The Mark Stoops Dynasty

[Spitfire]

I bet the Patriots would be favored like 20 points

I am fearful.

 

[Spitfire]

The Oakland Raiders would travel to Gillette Stadium with the hopes of improving on their last playoff performance in 2016/17 in which the Raiders had lost 27-14 to the Houston Texans. One thing was for certain though, and that was that nobody had any belief that the Raiders had any chance of beating Brady's Patriots.

Heads would turn in the first half of the game however, as Josh Jacobs would run in an early touchdown much to the surprise of the New England fans. The Patriots would knock on the Raiders door hard, but the Raiders defence was solid to the point that Brady wasn't able to puncture the end zone and the Patriots were forced to go for field goals. The first half would end with Matt Bryant showing his worth, by converting a FG to tie to the first half 10-9 in favour of the Raiders.

The Raiders would shock the world in Q3 as Derek Carr would throw to Wilson for the Raiders to take a lead of 17-9, and this lead would increase further at the start of the fourth quarter as Bryant would convert another field goal moving the score to 20-9. And then the collapse would take place and the Pats would scored two touchdown in a row and with just two minutes on the clock would find themselves with a three point lead at 23-20.

The Raiders though wouldn't give up and with just four seconds on the clock - Matt Bryant would find himself in a position of do or die. From 59 yard out either kick through the stick and put the final nail in the Raiders coffin. Bryant though would maintain his 100% kicking record for the season taking the game to over-time.

Fatigue would set in though however, as the Pats would claim the ball on the kickoff and score a TD on their first drive to eliminate the Raiders.

23 - 29 (OT)

​

Oakland Raiders	7	3	7	6	0 (OT)	23
New England Patriots	3	6	0	14	6 (OT)	29

When speaking to the press postgame Mark Stoop would say:

"I don't think anyone in this team will take an offence to me when I state that I don't think we stood a chance in this game, but I am the first to put my hand up and admit that I was wrong. To take the Patriots to OT just proves that all the hard work that the players have put in this season was worth it. I don't have the budget I would like so there are number of players that won't be with us next season, so once again I will be forced to look to the younger talent which means that improving on this season's performance might still be quite a challenge. I would also like to state that Antonio Brown has really been a positive man in the locker-room and has been voted as the Raiders MVP of the Season alongside Matt Bryant who is our Mr. 100%. Unfortunately, Matt won't be with us next season - as he requested to return to Atlanta for what will be his final season in the league."

The Pro Bowl would see three inclusions from the Raiders' setup. Antonio Brown would be selected as WR1 for the AFC, Matt Bryant would be selected as K, whilst Mark Stoop would be chosen as one of the coaches to be involved in leading the AFC. The match was a very friendly affair, but would see Brown score a receiving touchdown and Matt Bryant end his account as member of the Raiders roster by scoring four field goals and maintaining his 100% kicking record. The match would see the AFC win for the fourth consecutive years 30-19.

The following week at Super Bowl LIII - the Indianapolis Colt would beat the Atlanta Falcons 19-17 claiming their third Super Bowl Title.




​

 

[Chris]

I think you have to be satisfied with this all things considered Juice, I probably would have joined the bandwagon in time to be upset with the playoff loss

 

[Spitfire]

I think you have to be satisfied with this all things considered Juice, I probably would have joined the bandwagon in time to be upset with the playoff loss

I wasn't expected more than four wins when I started. Most of my wins could easily have been losses. I'll take it.

 

[Grim]

Losing to the Titans is what really screwed ya.

 

[Spitfire]

Losing to the Titans is what really screwed ya.

Being the Raiders - is what really screwed me....

 

[Spitfire]

Draft Pick	Player/Position	University
Round 1 #6	Jerry Jeudy (WR)	Alabama
Round 1 #22	Jonathan Song (K)	Texas Christian
Round 1 #27	Brycen Hopkins (TE)	Purdue
Round 3 #22	Kyle Dugger (SS)	Lenior-Rhyne
Round 3 #27	Khaleke Hudson (MLB)	Michigan
Round 4 #22	Trade for R6&R7 Picks 2021 (Dolphins)	N/A
Round 5 #22	Akeem Davis-Gaither (LOLB)	Appalachian State
Round 6 #3	Jabari Zuniga (RE)	Florida
Round 6 #22	Brandon Heicklen (P)	San Diego State
Round 7 #22	Matt Womack (OL)	Alabama

 

[Spitfire]

The new season would mean that the Raiders franchise had finished their relocation to Las Vegas, with the franchise now playing their games out of Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. Mark Stoop would unveil that they had decided to go in a direction for the new era of the franchise by announcing a massive trade deal.

Round 2 Pick (2021 Draft)

The Raiders cut a deal with the Green Bay Packers in which they traded Derek Carr (QB), Trent Brown (RT) & a second round pick in the 2021 Draft in exchange for none other than Aaron Rodgers (QB). Stoop would confirm that he had been interested in securing Rodgers last season, and felt that Rodgers who would now be moving into his 16th season was the perfect veteran to lead the offence and set an example to first round picks Jerry Jeudy (WR) and Brycen Hopkins (WR) with Stoop having a desire for the Raiders to actually have less of a bark and more of a bite this season.

