Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden knows that a slow start can kill a team. But with the start of his team's schedule, he knows they have their work cut out for them.
The Raiders start the season by playing the Carolina Panthers, New Orleans Saints, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs. Four of those five teams made it to the playoffs, and the Panthers look to be better with Teddy Bridgewater under center this season.
“Four of the first five opponents … they’re all playoff teams,” Gruden told JT the Brick. “And I got a lot of respect for Carolina. They were in the Super Bowl recently, so we’re going to have to come out of the blocks ready to go. That’s why I just hope we can get outside and start practicing football pretty soon.”
The Raiders also were rewarded with four primetime games. The Raiders are expected to be competitive this year, but the move to Las Vegas probably has more to do with getting all the prime time games. Gruden said he actually was a bit shocked all of their home games were in prime time.
“You don’t want to go anywhere else for primetime,” Gruden said. “I’m surprised they’re not all primetime when we play in Vegas. It’s the best stadium, we’re gonna have the best fans and we’re in the process of putting together a heck of a football team.”
For the Raiders it doesn't matter when they play the expectation is clear: they need to make the playoffs.
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