Are the Raiders for real?

[GM]

Questions: Are the Raiders much-improved over last year's version? Or are they just going through a good spell right now?

I'm wondering what people think this team has done from last year to this year to improve itself. Why do they appear to be so much better this season? They lost their head coach, who I believe was pretty highly respected. So right there I'd think they would be a step behind, but they don't appear to be. How do you feel they have improved? Do wins over Seattle, Pittsburgh, Tennessee and Buffalo make this a top-grade team?

No cheerleaders please.

 

[GM]

By the way, I'm not anti-Raider or anything. I'm just searching for tangible things that they've done to make themselves a better team and I'm having trouble finding anything. And I just want to avoid responses like "THE RAIDERS RULE!!!" because that really doesn't tell me anything.

 

[Casino7Man]

I am very surprised myself.

I thought this team would crumble without Grudon.

I think the 4 wins are respectable enough to list them as a top-grade team. I wasn't impressed though until they got the win over Buffalo last week.

 

[broondog]

Picking up Buchanon was a big plus
As for losing a good head coach, they have a ton of veteran players that helps the "new" coach transition. Finally, their motto is:" Just Win Baby"

 

[jmizeus]

this team is playing great right now! but if u look into the rest of there schedule it will take a burden on them. remember they still play denver twice and also san diego twice san francisco and others. they are an older team, in the nfl and believe as the season goes on it will show the effect! i still dont think they win division!

 

[Blitz]

Looking forward to Sunday Night Nov. 17 when the Pats go out to Oakland, should be an emotional game...

Between now and then they have a tough schedule...
@St. L
SD
@KC
SF
@Den

 

[Redfish]

Oak is playing good ball but the schedule gets tougher as mentioned.....the real test will be how they perform if they ever get behind and are forced out of rhythm.

 

[Brick]

I just believe they are so well balanced on offense and all on the same page. Garner IMO is the most underrated RB in the league and takes a lot of pressure off Gannon. How many times do you see Rice, Brown, Garner and Gannon standing on the sidelines yelling at each other ala Moss, Keyshon etc. Never. These guys are real pros. Yes they are for real IMO.