someone makes it that much easier to dump Jackson for a late found pick.

Then, there’s the holdovers. We’ve heard talks about P.J. Hall on the trade block. How about Arden Key?

Neither player has really lived up to their draft bills or potential. They were supposed to be high risk, high reward picks in their draft. Now, they’re looking more like additional Reggie McKenzie scraps about to be thrown over board at the highest bidder.

Both guys flash occasionally and that should be enough to warrant a fifth, sixth or seventh round pick for either or both. Look at a team who values length on the edges and strength in the interior as trade partners. How about other defenses cut from the Zimmer tree? The Patriots always love making the most of draft busts on the low… how about the Dolphins who employ McKenzie and hold a plethora of picks? All these teams make sense as a draft partner for Key or Hall.

Then, there’s Tyrell Williams and LaMarcus Joyner. Both were big free agency grabs last offseason. Now, their contracts look over priced. Williams and Joyner were both leaned on by their units last year. They flashed at times but other times it was a “you paid this guy that” situations?

You can’t put all the blame on them but they certainly weren’t saviors. My point is, the Raiders probably keep these guys another year due to their investment and the fact that no one is lining up to pay those salaries. Not to mention, Williams should improve with an alpha receiver opposite him. Joyner should improve with a much stronger overall defense around them. Their roles as strong complimentary starters is what earned them these big contracts after all.

Full Seven Round Mock Draft

Obviously, this entire projection gets blown up if the Raiders make one or two trades. Either way, my only intent was to make the Raiders better with every pick. They still need a lot of talent upgrades so finding players who can push for starting jobs sooner than later ensures they pack out their new home stadium.

Round One (12): WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

Whether the Raiders take their QB of the future today or next year, they need to find him a pass catcher. Las Vegas lucked out and found one of the best receivers in the Draft available at 13. This pick gets harder if a top corner is available too.

Either way, you could make a case for Lamb as the most physical receiver in this class. His YAC potential is through the roof. It doesn’t hurt that he comes from one of the top programs in the nation last year too.

Round One (19): LB Patrick Queen, LSU

Again, the Raiders proved last year they will poach the best teams in College as an effort to build a winning culture. This time they grab a defensive playmaker to compliment what they did in free agency by signing two marquee free agents for the other starting roles.

Queen would play weakside backer for the Raiders. Although they signed two coverage backers this offseason, adding Queen might mean they can finally cover tight ends as well as stuff the run.

Round Three (80): S Kyle Dugger, Lenoir-Rhyne

I know it’s tough to imagine Gruden spending two of his three first picks on defense but the Raiders defense is that bad. Yes, they have Abram coming back and signed Damarious Randall to provide depth at corner and safety with Joyner.

There are questions about his competition level but he showed his athleticism and instincts translate at the Senior Bowl. He can play either safety spot as well as special teams early.  Still, Dugger is a developmental player with traits to be a real boom for Vegas as they need playmakers on defense.

Round Three (81): QB Jacob Eason, Washington

Eason is a real wild card in this draft. Nonetheless, the Raiders and Gruden get a quarterback with the size, athleticism and arm strength to play on Sundays. He is a decent enough athlete too.

Of course, Eason comes with questions about his ability to handle pressure.  That shouldn’t be anything a quarterback guru like Gruden can’t work with, right? We’ve seen him take gambles on QBs with less obvious skill sets.

Round Three (91): OL Rober Hunt, Louisiana

Hunt was the best guard available at this point. He’s a big physical prospect who can develop under whoever the Raiders start at guard as well as push for time immediately due to his size and athleticism. Either way, this would not be a bad pick at all.

Round Four (121): DB Michael Ojemudia, Iowa

Again, the Raiders need versatile and productive players as they continue trying to make that defense competent. Ojemudia is a solid pick up with 6 interceptions since 2018. He still needs to refine his technique and instincts but he offers top end traits that make him worth this selection.

Round Five (160): RB Darrynton Evans, App St.

Finally, running back is a real wild card in this draft. The corps is deep but how they rank and where the position overall ranks in the NFL depends on who you ask. Either way, Evans was highly productive at Appalachian State. He has the size and speed to play all three downs but projects as a change of pace and outside runner initially. That might seem redundant with the what the Raiders already have at the position but Evans would be a nice in-between for Jacobs and Richard. You can also never have enough running backs, especially with Jacobs battling shoulder injuries at the end of the last season.

 

Ultimately, everything is on the board for today’s NFL Draft. It will be memorable because it is the first remote draft and the first time the Vegas Raiders are officially on the clock. However, it should also go down in history as the draft that finally made the Raiders a contender. Right?

