For most Dolphins fans, it’s been an eternity waiting for the 1-2 Aqua and Orange to get back to their winning ways across the pond to London versus the Oakland Raiders (Chris Berman voice). Who better to inform us Dolphins fans about the Raiders than owner of Raidersblog.com and writer covering the AFC West Lead Writer at Bleacher Report, Chris Hansen.
We last spoke with Chris Hansen back in September of 2012, Ryan Tannehill’s first season as the Dolphins starting QB who faced the Raiders and delivered a two touchdown performance (1 rush, 1 pass). This week, we asked Chris about the state of the Raiders, their rookie quarterback Derek Carr, and who made it out like a bandit in the Dolphins-Raiders draft day trade in 2013 that brought the Dolphins DE Dion Jordan.
1. What do you see is a being the common thread between both Miami and Oakland’s slow start?
It’s a combination of coaching and talent. It’s always some combination of those two things. In the case of the Dolphins it might be a little more coaching and the Raiders a little more on the talent side, especially offensively. A loss Sunday for either team could be the beginning of the end for one of the two head coaches.
2. Enlighten us about Derek Carr, what positively stands out about the young quarterback and what is a draw back to his game? Does he have enough support on this team to eventually be the future quarterback of the Raiders? What will it take for him to be a star in this league?
What stands out most about Carr is that he has an impressive head on his shoulders and a great work ethic. He’s still catching up to the speed of the game a bit and needs to make better decisions with the football and make sure he is dealing with pressure properly, but he seems to get better every week. As the team is currently constructed, Carr needs help at the skill positions, but the offensive line is a strength. If Carr keeps getting better and the Raiders find him some weapons, he could be a star.
3. You’ve analyzed quarterback Ryan Tannehill from the previous matchup in 2012. What immediately stands out as problematic for the Dolphins starting Tannehill on a weekly basis?
I think with Tannehill the problem is that he hasn’t really gotten much better. At times he looks like he’s going to be a really good franchise quarterback and other times looks like he shouldn’t be starting at all. The inconsistency of his game could be due to the weapons around him, but chances are he also has something to do with it. At this stage, Tannehill may be one of those quarterbacks that is too good to replace and not good enough to get the team anywhere.
4. General manager Reggie McKenzie has taken some heat in the past for his moves both good and bad. What makes this year different and what would need to happen to have a long tenure in Oakland?
McKenzie had a full draft for the first time and seems to have put it to good use. Derek Carr (QB), Khalil Mack (LB) and Gabe Jackson (LG) are all starting and Justin Ellis (DT) is in the rotation. McKenzie also had a ton of money to spend in free agency. So far, the jury is out on all the veteran free agents McKenzie brought in. If McKenzie is going to last, he’ll need his draft picks to not only play, but play well. Carr being a franchise quarterback would be a huge victory for him.
5. Discuss the state of the team, where do you as an expert on the Raiders see the team in five years? Where will the Raiders be playing in five years?
Guys like (Derek) Carr and (Khalil) Mack are foundation players for the franchise, so with smart management the Raiders should be contending within five years. As we know, coaching can derail a good team and pressure to win can sometimes force management to eschew smart roster management. The fate of the team therefore ultimately rests in the hands of owner Mark Davis.
As for where the team will be playing…likely in the bay area with Los Angeles as a possibility. The Oakland project may be gaining steam, but could just be political maneuvering. Seems like sharing the 49ers stadium down the line is the most realistic option much to the dismay of all involved.
6. The Raiders have made some interesting moves with the Dolphins. As an analyst, who got the better of the Dion Jordan 2013 draft day trade?
It’s a wash so far. D.J. Hayden has not played enough to prove anything even if he’s very talented. Menelik Watson is currently a backup and the Raiders are still trying to develop him. The Raiders might have more potential of winning this trade, but right now it’s impossible to say either side came out ahead.
We thank Chris Hansen for his time in interviewing with us about the Oakland Raiders. Feel free to chime in this weekend, pre-game or post game with Chris Hansen on Twitter @ChrisHansenNFL .
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