NFL

Rejoice: Why Josh McDaniels’ Raiders Firing Was Long Overdue

Darren - November 2, 2023
NFL

Rejoice: Why Josh McDaniels’ Raiders Firing Was Long Overdue

Darren - November 2, 2023

AP

Carr Conundrum

McDaniels and Ziegler combined to make some horrendous decisions. First, McDaniels decided that he didn’t want Derek Carr on the team anymore. It’s fair to criticize Carr’s failure to become a top-five quarterback. But he remains a consistent player and was a respected figure in the locker room (via Pro Football Network).

Sports Illustrated

But then he brought in Jimmy Garoppolo on an expensive deal in a backward step for the franchise. Meanwhile, Ziegler infuriated Mike Davis because Carr’s recent contract extension allowed him to walk away without the Raiders receiving compensation. It was a mess on all fronts and another reason that firing them was long overdue.

CNN

Shocking Meltdowns

The Raiders suffered several shocking meltdowns during McDaniels’ ill-fated reign. They threw away five double-figure leads in the second half of games. McDaniels showed his inability to manage a game and see out a victory from a comfortable position. That’s why firing him was a must.

Boston.com

Meanwhile, we looked at his overall records as well as the teams they lost against. McDaniels failed to adapt when the momentum shifted in games. This was something that fans saw when he was in Denver too. He has a history of failure as a head coach despite his proficiency as a coordinator (via A to Z Sports).

SF Gate

The Field Goal

One moment that sums up McDaniels’ awful playcalling came against the Steelers in Week 3. The Raiders shocked everybody when they kicked a field goal down by eight points instead of going for a first down in the dying minutes of the game. This gave Pittsburgh the chance to run the clock down and seal the victory (via NFL.com).

Las Vegas Review-Journal

McDaniels attempted to justify his decision but he dug a hole for himself.  He explained: “You try to make it a five-point game where you have an opportunity to win it with the touchdown if you get the ball back. Or you try to go for it there. And then if you happen to convert, you’ve got to make the two-point conversion.”

Las Vegas Review-Journal

Jimmy G’s Regression

There are so many things wrong with Garoppolo in Las Vegas that it’s difficult to know where to start. He failed a physical before he signed his contract and required foot surgery. But they still brought him in despite knowing that he had problems because he was McDaniels’ ‘guy’.

Yardbreaker

Somehow, at the time of McDaniels’ firing, he led the league in interceptions with nine despite only playing in six games. This was one of the worst decisions of McDaniels’ short tenure because he was behind it. In the end, it was a complete disaster and one more reason why firing him was long overdue (via New York Post).

SacTown Sports

Empty Confidence

One of the clearest reasons why the Raiders fired McDaniels is because of his empty confidence. He continually insisted the team was getting better and showing signs of going in the right direction. However, reality painted a different picture and began to irritate Mark Davis.

Las Vegas Review-Journal

Finally, he left the owner no choice even though it was long overdue in the minds of their fans. We’ve spoken already about McDaniels’ ludicrous contract as well as the money they poured into free-agent signings and extensions. In the end, they lost all confidence in McDaniels’ empty sense of confidence (via NBC Sports).

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