Raiders rank low in ESPN NFL ranking despite Maxx Crosby, Kirk Cousins factor
· Yahoo Sports
Raiders rank low in ESPN NFL ranking despite Maxx Crosby, Kirk Cousins factor originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Las Vegas Raiders have more excitement in their lineup than they've had in years. They have edge rusher Maxx Crosby back. They have veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins ready to take the field. They also have Heisman Trophy-winning rookie Fernando Mendoza ready to take over when the time comes.
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So, isn't this must-watch TV? One NFL analyst doesn't think so.
On Thursday, Ben Solak of ESPN unleashed his ranking of NFL teams, listing them by how thrilling they'll be to watch this season. He has the Raiders at No. 27. That's not good.
Why the Raiders aren't a must-watch team
So, what's the problem? He doesn't think Cousins will be very exciting to watch. That's the first thing. Now, many would beg to differ, but these are his thoughts. He doesn't even mention Crosby as a factor in tuning in.
"Teams like the Raiders are always challenging to handle in the watchability rankings. Quarterback Kirk Cousins is likely to start the season, and when he does, the Raiders will not be very watchable," he says. "Most likely they'll be a middling offense. Even if they are good, it'll be annoying that they're good, because it will mean first overall pick Fernando Mendoza won't play anytime soon."
He adds that people will want to tune in when Mendoza goes in. But, "again, the most likely outcome is... they'll be a middling offense under Mendoza, and the novelty will wear off."
On the bright side, he says tight end Brock Bowers is a good watch, and running back Ashton Jeanty will be a delight to see when he's back from his right ankle sprain. But, in the end, he believes Mendoza is really the key to the Raiders being watchable this season, if he looks good when he starts playing.
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