Oakland Warriors got a ring, the Raiders should be next

On June 15, the Warriors will parade their newest NBA Championship for their fans in the Bay. While they sport the name Golden State and rock the Golden Gate bridge, the Warriors play in Oracle which is in Oakland. Let’s not forget that.

Still, Oakland is about to lose the Warriors and the Raiders in a span of a few years. The Warriors are headed to San Francisco while the Raiders are headed to Las Vegas. Considering Oakland has a history as a strong sports town and a hub for social movements, this city deserves as many championships as possible.

Already, the Oakland Raiders are talking about being inspired by their neighbors dominating season. Now, it is time for the Silver and Black to deliver a title.

Over the past few seasons, Raider Nation has supported the Raiders threw quarterbacks like Jamarcus Russell and Aaron Brooks as well as head coaches like Lane Kiffin and Tom Cable. Despite the poor football product, Raiders fans showed up.

The same applies for Warriors fans. They supported the teams through the Monta Ellis and Adonal Foyle eras. Now, they get a team that projects to dominate over the next few seasons. Golden State can continue winning championships before the franchise moves across the Bay.

As for the Raiders, they are also young enough to contend over the next few seasons. Thus, the Silver and Black need to bring a championship to Oakland before they bounce for Vegas.

Oakland is a blue-collar town that is reflected in the culture and colors of the Raiders. No matter where the team plays, they will always embody a piece of Oakland. Hence, the Raiders need to bring another Super Bowl trophy to the Bay. The Raiders must double-down on the Warriors’ championships.

Who knows, maybe the Raiders can win two Super Bowls in three years like the Warriors did? Or maybe they can win three in a row. Either way, one Super Bowl would be great for the city that has supported its sports teams through thick and thin.

 

Just Sin Baby!

The Oakland Raiders officially announced that they are relocating to Las Vegas. NFL Owners agreed on the proposal via a 31-1 vote. .

It’s stunning considering the Owners rarely agree on anything with that much conviction. The Miami Dolphins were the one team to vote no for whatever reason.

Clearly, the proposed $750 million in approved public funds had an influence on the decision. That is a lot of free money from a market, especially when you consider the East Bay was not putting any public funds out there. 

However, this is devastating for a community that embodies the Raiders’ mystique. The two are a perfect match due to the social and civil rights hisory of Oakland as well as the trailblazing, renegade culture of the Raiders. That community needs the team to give the hope. To inspire the community. To work with the kids and reach out to the Oakland community.

As for Vegas, some fans have reasons to be excited. Las Vegas is fun and new. More importantly, the Raiders are getting the shiny new stadium that they’ve wanted for decades. 

However, there are some major flaws in this whole ordeal. Does it really make sense that the Raiders would leave a top-5 market for a top-40 market? Not to mention, the Raiders need to take out lots of loans just to make this happen. 

Then you factor in Vegas’ legal prostitution and gambling. Is this really an environment for a winning football team? Does the NFL want their brand associated with a city based on the very things that they disapprove.

From a fans’ perspective, do you really want to tailgate in 100 degree weather? Would you rather be among drunken idiots at a football game when you can be around beautiful women at a party? Plus, are fans going to be priced out of the stadium by rich tourists?

Overall, this Vegas relocation creates a ton of questions… Like the financing. The Raiders are relying on loans from Bank of America and the NFL to make this happen. How can this team afford to pay more money in relocation fees and leave added money from the NFL? All because of their quest to leave Oakland?

I get that the Davis Family has wanted a stadium for decades. I get that he has that in Vegas, but should it be at the expense of Oakland? 

The fans have supported him through thick and thin. Why should the NFL ignore the wants of their fan base for the third time in 15 months. It is even more disgusting when you factor in all the investment money that is happening in the Bay.

Why can’t the Raiders get those funds? Guess, the City will have to settle for a baseball stand and some condos. Does gentrification win again?

Ultimately, the Raiders’ relocation to Oakland raises more questions than answers. One thing is for sure, the move to Vegas is happening. It’s about the one thing we know for sure. They still got to work out the details on a lease, but it is happening if we like it or not.

For now, it is a time for us to mourn. Oakland will always be the Mecca for Raider Nation, and it is sad that the team is leaving that. 

Regardless, Raiders fans will endure. We always endure. We’ll go to and celebrate Las Vegas. It won’t be the same, but we’ll make it happen.

It’s a risky move that could pay off or flop horribly. At the end of the day, what else do we expect from Vegas or the Raiders?  

Just Sin Baby!

Las Vegas: What’s the latest?

