2. Derek Carr.
Why: Because he’s the quarterback and he has the big contract. Myriad factors have contributed to Carr’s relative ineffectiveness when compared to last year and it’s not all his fault. He looks more like the Carr late in his rookie year and early in his second year. Carr, like Del Rio, says it’s on him. We’ll take him at his word. Salvageable?: Absolutely. Wouldn’t be surprised if it got much better over the last six games, although weather in Kansas City and Philly could be problematic. He’s not going to go off the rails in terms of his personal life. Still a good investment.
3. Amari Cooper.
Why: The drop-off has been dramatic in a year when the hope was he’d get somewhere approaching Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham Jr. status. Cooper is pretty much a closed book, so it’s hard to know what he’s thinking or why he’s slumping. Salvageable?: Depends on what you’re looking for. Has had issues catching the ball in two of three seasons — not a good rate for someone who makes his living, you know, catching the ball. May be explosive and dangerous, but never elite. Backers believe coaching and emphasis on getting Cooper involved is the issue.
4. Todd Downing.
Why: Offense has gone from No. 6 to No. 21. Being excoriated over his play-calling by every Madden-playing fan. Play-calling, of course, is only part of the problem. The bigger part of being the coordinator is getting 11 players to play in concert and be a smooth running operation. Salvageable?: The head coach isn’t going anywhere. Someone will pay with their job for bring a supposedly high-scoring offense back to earth. Del Rio told 95.7 he doesn’t regret firing Bill Musgrave. The coach is stubborn, but is he stubborn enough to give Downing
another shot?
5. Gareon Conley.
Why: Hardly seems fair, considering he got hurt and still could develop into an excellent cornerback. But the Raiders needed Conley, and needed him bad. Having at least one excellent, play-making corner would have some ripple effect in the secondary. Salvageable?: It’s one year. Can revisit this question 10 games into Year 2 if he’s hurt again or playing poorly before invoking DJ Hayden.
6. Reggie McKenzie.
Why: Take a look at the production of the last two drafts. Against New England, Jihad Ward, Shilique Calhoun and Connor Cook were all healthy scratches. Couldn’t use ’em. Had linebacker Zach Brown in for a visit, let him get away, and he’s playing well for Washington. Salvageable?: The 2014 draft gets McKenzie a lot of latitude. But at least one player that can help immediately should arrive in 2018, as well as development of a handful of the last few classes.
7. Ken Norton Jr.
Why: Norton took the fall for a lack of takeaways (no interceptions) and a defense that is historically bad in terms of rush and coverage.
It’s Pagano’s turn now. For what it’s worth, the communication on the back end that was supposed to be a big reason for his hiring hasn’t improved much if at all. Salvageable?: Norton will find work as a linebackers coach elsewhere. Our own Jon Wilner, his Pac12 Hotline post, believes Norton could be a head coaching candidate at UCLA if Chip Kelly goes elsewhere.
8. Bruce Irvin.
Why: Brings a nice edge in terms of attitude, but has flashed occasionally. Hasn’t done enough playmaking while on the opposite side of Mack to justify the big money he was paid as a free agent. Salvageable?: The Raiders can release Irvin and his $8 million salary for pure savings against the salary cap.
9. Sean Smith and David Amerson.
Why: The Raiders paid plenty for two tall, rangy corners who too often can’t hold up against smaller, quicker receivers and they play for a team giving up completions and yardage with staggering efficiency for the opposition. Salvageable?: There is more than $14 million in cap savings with no dead money by releasing both players in the offseason.
10: Marshawn Lynch.
Why: Lynch can still run and break tackles, but his wear-down effect is lost since his carries are being closely monitored. Once the score gets out of hand, he’s done for the day . How else to explain his fourth-and-1 absence vs. New England? Salvageable?: If the Raiders stagger to the finish and the whole “Town business” charm wears off, Lynch has a $6 million cap hit in 2018 with no dead money.
Also-rans.
Mark Davis: In Year 1 of the lame duck period, the Raiders have been insulated from the whole Las Vegas move. It got a little weird at the groundbreaking, but most of these players know they won’t be around when the team moves. Del Rio and McKenzie are responsible for what goes on between the lines.
Donald Penn: The Raiders played well enough on the line in Weeks 1 and 2 that I’m not buying the argument that Penn’s holdout was that big of a deal. Veterans miss camp all the time. The line as a unit, while not up to last year’s standard, has still been OK for the most part. Same with Penn.
Any reference to the national anthem and its effect: Raiders got destroyed physically in Washington — a team that also had players kneeling or sitting. A nice conspiracy theory, but nothing more.