Answering Your Las Vegas Raiders Questions and Emails
HENDERSON, Nev.--The Las Vegas Raiders have already turned the page to the 2024 season, and many questions surround this ICONIC franchise.
We will answer some of the questions and emails from Raider Nation as we look ahead to this monster game.
Hondo, do you know what an Antonio Pierce staff would look like? --Mike G.
It would look similar but different from what it was during the season. That would be for Coach Pierce to tell you, but I know of several highly qualified and well-known men with proven successes who want to join him. If AP gets the job, the staff will not be of concern in 2024.
Hondo, I was told that you said the best chance for Josh Jacobs to return is if Antonio Pierce gets the job. Can you explain that? --Zach H.
Sure, I can. It doesn't mean he would be back with AP or cut by a new coach, but the odds certainly favor him with AP, who loves Josh and Zamir White. He loves the physicality, and Josh loves playing for him. I also believe that Josh will have big demands that the Raiders might not be willing to meet but that Josh would take less to stay in Las Vegas with Antonio Pierce and the offense he is bringing with him.
Hondo, if you were the GM, who would you pick at No. 13 in the NFL Draft? --Quincy W.
I can't answer that. I don't know who the coach is; I don't know the style of their defenses so that I can assess my personnel. I am not trying to be political, I am trying to be practical. Ask me after the new GM and Coach are established, and I would love to answer that.
Hondo, should we be afraid of losing AP, Champ, and Patrick Graham? --Vicky R.
Afraid? I am not a fearful person, nor do I live my life in fear. As a Raider fan, should you be concerned? Absolutely.
Hondo, what about bringing Jim Harbaugh and keeping Antonio Pierce as the defensive coordinator? --Samuel A.
First, why would you get rid of Patrick Graham? Secondly, if I were Antonio Pierce, why would I stay with a team that I had done plenty to demonstrate I had earned the job and they didn't want me? I respect your opinion, but that scenario doesn't pass my smell test.
Hondo, I love Patrick Graham more than anything in the world. What is the best scenario in which we keep me? --Fred L.
If he doesn't get a head coach job, then you keep Champ Kelly and Antonio Pierce.
Hondo, I’m with you on the risk of over-saturation. A big part of high league interest and viewership is that there are only 17 games and 32 teams -- high per-game significance and high player quality. The League could probably get away with one more game, but I’d want players to get some big concessions -- another preseason game reduction, 100% grass fields. Also, I agree there’s not enough QB talent out there. --Jeff D.
The more games and the bigger the rosters, the more the football game is watered. There aren't enough quality quarterbacks in a 32-team, 17-game league now. Adding more games or teams without expanding the rosters damages the game. Decisions made only for money are rarely, if ever, the right decision.
Mark Davis faces a legacy-defining decision with his next GM, head coach hires.
Alan Snel of LVSportsBiz.com
Hi Hondo, my question is if Davis hires Harbaugh, will players be pissed because they wanted Pierce, or will they be happy because Harbaugh is a winning coach who should be able to turn this team around quickly? If Pierce is hired, who will they hire for the OC position? --Thanks, J. Maier
Yes, they will be angry. Furious is a better term. That doesn't mean they will quit, but the Raiders have a great history of players who love the organization. If Mark Davis, for the second time in two seasons, goes against their wishes, they will certainly view the franchise differently. I want Mark to succeed; he is a good man. He has listed to many people hiring many coaches, and none of them worked out. Maybe this time, he should listen to his players. What does he have to lose?
Hondo, if Jim Harbaugh becomes the Raiders HC who do you see him wanting as GM? Will he serve as the de-facto general manager, ala Gruden, or do you see Champ Kelly being his guy? --Steven M.
If Jim Harbaugh is hired, whoever has the GM title, has the title, but Jim Harbaugh is the boss.
I appreciate your unbiased coverage of my Raiders. I am convinced that AP is a true raider. He has this team playing like the Raiders of years ago (except for the penalties). I believe there are many parallels between AP and Lions Coach Campbell. --Just win, baby. Marc S.
Before we let you go, we head to our weekly Hondo Hate emails...
Hey fat boy. I am so sick and tired of your constant peddling for Anontio Pierce. A man's color is not why he should be hired you fat f**ing fool. --Martin Y.
I listen to you and read you every day and I am constantly amazed at how much I hate you. Clearly you are on the Raiders payroll, because only your minions support Pierce, Jim Harbaugh is so clearly the option that you are just a disgusting blob of fat on the team payroll. --Tony V.
Hondo, heading into the 2024 season, I would take a 0-17 season if it meant we could get rid of you. You rub in our face you are not a fan and you don't deserve to cover this team. You are the only one who isn't a fan in the media room, get the hint fat a**. When coach called out for you all to respond with his call of Raiders, you were the only one who didn't. He should have kicked you out. --Adam C.
Hondo, i see right through your fat smile. You are so pathetically ugly. You talk about Coach Pierce, but we all know you are from Michigan and want Harbaugh. Just be honest. You want Harbaugh, and are a plant. I despise you fat boy. --Chris V.
If you have questions about your beloved Silver and Black, email us at SpartanNationMail@yahoo.com and put Raiders Q&A in the subject line.
From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.
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