First-time play-caller Bo Hardegree already has trait that will make Raiders successful
After firing virtually anyone associated with Josh McDaniels and the "Patriots way," the Las Vegas Raiders went out and dominated the New York Giants. Every facet of the game looked great. Their defense was booming, making tough hits, getting to the quarterback, and basically playing the way we know Raiders football to be.The offense, man, […]
After firing virtually anyone associated with Josh McDaniels and the "Patriots way," the Las Vegas Raiders went out and dominated the New York Giants. Every facet of the game looked great. Their defense was booming, making tough hits, getting to the quarterback, and basically playing the way we know Raiders football to be.
The offense, man, they looked flawless in that first half, especially on the first drive. They scored 24 points, their most of the season at that point, in the first half alone, something "offensive guru" Josh McDaniels had yet to do in 2023.
They were able to get the running game going, something they had yet to do all season, and set their longest play of the season on a deep ball from Aidan O'Connell to Tre Tucker. Everything was smooth. Yet, after the game, the new offensive coordinator, Bo Hardegree, who was the quarterback's coach and had no prior experience in calling plays, asked his players for feedback after the game.
"Even during the game, I'm telling them what I'm thinking and what's coming up and asking what they're seeing," Hardegree said Tuesday at his press conference. "They're the guys out there. I'm calling the plays, and I want to call plays they feel confident about, and if there's something I really want to get out there to them, I'll let them know what's coming."
From every experience I have heard, and I'm sure there have been plenty of times someone has done this and just not talked about it, but this alone will set up Hardegree to be successful. It will also set the Raiders up to be successful in the future.
Hardegree's first 15, or the gamescript, I should say, were basically flawless. They got the running game going straight from the jump. They also were able to stretch the ball downfield more than we have seen an average this season.
I'm sure after everything the Raiders' players have been through the last nine weeks, or even the season before this one, being stuck with a guy like McDaniels, who definitely gives off arrogant vibes, Hardegree was a breath of fresh air. He's already a player's coach, which will only make the players play harder for him. It's one week, but if he keeps it up, he could have a permanent offensive coordinator job next season.
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