Year in Review: Recapping Oakland Raiders' 2017 Season

There's still one contest left on the Oakland Raiders' schedule, but 15 games told everyone everything they need to know about this 2017 team. Regardless of the outcome vs. the Los Angeles Chargers, the Silver and Black's impression on the year has become a stain on its resurgence.

Fans and NFL bettors started the year bullish on the Raiders. Why not? Oakland finished the previous campaign 12-4 with progression in sight.

After starting the season 2-0, we quickly found out the 2017 team doesn't come close to the 2016 squad that broke a 14-year playoff drought. We all know the cliched sports saying, you can't win games on paper, and the Raiders went into the season as a prime example. Look at the roster.

Quarterback Derek Carr came off a season with MVP mentions. A Defensive Player of the Year and the only person to earn All-Pro mentions at two positions, Khalil Mack, spearheads the defense. Marshawn Lynch, the most physical ball-carrier in recent history, came back to play for his hometown team. The Raiders defense ranked second in takeaways in 2016. 

The fanbase saw a club, on paper, that should push the New England Patriots for their spot atop the AFC, but the Silver and Black never came close. The defending Super Bowl champions embarrassed the Raiders in Mexico City and still rank No. 1 in the conference. Oakland won’t even qualify for the playoffs. 

Where did everything go horribly wrong? How did the Raiders' hopes to contend fall terribly short? What's next for a team with an unclear outlook? 

Let's put the finishing touches on the 2017 campaign with full analysis on the decisions, personnel moves and some crystal-ball forecasts for 2018.

Overview of 2017 Season

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After a rocky offseason that included offensive tackle Donald Penn's holdout, injuries for rookies Gareon Conley and Obi Melifonwu and an assault charges levied against cornerback Sean Smith, the Raiders shrugged it all off and continued where they left off in 2016.

Oakland picked up a road win vs. the Tennessee Titans in the regular-season opener and then crushed the New York Jets at home in Week 2. Many saw the electricity with this team. It's the Raiders' year, right?

No, the Washington Redskins punched this squad in the mouth, repeatedly, which seem to set the blueprint for opponents throughout the season. Pressure Carr and impose your will on a group that doesn't have the same fire compared to the previous year.

A four-game losing streak indicated the Raiders needed to forget about previous success, reinvent themselves and fight back when trailing early. Unfortunately, Oakland had fallen and couldn't rise off the mat before a final three-count.

We saw glimpses of life throughout the season, against the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs, but the vigor didn't last. Head coach Jack Del Rio even came up with a slogan about finding the team's mojo after a staggering 34-14 defeat to the Buffalo Bills in Week 8.

Oakland never found its mojo or didn't have enough to sustain for the remainder of the year. After firing defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr., we saw a rejuvenated unit that brought immense pocket pressure, but the offense remained too inconsistent to capitalize on turnovers and more three-and-outs. 

Ultimately, the Raiders' playoff hopes dissipated when the Chiefs beat the Dolphins on Christmas Eve, placing the franchise back on the pile of have-nots like every season between 2003-15. 

Let's lift up the hood of the 2017 campaign and examine what occurred between 12-4 and 6-9.

Pleasant Surprises

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Nicholas Morrow

Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie has a knack for finding diamonds buried in a pool of undrafted free agents. Last year, running back Jalen Richard flashed during the 2016 offseason. In 2017, Nicholas Morrow rose from Division III prospect to a solid contributor at weak-side linebacker.

The Greenville College product doesn't play at a position that typically yields tangible sack or interception numbers, but he's been a solid add for intermediate coverage. After going through some growing pains, he's on the right track to becoming a quality starter going forward. The coaching staff should consider shadowing tight ends with Morrow instead of safety Karl Joseph.

Jared Cook

Jared Cook didn't finish the season on a strong note, but he leads the team in receiving yards with 653—that also ranks sixth among all tight ends. No one on offense had a consistent season with high production throughout, but the 30-year-old pass-catcher nearly doubled Clive Walford's yardage from the previous season. 

Aside from a bothersome wrist injury, it's beyond anyone's comprehension why Cook only saw six combined targets in the past two games. He recorded a pair of 100-yard performances with a high target volume. Overall, the nine-year veteran has been a net positive for this offense. Imagine what he could do in a better system.

Cordarrelle Patterson

The decision to sign Cordarrelle Patterson seemed like a luxury until he became a Swiss Army Knife on offense and special teams. The former Minnesota Viking has caught 30 passes, scored two rushing touchdowns, averages 28.3 yards per kickoff return and made four tackles on special teams.

Patterson's across-the-board production epitomizes a team player. He's the consummate pro who can fill multiple spots. The 26-year-old speedster can break away for a long touchdown in various situations on kickoffs or as an offensive playmaker.