A few huge developments happened over the past couple of weeks, while my personal life put this blog on the backburner.

First, the Nevada State Senate approved the increase in tax that would allow Las Vegas to raise the $750 million to lure the Raiders via a new stadium. Second, Mark Davis attended a ceremony celebrating the announcement. He also said he was committed to the city. However, Jerry Jones and his ton of influence says the Raiders will definitely leave Oakland.

Meanwhile, the City of Oakland said they were working on a serious proposal to keep their franchise. Their proposal may or may not include a group of investors led by Ronnie Lott. Roger Goodell echoed that the league had Oakland as the perferred destination.

The County Commission also okayed an extension of the monorail with visions of the Raiders’ stadium in mine.

Finally, Sheldon Adelson said he could live with or without the proposed stadium that would bring the Raiders.

So basically, we still do not know where the Raiders will play once their lease is up in Oakland. We do know that they are still on a quest for a new stadium. That baseball field for a quarter of the season is not a good look. Neither are the flooded bathrooms on the upper concourse.

Still, Oakland will always be Mecca  for Raider Nation. Hopefully, Oakland will put together something real soon. The Raiders mean too much to the community. The Raiders do too much outreach. Their brand represents the East Bay too much.

Don’t forget that the Oakland is getting gentrified. That means the Raiders have a booming economy in their home market. They need to take advantage of it and stop courting Vegas.

Plus, the Raiders are relevant again. Oakland must fight for their team which will become a perennial playoff team.

Raiders Rants: DeAndre Washington, Michael Crabtree & Las Vegas

More updates on the latest headlines from the Oakland Raiders.

DeAndre Washington

Apparently, the Raiders see rookie DeAndre Washington as a potential starter.

  • OC Bill Musgrave complimented his work ethic and said he earned reps with the first team.
  • CBS Sports reports that Washington is a lot like starter Latavius Murray. He is also a good catcher.

My Take: I like the comparison to Murray. They were both taken late in the draft. We will see what happens, but personally I am pulling for Taiwan Jones as the No. 2 back. Jones is too explosive not to have a role on our offense.

Michael Crabtree

Pro Football Focus ranked Crabtree as the worst contract in football. Their conclusion is based on analyzing his stats with the market value.

My Take: Anyone who watched a Raider game knows Crabtree’s value extends beyond the boxscore. Derek Carr is comfortable looking for him in clutch situations. He has helped Carr and Amari Cooper develop. Not to mention, Crabtree averages an almost sideline catch per game. Get those feet down Crab. Otherwise, I love Crabtree’s deal and production.

Jack Del Rio

The Raiders head coach wants to honor Raiders legend John Madden by wearing a suit. However, Nike and the NFL have a deal that puts coaches in their apparel.

My Take: Let Del Rio honor someone who changed the game as a coach and broadcaster. Plus, Del Rio could become the freshest coach in the league.

Kirk Morrison

Ex-Raiders linebacker Kirk Morrison spoke to the Raiders’ rookies. This was part of Oakland’s first rookie transition program.

Morrison talked about the pressures to buy jewelry, and he talked about having his life threatened over that chain.

My Take: Morrison was one of my favorite Raiders. These days he is one of my favorite media personalities. Glad he can carry on his Raider legacy with these rookies. People forget that Morrison was a bright spot for some of those horrible years.

Las Vegas

A few weeks ago the Raiders sent a detailed survey to the residents of Las Vegas.

They showed how serious they are about the move by emailing an 83-question survey to 10,000 residents.

The survey company that did the Raiders survey also took part in a similar exercise for the NHL Las Vegas franchise.

My Take: Atleast the Raiders are actually looking at the interest of the market, and not just throwing a billion dollar franchise at a small market.

 

 

 

Raiders Rants: Sean Smith, Jack Del Rio and John Madden

Check out the latest headlines and notes with my take on the news and issues facing the Oakland Raiders.

Sean Smith

  • Earlier this week, Sean Smith spoke to the media about the Raiders secondary reinventing itself.
  • Smith said, David Amerson has impressed him with his size and athleticism.
  • As for DJ Hayden, Smith said he believes Hayden can turn his career around.

I hope Smith is right about Hayden. It would be nice if the Raiders could salvage the 2013 first round pick. Hayden’s skill set fits the slot corner role. If Hayden wants to make the roster he must beat out TJ Carrie and Neiko Thorpe at the Nickel spot.

Raiders schedule

  • Pro Football Focus put the Raiders at 11-5.
  • ESPN also has the Raiders favored in every game except 4.
  • Raiders will travel the most miles in the league.
  • Oakland faces the toughest second half of the schedule, and the easiest first half.

