NFL analyst picks the wrong 'X-factor' for the Raiders in 2023
The Las Vegas Raiders have a crucial season coming up after they just made a ton of moves. They will need to lean on a guy to be the 'X-factor' for their team. This offense, to me, got much better on paper, which is crazy saying out loud when you factor in that they got […]
The Las Vegas Raiders have a crucial season coming up after they just made a ton of moves. They will need to lean on a guy to be the 'X-factor' for their team.
This offense, to me, got much better on paper, which is crazy saying out loud when you factor in that they got rid of one of the best tight ends in the league in Darren Waller, and their franchise quarterback in Derek Carr.
But, they added some guys who know the offense and have run the system before in Jakobi Meyers and Jimmy Garoppolo during their time in New England. Then they added some more receivers that are extremely talented all throughout the depth chart.
They drafted almost all defense besides two guys, including one of the best players in the draft in Tyree Wilson, and a cornerback with elite speed in Jakorian Bennett. The Raiders are set to have some sort of improvement.
There is one guy in particular that will be an 'X-factor' for this team, and it isn't who this NFL analyst selected.
X-Factor for 2023: QB Jimmy Garoppolo
With the group of pass catchers assembled in Las Vegas, the only thing stopping this offense from being a top-tier unit is the quarterback. Garoppolo has shown in the past he is capable of leading teams on deep playoff runs, but he’s typically had a stronger supporting cast than what he’s going to get with the Raiders. He’ll be reuniting with Josh McDaniels, his former offensive coordinator in New England, which should ease the transition. -Dalton Wasserman and Jim Wyman, PFF
When I think of the term 'X-factor' I think of someone who can completely change a game on their own. Or in this case, a guy who can change a season just because he is on the field. To me, that isn't Jimmy Garoppolo, and he has never been one in his career.
To me, this year the 'X-factor' has to be Chandler Jones. Why? Well, an 'X-factor' is something unpredictable happening when they play, but in a good way. I think most people would assume that he won't have a good year in 2023, because, well, he didn't last year. However, that's where the 'X-factor' comes in.
He has every reason to be one and play a much better season than last year. As of right now, I would assume that he still has the starting job, but I would also assume that won't last long with Tyree Wilson on his tail. The defense, sucks, to be frank. It's awful, and Jones needs to pick up some slack. The only way the defense is any better and the pass rush is elite, is if Jones gets his stuff together.
I think we see a guy who may be on his last leg in the NFL go at it and give it everything he has. I think he puts together several 'X-factor' performances on defense.