​

 

[Grim]

 

[Chris]

Rodgers a Raider

 

[Spitfire]

Week 1 - Week 4

There was no denying that there was a lot of interest surrounding the Raider's first fixture of the new season, with new QB Rodgers having an offensive line consisting of two rookies (Jeudy & Hopkins), a TE & WR with only one season to their names (Foster Moreau & Hunter Renfrow) and the only real experience coming from Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams it was clear that this year was a challenge. If you including running back Josh Jacobs in the mix as well for some passing plays, a point could be made that none other these men was a Raider in 2018 so it wasn't an expectation that they would have time to gel together until at least possible mid-season. Not to forget that because of salary cap issues, the Raiders had lot a number of defensive linemen and so were going to be a bit more exposed on the field. Jarno Stormberd would make the point though, that this season the main object was to put points on the board rather than preventing other teams from doing so. Stormberd would make the point that the franchise had been very deliberate with their drafts, and that rookie kick Jonathan Song was seen as the perfect man to fill Matt Bryant's shoes as unlike other team the Raiders recognised how vital a kicker is in keeping points on the board.

40 - 45

​

Las Vegas Raiders	17	6	15	2	40
Baltimore Ravens	7	7	7	24	45

The Raiders would start the first game of the season in positive fashion and it seemed that the new project was going to be a roaring success. Rodger would complete two passing touchdowns in the game one to Antonio Brown and one to rookie Tight End Brycen Hopkins. Rodgers would also claim a third TD to his name by being involved in a QB sneak from the 1 yard line. Josh Jacobs would also run over the white wash, and Lamarcus Joyner would make an interception and run for the touchdown. However, the Raiders would have a massive meltdown in the 4th Quarter conceding four touchdown, that would result in a depressing loss to the Ravens. Rodgers would throw 692 yards (46/76) 2 Passing TD, 1 Rushing TD, 2 Interceptions, 5 Sacks and would win the AFC Offensive Player for Week 1, but a loss is still just a loss putting the Raiders at 0-1.

42 - 63

​

Los Angeles Chargers	0	14	14	14	42
Las Vegas Raiders	14	14	21	14	63

For the second week in a row Aaron Rodgers was showing everyone why Mark Stoop had gone out of his way to bring the veteran QB to Las Vegas as Rodgers would throw five passing touchdowns that would feature Jeudy scoring his first three receiving touchdown in his senior career, with Brown and Hopkins getting one a piece each. Rodgers would for the second win a row score another rushing touchdown for the season, with one year pro Jacobs would run over for his second and third of the season before having to exit the game with what looked like a potential season ending injury. The win wouldn't be Stoop's biggest win margin, although it would be the first time in which the Raiders had scored 50+ points during his tenure. The Raiders would feature in the the Week 2 AFC Ward with Rodgers winning offensive player for the second week in a row and would be joined by Brandon Marshall (LB) who made 9 Tackles, 1 Sack and one interception. After the game it would emerge that Josh Jacobs would be out of action for the next three weeks.

Prior to the game with New Orleans Saints, Mark Stoop would involve the Raiders in the trade block once again. Jonathan Hawkins (DT) would be traded to the New England Patriots in exchange for Jeremy Parnell (RT) who had only been with the Pats for one season. Stormberd would let the press know, that the Raiders didn't see a need to look to a future draft pick when a perfectly capable player was already available.

43 - 25

​

Las Vegas Raiders	17	17	3	7	43
New Orleans Saints	7	7	3	8	25

Mark Stoops first visit to the Superdome would see the Raiders continue their good run of form of having a high scoring turnout which would see Tyrell Williams open his scoring output for the season, whilst one year pro Moreau would score his first TD of his career (having drawn blank in his rookie season) whilst Joyner would claim catch a ball and score immediately form the interception. Jalen Richards who had been moved into the Full Back position by Stoop, on the basis Richards wouldn't have a spot in the RB role but was still valued by the franchise, would also score his first TD of the season. A worry would surface when Rodgers left the field with an elbow injury, but he would deemed in a condition that he could of return but an on-field decision was made to protect him. Backup QB Ryan Fitzpatrick would make his first showing (the Raiders would be his 9th NFL team) but his performance was less than impressive, casting some doubt whether he would appear in a Raiders jersey again.

The Week Four contest would see the Raiders host the Patriots, and for many Raiders' fan this would cause flashbacks to the Raiders' Wild Card Game last season and the manner in which the match would go the fans would find themselves experiencing deja vu.

The first quarter would be a nightmare start for the Patriots as Tom Brady would leave the field after the first drive of the game to be assessed off the field. This turn of luck seemed to boost the morale of the Raiders on both sides of the bitch, as they would scored 24 unanswered points with Brycen Hopkins scoring a Passing TD and back-up Running Back Isaiah Crowell scoring two running touchdown showing Stoop & Stormberd that he was able to perform just as well as first string pick Josh Jacbobs. The quarter would be capped of with a Jonathan Song FG giving the raiders a lead of 24-0.

