Despite a questionable situation at quarterback, the hopes are fairly high for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 thanks to a strong finish to the 2023 season after Antonio Pierce took over as the interim head coach.
The Raiders rightly decided to commit to Pierce in 2024, making him the full-time head coach. Now, the Raiders are returning much of the same team that flirted with the playoffs, despite a 3-5 start under the disaster that was Josh McDaniels.
Even if you're not excited about the quarterback situation, lest we forget that the Raiders made the run under Pierce that they did with a rookie signal-caller, so it isn't crazy to think that the position might be better in 2024.
With the Raiders having an opportunity to make some noise this coming season, there are a few players and coaches who could pick up some hardware if things pan out. Here's a look at the players and coaches who have the best shot at an award in 2024.
Raiders with best chance to win an award
TE Brock Bowers: Offensive Rookie of the Year
Bowers was billed as one of the best offensive players coming out of the 2024 NFL Draft and has numerous ways he can impact the game, with his ability to line up in-line, in the slot and even out of the backfield.
That kind of versatility will help Bowers see plenty of snaps, which puts him in position to rack up a ton of yards and be a standout player in Year 1.
DE Maxx Crosby: Defensive Player of the Year
Crosby has gotten better and better every season and is coming off a year in which he tallied career-highs in sacks (14.5) and tackles for loss (23).
Now, Crosby has more help upfront with the addition of Christian Wilkins, and if Malcolm Koonce can keep ascending, defenses won't be able to key-in on Crosby as much as they have, which could free him up to wreak more havoc than usual.
DC Patrick Graham: Assistant Coach of the Year
The Raiders had a good defense in 2023, with the unit finishing ninth in points per game allowed. But the unit was even better down the stretch of the season, with the Raiders giving up just 16 points per contest after Antonio Pierce took over. Had the Raiders averaged that all season, it would have ranked first in the NFL.
Now, the Raiders have added Wilkins to beef up their defensive front and they'll have cornerback Jack Jones, who was sensational over his seven contests with Las Vegas, for an entire season. If the Raiders can build on what they did in 2023, the defense has a chance to be elite and that could net Graham some hardware.
HC Antonio Pierce: Coach of the Year
It's no coincidence that the Raiders were able to turn their season around after Pierce took over. Las Vegas went from a 3-5 mark to an 8-9 finish. And, had things gone differently in a few losses, the Raiders might have made the playoffs.
Not only did an already talented defense improve, but the offense was averaging nearly a touchdown more per game under Pierce, and that was with a rookie quarterback at the helm.
Las Vegas is set to return that same defense, plus a big upgrade. The offense still has a question mark under center, but we have to believe that a second year of Aidan O'Connell or veteran Gardner Minshew will be better than the rookie O'Connell.
If those things come to fruition and the Raiders finish with double-digit wins and make the playoffs, Pierce will absolutely be considered for the Coach of the Year award.
