Define Success in 2026

[Willmark]

For me success hinges on how closely we track to two previous teams: the 2015 Raiders and the 1958 Green Bay Packers.

Consider.
2015 Raiders A young team on the rise and we were in almost every game. We won some close ones and lost some close ones on the way to a 7-9 record. I note this as it was an improvement from 2014 and 3-13 in 2014. There was a sense of improvement all around; a sense that after a decade of crap our fortunes were improving. While I don't expect history to play out again, the parallels are there.

1958 Packers What the Hell does this have to do with us I hear you ask? A lot. The Packers went 1-10-1 in 1958, it was part of a streak where they had been horrible for something like 10-15 years prior. In 1959 They went 7-5 under a football coach you may have heard of: Vince Lombardi.

Why is this important, is the ghost of Vince going to walk through the door or we get a coach like him? Unless his grandson walks in, no. Its also not the point. There are actually two points to this. 1. The right coach makes all the difference. 2. The 1958 Packers had 12 players who were either All-Pro or would go on to the Hall of Fame. That doesn't mean we have that level of talent on the roster. What I am pointing out we have a LOT more talent than people give us credit for.

This isn't wishful thinking, its rationally pointing out that yes we finished 3-14, but there is a lot more than meets eye to the Raiders roster. Adding the right coach and Mendoza could change things quickly.

Lastly, this is not me buying into the Kool Aide. This is me saying that there is lot to build on here, a lot more than everyone gives us credit for and while I don't expect a one-year turnaround, we could very well see a repeat the season of the two teams I outlined.

How about you, what does success in 2026 look like for you?

[raiders93]

With an asset as valuable as the 1st overall pick, I think you absolutely need to protect the asset if things don't go as planned. But I think it's absolutely backwards to start the season with him on the bench. If he takes 4 sacks in game 1 and looks shell shocked, yes we need a veteran option to take the beating while he's slowly brought along

But what if he lights it up, has a quick release that avoids hits, and we win? I just think you have to start him week 1 and see what you have. But I would not be opposed to benching him if the line is a disaster and we're losing games.

Once he goes in he’s not coming out. Nothing destroys a young QBs confidence like getting benched. He, nor the media would ever accept the idea we’re protecting him from our o-line.

It’s not as if we’re powerless to fix the o-line this offseason. We’ve certainly got the money to do it. Assuming our FO is competent - I’d think that’d be an imperative this offseason.

[Attyla]

Thank you, but it's odd that it's OK for one person to feel that way but not another...again, very odd.

Who said you cannot feel one way? No one, stop being the victim

[Attyla]

Raider fans when they are told Mendoza will start week one

[raidersince63]

lol...Describing anyone who "feels a different way" as "idiots" is telling those people they can't feel a different way.

Stop acting like god.

[raidersince63]

Not surprised, So they can have an opposing view...but they're still "idiots"?...lol.

Don't forget your day job, "god".

[Viper]

No, only certain people. And saying a person is an idiot does not mean they cannot be an idiot and think what they want

And I am God

I just had a Jack Nicholson scene from “A Few Good Men” flash before my eyes

Obviously I’m a big fan

[Attyla]

I just had a Jack Nicholson scene from “A Few Good Men” flash before my eyes

Obviously I’m a big fan

He does not realize being God IS my day job.

But yea great movie.

[raidersince63]

"The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function."

[raidersince63]

lol...yup, instead, you are whining about other people's opinions and labeling them as "idiots".

[chucker]

OK fellas, enough. People are allowed to have different views on how to bring Mendoza along. Disagree with the concept, don't attack the person.

[raidersince63]

OK fellas, enough. People are allowed to have different views on how to bring Mendoza along. Disagree with the concept, don't attack the person.

^^^ THANK YOU!!

[chucker]

Consider that a warning for next time. It's possible to post without turning the thread into an immature pissing match.

[Hawkeyes]

2026 will be a success if they draft/coach/sign free agents/play like they have a cohesive plan and an identity they are working toward from the top down. And they also show improvement as the season goes along.