Former Raiders HC Jon Gruden said what needed to be said about Vegas’ upcoming 2026 season, and fans may not want to hear it Jon Gruden Weighs in on the Raiders’ Chances in 2026 Jon Gruden recently shared his thoughts on the Raiders’ prospects for the upcoming season on Wake Up Barstool, stating, “I think the Raiders are going to improve, but unfortunately for the Silver and Black, this is a very tough division with established coaches and quarterbacks.” As a former head coach of the Raiders, Gruden’s opinion carries significant weight, especially given his past success with the team. His last stint as head coach saw the Raiders make the playoffs in 2021, and before that, the team enjoyed sustained success under his leadership, including a Super Bowl appearance. A Realistic Expectation for the Raiders in 2026 The honest truth is that the Raiders should improve upon their dismal performance last season, where they won only three games. Doubling that win total to six wins would be considered a success in 2026, and that’s a realistic expectation for a team in the first year of a rebuild under coach Clint Kubiak and general manager John Spytek. Nobody expects the Raiders to make a deep playoff run or compete for a Super Bowl, but rather to be competitive on a weekly basis. The Challenges Facing the Raiders in the AFC West The problem for the Raiders is that they are part of a highly competitive division, where every team is loaded with talent. The Kansas City Chiefs, despite having a down year in 2025, have addressed their issues and are poised to bounce back. The Denver Broncos were one game away from the Super Bowl last season and finished with the best record in the NFL. The Los Angeles Chargers, meanwhile, have made significant changes to improve their offense and are always a factor in the regular season. A Tough Divisional Schedule Ahead While the Raiders will likely be improved, they face the challenge of competing against divisional opponents who could also be better. The Chiefs, Broncos, and Chargers all have the potential to be playoff contenders, making the Raiders’ task even more daunting. However, this season is not just about winning games, but about identifying areas for improvement and building a foundation for the future. The Bigger Picture for the Raiders in 2026 This season is mainly about seeing how the Raiders stack up against the AFC West and identifying what the team needs to improve for the years to come. The Raiders don’t need to be a contending team in 2026, but they do need to be a competing team. As long as they stay in games, show real progress, and double their win total, it should be a successful year, even if they finish last in the division. With training camp about to start, the Raiders will soon begin their journey towards a brighter future. Source: WorldNewsAPI | Read original
