The air outside the Las Vegas Raiders’ locker room was filling with the aroma of cigar smoke. Amidst the blaring rap music, many players enjoyed long puffs of their cigars, fully embracing a victorious celebration. An extravagant moment for a midseason win, but it was well-deserved given the challenging week they had experienced.
Overall, a new change of energy has emerged in this Raiders team.
After a commanding 30-6 victory against the struggling New York Giants, the Raiders were in high spirits. The fact that the Giants were dealing with a third-string quarterback, Tommy DeVito, for most of the game didn’t diminish the elation felt by everyone involved. It was a well-deserved break from their challenges, and they were determined to savor the moment.
That’s the confidence you have to have in this league. You have to go out there with ill intent and the intention to go win. … We had a lot of confidence, we were ready to go, and you just felt it in the building.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby on the win over the Giants.
The “Smarten Up“ effect in motion
Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis had an eventful season so far, especially when it came to interactions with the fanbase. Tensions flared back in week 4 during the game against the Chargers in Los Angeles. Davis faces a chorus of frustrating Raiders fans who were displeased with the team’s offensive and defensive struggles. In response, Davis yelled, “smarten up” at the disgruntled crowd.
It was a rare moment to see Davis upset; usually, he’s all about laughter and smiles. However, that day was an exception as he witnessed his Raiders fall to a 1-3 record at the start of the season. While Davis’s NFL team was struggling, his WNBA team was on a high note. The Las Vegas Aces had just achieved back-to-back championship victories, solidifying their place as one of the most exceptional teams in their league’s history.
A significant portion of Raider Nation was consistently doubtful about the selections of McDaniels and Ziegler. The “Patriot Way” had a track record of success limited to New England, with McDaniels’ short-lived stint with the Denver Broncos from 2009 to 2010 as a prime example of its failure elsewhere. This skepticism extended to whether it would work in Las Vegas. The Raiders’ disappointing 6-11 season last year seemed to confirm the doubts held by the critics.
The fans were unsure if these changes would lead to better on-field results, but they could feel that the spirit of the franchise had transformed. This transformation was evident in the enthusiastic welcome they gave their team on Sunday. The result was a three-hour celebration as the Raiders dominated the Giants.
What is the next phase moving forward?
The Raiders now hold a 4-5 record and are in 3rd place in the AFC West. The players seem to be adjusting positively to the changes implemented by the new regime after Mark Davis made significant moves last week. The team has a fresh energy, but their mission remains the same as they aim to turn their season around.
The Raiders have only 8 games left to prove themselves and showcase their best football. They’ll face competitive opponents like the Dolphins and Chiefs, who are leading their divisions and heading to the playoffs. The Vikings still surging are also challenges to keep an eye on.
Top Graphic by: Luis Mayorga