Biggest Disappointments

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Overall Offensive Production

It's unacceptable to enter the season as the No. 7 scoring offense and head into Week 17 ranked 23rd in the category. To push the point further, the MVP-caliber player at quarterback looks frantic in the pocket behind an offensive line with some cracks in pass protection.

The fortress that Carr stood behind no longer looked impenetrable, and the signal-caller's patience seemed to wear thin after suffering a transverse process fracture in Week 4.

Some critics will rightfully point to the quarterback's poor foot mechanics leading to inaccurate passes. Make sure to spread that blame to the front-line protection that allowed pass-rushers to invade Carr's space. 

Amari Cooper's Drop Issues Flare Up

After consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, wideout Amari Cooper saw his production in yards nearly cut in half. He suffered a concussion and ankle injury in Week 12 due to a hit from Denver Broncos safety Darian Stewart, but the 23-year-old experienced difficulties holding onto the football in Week 1 with missed opportunities in the end zone.

Cooper has only caught 50 percent of his targets—that's not what you want to see from a No. 4 overall draft pick. Fortunately, the Raiders signed wideout Michael Crabtree in 2015, or else the passing attack would rank far below 15th in touchdowns this year.

Underwhelming Sophomore Years for Early 2016 Draft Picks

Jihad Ward logged his first tackle, a sack on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Nick Foles, on Christmas Day in his hometown. This sounds great for the second-year defensive lineman, but it's the 23-year-old's only highlight of the season. 

Ward and Shilique Calhoun have played a combined 186 defensive snaps in 2017. Let's put that in perspective. Cornerback David Amerson, who's appeared in six contests, has been on the field for 287 snaps on defense.

Overall, Ward and Calhoun have seven combined tackles this year. The Raiders cut the third-rounder during the offseason, and he cleared waivers, which allowed him to sign with the practice squad in September. Unless defensive play-caller John Pagano can put either player in position to succeed, the picks don't reflect well on general manager Reggie McKenzie.

Season's High Points

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Marshawn Lynch Dancing at Oakland Coliseum in Week 2

There's a lasting image of Beast Mode dancing on the sideline during the Jets game that embodied what he means to Oakland. His decision to wear the uniform extends beyond the football field. Everyone in attendance at the Coliseum felt the electricity. The Raiders won the game 45-20, and the team, as well as the fans, felt the pride Lynch brought to the atmosphere.

Thrilling 31-30 Victory vs. Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7

Despite the team's progress, the Chiefs had beaten the Raiders in five consecutive meetings. Finally, the Silver and Black fought back, with a thrilling 31-30 victory over their division rival in Week 7.

The contest came down to untimed plays for a shot at the end zone. Carr's 417 passing yards, Cooper's 210 receiving yards, Cook's reception at the goal line, Crabtree's touchdown catch and kicker Giorgio Tavecchio's extra point resulted in an exhilarating triumph that gave fans hope for a strong second-half finish.

Season's Low Points

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Early Four-Game Losing Streak

For those who bought into Del Rio's mojo talk, Oakland lost its swagger during an early four-game losing streak. In that stretch, the offense averaged 13.3 points per outing. Carr missed Week 5 against the Baltimore Ravens with a back injury. A 2-0 start became 2-4 in a blink.

No-Show at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 14

Despite all the inconsistencies, the Raiders could've wiped the slate clean by sweeping the season series with the Chiefs and co-leading the division alongside the Chargers after 13 games. Unfortunately, the offense didn't arrive until the fourth quarter, when the team trailed 26-0. This marked the fourth embarrassing defeat of the season.

Critics also saw the lack of preparation as a strong indictment against Del Rio that showed his inability to elevate this group to a championship level.

According to Associated Press writer Josh Dubow, Del Rio has coached the most NFL games without a division title.

What Worked in 2017?

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Commitment to the Physical Ground Attack

The rushing offense didn't click until the second-half of the campaign. Lynch logged 524 of his 790 yards between Weeks 9 and 16. Overall, he's averaging 4.2 yards per carry. At 31 years old, Beast Mode still runs with power and purpose. Over the past three weeks, the Raiders run game has been more efficient than the passing attack. 

Acquiring Linebacker NaVorro Bowman

McKenzie signed linebacker NaVorro Bowman after the San Francisco 49ers released him before Week 7. The veteran joined a team that didn't have a consistent playmaker at middle linebacker, and he elevated the position with his performances against the run. In the 29-year-old's first game, he led the Raiders in tackles along with cornerback T.J. Carrie in with seven.