Earlier this offseason, Vegas had the Raiders record at 8 wins. Now, the Raiders are expected to do a lot better. This is the first time in years that the Raiders have gotten this much preseason hype. Hopefully, they will live up to expectations when the time comes.

Ken Norton Jr. on Ali

  • The great Muhammad Ali died last week, and Ken Norton Jr., whose father fought Ali three-times, opened up about the champ.
  • Norton Jr. talked about Ali helping out his family and being intertwined.
  • Ali used to do magic for Norton Jr.

It is always great to hear about Ali. Norton Jr. brought an interesting perspective because he lived during Ali’s time. Ali also helped his family make it as Heavyweight Champion.

Relocation update

  • NFL Commissioner Rodger Goodell encouraged the Oakland mayor to meet with Oakland investors lead by Ronnie Lott.
  • Earlier this week, a Vegas strip club offered the Raiders free limo rides and lapdances.
  • In the same article, former player Donte Stallworth said any Vegas team would lose every game.

First, I am glad that there is some news on the Oakland front. Second, I agree with Stallworth that Vegas is a unique party area. Sin City is not the greatest place for an NFL team.

Mainstream attention

  • The NFL is finally taking notice of the Raiders with their Mack Mondays and Woodson Wednesdays.
  • Speaking of attention, two Raiders will participate in Family Feud. 

The Raiders are actually newsworthy? We don’t want your mainstream hype or bandwagon fans. Period.

Jack Del Rio

  • The Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio finally joined Twitter.
  • Del Rio posted some cool picks of the media and the team.
  • Oakland’s head coach said he wanted to get up with the times.

Congrats coach! Welcome to Twitter.

John Madden

  • Raiders great John Madden missed his annual Bocce Tournament.
  • Madden is rehabbing a new hip.
  • The Raiders Hall of Fame coach underwent open heart surgery earlier this year.

Prays for Madden. For reals. Let’s hope one of the greatest gets back to full strength.

Las Vegas Raiders could make sense

Mark Davis did not say a whole lot about the Oakland Raiders possible relocation to Las Vegas.

Davis said Las Vegas is a global city and a NFL market. He also relied on the old cliche when asked about the possible move.

“What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Davis said.

But can his professional team actually stay in Vegas?

There are a number of ethical concerns about putting a professional team in Las Vegas.

Does a city with a poor economy and bad public schools need a stadium?

Probably not.  However, UNLV is already getting a proposed $1 billion stadium. That means Davis and the Raiders only need to show up and pay for relocation fees.

How would the NFL handle sports gambling?

The NFL already excepts money from DFS providers which may or may not be gambling. Ultimately, the public is much more accepting of sports gambling.

It is still unlikely the league would ever endorse Vegas-styled sports gambling. There are ethical concerns like turning basketball players into even more of a commodity. These are men here, and we do not need to bet on them like horses. Plus, there are also valid concerns about players and referees avoiding conflict of interests. We know players already love gambling and Vegas too much.

Could Las Vegas really support a NFL team?

Let’s not forget Las Vegas is a basketball team. UNLV basketball games sellout when the team is good. It is home to the NBA Summer League, USA Basketball Showcases and many preseason games each year.

Hence, the team would have to immerse itself in the community. Luckily, the Raiders do a good job already in blue-collar Oakland. Also, the Raiders California fan-base would make the short drive and plane-rides to neighboring Las Vegas. Those reasons make the Raiders and Las Vegas a nice fit. There is also plenty of cheap rooms for Raidernation to save bucks.

Not to mention, the arena only needs to sellout eight games a year. The Raiders are on the brink of the playoffs and they could attract casual fans outside of their silver and black faithful. Besides, the NFL is so hot that people will want to go to a NFl stadium to be seen. Further, the NFL team would be the only pro sports team in town, which is a draw itself.

Could players succeed in Las Vegas?

Players and fans might worry about that scorching summer heat. However, that does not make players afraid of hot climates like Phoenix, Texas or Florida. Plus, Las Vegas is home to more luxury hotels and clubs than all those places. I am interested if players and owners could deal with that access to alcohol, money and gambling.

In closing, Las Vegas makes a lot of sense for the Raiders. Unlike San Antonio or Portland, Las Vegas has public funds and close proximity to California fans.

A Las Vegas move would be the power move that the Raiders need after rejection from Los Angeles relocation. Not to mention, Mark Davis could do some renegade things by being the first professional sports team in Las Vegas. It is the perfect move to piss off other NFL owners like his pops did many times.