5 Times the Las Vegas Raiders Refused to Listen to Fans
Raider Nation might be one of the diehard fanbases in the NFL, and it's hard not to hear them on game day or social media. Unfortunately for Raider fans, the organization has a way of ignoring their diehard fans and doing what they think is best for business.
Don't believe us? Here are six times the Las Vegas Raiders refused to listen to fans.
The Jon Gruden email scandal haunted Las Vegas throughout the 2021 season. It all started when The New York Times found and released several emails that showed Gruden using homophobic, racist, and sexist language toward others. The controversy quickly spread, and most mainstream media called for Gruden's job. Las Vegas Raiders fans also wanted Gruden out due to a rocky 3-2 start and the fact that he was becoming a distraction.
Things finally came to a head in week six when Gruden announced that he would resign immediately from the Raiders. While Gruden stated that he was sorry for his emails, he did maintain that someone was trying to ruin his career.
[caption id="attachment_35731" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]
The Las Vegas Raiders traded Darren Waller to the New York Giants over the offseason in a move that angered fans. The star wide receiver was a fan favorite and someone who could make big plays. His injury issues and declining stats, however, are said to be some of the defining factors in the trade.
Waller might have been a star in Las Vegas, but being on the shelf didn't help. The organization also acquired Jakobi Meyers, Michael Mayer, and DeAndre Carter over the offseason, all suitable replacements. It's just sad that they had to get rid of someone who wanted to stay with the Raiders.
[caption id="attachment_35732" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]
Rich Bisaccia is a hero after taking over the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 and leading them to an improbable playoff push. Bissacia accomplished this with a 7-5 record in the last 12 games to earn a playoff spot. The team then took on the Cincinnati Bengals in a Wildcard game but came up short in the fourth quarter.
Despite this, Bissacia's coaching had a way of rallying the troops like no one else. He pushed past every scandal thrown his way and still focused on football. That's what makes it so hard to understand why Raiders brass ditched Bissicia for Josh McDaniels.
[caption id="attachment_35733" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]
The Raiders have made some ridiculous decisions, but nothing compares to offering Derek Carr a new deal. The organization offered him $121.5 million for a two-year extension in 2022. Not only did this give Carr no incentive, it served as a massive slap in the face to fans. Imagine calling for Carr's ousting for years only to see him signed to a larger contract.
The Raiders could have put that money into their defense or even brought in a backup for Carr if he underperformed. Fast Forward a year, and Carr was released, leaving the Raiders with another quarterback problem.
Related: Everything you need to know about The Las Vegas Raiders this preseason
[caption id="attachment_34582" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube.[/caption]
Raider Nation is firmly behind Joshua Jacobs getting a better deal, but it doesn't seem to matter. The two sides still have not reached an agreement with time running out. This makes Raiders fans very nervous about how their offense will be without Jacobs. Or if they could lose him completely to another team
Jacobs is the league rushing leader and one of the Raiders' best offense pieces. The organization sees things the same way and wants to franchise tag him to a one-year deal for $10 million. The deal's terms also upset fans- why is the team's best weapon getting paid so little?
Despite this offer, Jacobs wants a longer-term deal.
[caption id="attachment_35734" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]
Josh McDaniel is hated, and for good reason. The former New England Patriot assistant coach only managed a 6-11 record in 2022 and blew several close games. He was outcoached at every turn, despite claiming to have learned the Patriot Way under Bill Belichick. Raiders fans are furious about his performance, and who knows how much worse that will get in 2024.
McDaniels even lost to Jeff Saturday and the Colts last season in embarrassing fashion.
Next: Why Becky Hammon will leave The Las Vegas Aces in 2024
Don't believe us? Here are six times the Las Vegas Raiders refused to listen to fans.
#6 Not firing Jon Gruden for his email scandal
The Jon Gruden email scandal haunted Las Vegas throughout the 2021 season. It all started when The New York Times found and released several emails that showed Gruden using homophobic, racist, and sexist language toward others. The controversy quickly spread, and most mainstream media called for Gruden's job. Las Vegas Raiders fans also wanted Gruden out due to a rocky 3-2 start and the fact that he was becoming a distraction.
Things finally came to a head in week six when Gruden announced that he would resign immediately from the Raiders. While Gruden stated that he was sorry for his emails, he did maintain that someone was trying to ruin his career.
#5 Trading Darren Waller to the New York Giants
[caption id="attachment_35731" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]The Las Vegas Raiders traded Darren Waller to the New York Giants over the offseason in a move that angered fans. The star wide receiver was a fan favorite and someone who could make big plays. His injury issues and declining stats, however, are said to be some of the defining factors in the trade.
Waller might have been a star in Las Vegas, but being on the shelf didn't help. The organization also acquired Jakobi Meyers, Michael Mayer, and DeAndre Carter over the offseason, all suitable replacements. It's just sad that they had to get rid of someone who wanted to stay with the Raiders.
#4 Bringing in Josh McDaniels as the new Las Vegas Raiders head coach
[caption id="attachment_35732" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]Rich Bisaccia is a hero after taking over the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022 and leading them to an improbable playoff push. Bissacia accomplished this with a 7-5 record in the last 12 games to earn a playoff spot. The team then took on the Cincinnati Bengals in a Wildcard game but came up short in the fourth quarter.
Despite this, Bissacia's coaching had a way of rallying the troops like no one else. He pushed past every scandal thrown his way and still focused on football. That's what makes it so hard to understand why Raiders brass ditched Bissicia for Josh McDaniels.
#3 Signing Derek Carr to a two-year, $121.5 million contract
[caption id="attachment_35733" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]The Raiders have made some ridiculous decisions, but nothing compares to offering Derek Carr a new deal. The organization offered him $121.5 million for a two-year extension in 2022. Not only did this give Carr no incentive, it served as a massive slap in the face to fans. Imagine calling for Carr's ousting for years only to see him signed to a larger contract.
The Raiders could have put that money into their defense or even brought in a backup for Carr if he underperformed. Fast Forward a year, and Carr was released, leaving the Raiders with another quarterback problem.
Related: Everything you need to know about The Las Vegas Raiders this preseason
#2 Not giving Joshua Jacobs a fair deal
[caption id="attachment_34582" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube.[/caption]Raider Nation is firmly behind Joshua Jacobs getting a better deal, but it doesn't seem to matter. The two sides still have not reached an agreement with time running out. This makes Raiders fans very nervous about how their offense will be without Jacobs. Or if they could lose him completely to another team
Jacobs is the league rushing leader and one of the Raiders' best offense pieces. The organization sees things the same way and wants to franchise tag him to a one-year deal for $10 million. The deal's terms also upset fans- why is the team's best weapon getting paid so little?
Despite this offer, Jacobs wants a longer-term deal.
#1 Refusing to fire Josh McDaniels as head coach
[caption id="attachment_35734" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Source. YouTube[/caption]Josh McDaniel is hated, and for good reason. The former New England Patriot assistant coach only managed a 6-11 record in 2022 and blew several close games. He was outcoached at every turn, despite claiming to have learned the Patriot Way under Bill Belichick. Raiders fans are furious about his performance, and who knows how much worse that will get in 2024.
McDaniels even lost to Jeff Saturday and the Colts last season in embarrassing fashion.
Next: Why Becky Hammon will leave The Las Vegas Aces in 2024