Transferring Defensive Play-Calling Duties to John Pagano

Oakland became the first team to play 10 regular-season games without snagging an interception. After a 33-8 beatdown in Mexico City, Del Rio decided to fire Norton. Almost immediately the light bulb flashed on defense. Bowman got the team's first interception in Week 12 on a fluky-looking play.

Nonetheless, the defense has only allowed more than 20 points in one out of five contests with Pagano calling defensive plays. To name a few, Bruce Irvin, Denico Autry, Dexter McDonald and Smith have all improved under Norton's replacement. 

The same injury-riddled secondary that couldn't stop anybody in the first 10 games hasn't allowed a touchdown reception by a wide receiver in the last four contests.

What Went Wrong in 2017?

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Failure to Address Middle Linebacker Spot with Versatile Prospect

Fans can only hope that McKenzie has finally learned his lesson about neglecting the middle linebacker position in free agency or the early rounds of the draft. He boasted about fifth-rounder Marquel Lee's size in April, but the coaching staff often took the Wake Forest product off the field in passing situations.

Furthermore, Lee has only played 15.36 percent of defensive snaps. In the first three losses of the Raiders' four-game skid, their opponents averaged 134 rushing yards. Running backs continuously found holes in the first and second levels of the front seven.

Bowman took over the starting spot after McKenzie's fifth-round pick underwhelmed when faced with an opportunity to claim the position.

It's not 1987. In today's game, size isn't the calling card at middle linebacker. Versatile running backs such as Alvin Kamara and Todd Gurley have made linebackers with limitations in space look silly in coverage.

A defensive unit needs versatile linebackers who can add a second layer to the run defense and drop back into coverage with running backs and tight ends.

Promoting Todd Downing to Offensive Play-Caller 

Clearly, the decision to promote Downing severely hampered the offense. Bill Musgrave left Oakland with a rising talent at quarterback, a top-eight unit in scoring and yards with plenty of capable assets to attack a defense.

Analysts and pundits, such as Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner, often described the Raiders' once-dynamic offensive attack as basic and predictable.

Injuries to Top Two Draft Picks

To McKenzie's credit, he tried to address an underperforming secondary, but injuries prevented his first- and second-round picks from taking valuable reps during the offseason program. Conley and Melifonwu played a combined 126 snaps this season but never took the field simultaneously. The former suited up in Weeks 2 and 3, and the latter started the year on injured reserve.

It's not widely discussed, but Melifonwu's recovery looks daunting after undergoing knee and hip surgeries. It's fair to ask whether those procedures will affect his athleticism when he's cleared to return to action. Many talked about the Connecticut product's physical aspects during the NFL Scouting Combine. However, two significant injuries may rob him of those natural gifts before playing a full season.

What's to Come in 2018?

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A New-Look Secondary

Assuming Conley returns, he's going to start at cornerback, which pushes Amerson or Smith to the curb. Carrie's contract expires at the end of the season.

Keep in mind Smith will stand trial for an altercation with his sister's ex-boyfriend during the offseason, per Los Angeles Times reporter Nathan Fenno. Despite his improved performances, if the 30-year-old is sentenced to time in prison, McKenzie would likely cut him and save $8.5 million per Over the cap.

In addition, the front office may cut ties with Amerson, who has a long history with concussions and missed several games due to a foot injury. Another club may outbid the Raiders for Carrie on the free-agent market.

Oakland should strongly consider signing a veteran safety in case there's a delay in Melifonwu's recovery, while drafting a cornerback early in the 2018 draft to restock the secondary would be smart.

Todd Downing on the Way Out

Before the Raiders' Christmas contest with the Eagles, ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio released a report that indicates the team will likely bring in a new offensive coordinator to replace Downing.

It's not a surprise, but team brass must choose wisely, because the next assistant to take over play-calling duties becomes Carr's fourth offensive coordinator in five years. With a budding talent under center, it's important to pick the right person for the job and build continuity.

Jack Del Rio on the Hot Seat

In Florio's report, inside sources feel it's a 50-50 chance the team retains Del Rio. Oakland extended his contract through the 2020 season, but poor coordinator decisions, promoting Downing and holding on to Norton too long, put the Raiders head coach on shaky ground.

Nonetheless, it would be a hasty move to fire Del Rio after one regressive term. After two seasons, he changed the losing culture in Oakland, broke a 14-year playoff hiatus and the players have put forth a strong effort with swirling rumors about their coach on the hot seat. Logically, he's at least due one year to clean up his mess after finding relative success.

With the right coordinators in place, the Raiders could right the ship. Pagano has more than earned his stay as a defensive play-caller. Now, it's time to find a quarterback whisperer for Carr. If the offense flashes any competence with this improved defense, the Silver and Black should fare better in 2018.