When Brady returned to the field though, the Raiders would find themselves in a nightmare situation. As much as they tried cross the whitewash for a TD, they would be completely shutdown by the Patriots defence and would be able to score a TD in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th quarter. This tight d-line would result in the Raiders finding themselves relying heavily on the #22 overall pick from the 2019 Draft Jonathan Song who would show his value as a rookie and convert every FG he was sent in to kick. He would go on to claim a record, that he would be happy with, but the Raiders offence wouldn't be as he broke the NFL record for most FG in one game with a total of ten field goals (the previous record was eight).

Tom Brady would show his leadership qualities and command his offence with true vigour and passion that would result in him throwing five passing touchdowns for 511 yards with his performance resulting in becoming the Week 4 AFC Offensive player of the week. The come back though wouldn't be successful, as the Raiders performance in the first quarter was the safety cushion they had needed to secure an important victory.

41 - 51

​

New England Patriots	0	14	6	21	41
Las Vegas Raiders	24	6	9	12	51

The Raiders would hold a record of 3-1, now finding themselves on a three match winning streak with the fan showing particular satisfaction to the manner in which all three of the Raiders' first round picks were proving to be just what the franchise had needed going into this new life in Las Vegas. Aaron Rodgers meanwhile has passed for 1,995 yards after only four games, with a 67% successful pass rate which had resulted in ten touchdown for the season so far. It was therefore shocking when he was voted as the Las Vegas Raiders MVP for the first 1/4 of the season.

[Aaron Rodgers Voted As The Las Vegas Raiders' MVP for the first 1/4 of the season]
​

 

[Grim]

37-Year Old Aaron Rodgers turning into fucking 23 year old Patrick Mahomes.

 

[Spitfire]

37-Year Old Aaron Rodgers turning into fucking 23 year old Patrick Mahomes.

I've gone from struggling to play offence - to having zero ability with defence - but yeah its been a whole different game already (plus I might have increased the time of quarters from 6 to 15 - didnt realise why it was so short.)

 

[Chris]

this defense gonna be a problem in the playoffs

 

[Spitfire]

Week 5 - Week 9

As the Raiders visited the Dolphins in Week 5, Running Back Jason Jacobs would have a standout performance in Miami so much so that he would be awarded the accolade of the AFC Offensive Player of the Week with 10 carries (156 yds) for 3 touchdowns. In regards to passing touchdowns second stringer TE & WR Foster Moreau and Hunter Renfrow would also cross the whitewash to add themselves to the scorers list for the season. The win would would give the Las Vegas Raiders their fourth win of the season, meaning that Mark Stoop minimum expectation of eight wins was halfway completed although the manner in which the team were playing it was clear that their was a hope the franchise would make the playoffs for the second successive years.

41-20

​

Las Vegas Raiders	14	17	10	0	41
Miami Dolphins	7	7	0	6	20

In the AFC West the only team that Mark Stoop has a 100% win record over is the Denver Broncos, and the second season Head Coach would publicly speak to the press and make it clear that this was fixture both at home and on the road that he expected his players to win every time. This comment obviously got him a lot of heat from Broncos fans, but it was clear that the Raider Nation was behind Stoop mantra as it was important to have dominance over at least one divisional rival. And the word dominance is the word that would be best used to describe how the Raiders performed in Week 6.

23 - 73

​

Denver Broncos	7	13	0	3	23
Las Vegas Raiders	14	14	14	41	73

The Raiders would deliver on the expectations of their head coach and score the most points in the franchise's history. Aaron Rodgers would claim AFC Offensive Player of Week 6 by throwing seven passing touchdown (William x1, Moreau x1, Brown x1, Jeudy x2 & Carrier x2) as well as also scoring two rushing touchdowns for an overall of seven for the game. The Raiders defence though would be recognised as well, as Burfict (LOLB) would also win the Defensive Award for 13 tackles and four sacks. During the post-game Jonathan Coachman would make the point that if the Raiders were able to perform like this every week, they realistically should be playing in this year's AFC Championship Game. Jarno Stormberd would make it clear that during the bye week, the whole playing squad would be rewarded with an expenses paid R&R two day break at a five star spa.

Week 8 would be a different story for the Raiders who would host the Atlanta Falcons, as it would also see mark the return of the 2019 Raiders Most Valuable Player Matt Bryant (who had chosen to return to Atlanta.) Comparisons would be made in the build up to the game as whether rookie Jonathan Song would ever be able to fill the shoes that Bryant had left. In a tight game with just 30 seconds on the clock the Falcons were leading the Raiders 47-40, on 2nd & 13 but after an impressive scramble for Josh Jacobs and an impressive catch in the end zone from Jeudy (for his second of the game) the Raiders would tie the scores at 47 apiece with only two seconds left of regular time. Jonathan Song would prove all his doubters wrong, as he would do what was needed of him to score a vital Field Goal and give the Raiders the victory in overtime.

47 - 50 (OT)

​

Atlanta Falcons	6	17	10	14	0 (OT)	47
Las Vegas Raiders	3	17	14	13	3 (OT)	50

The Raiders would find out that two key starters from their defence would be out of action for a number of weeks. Brandon Marshall (LB) would have a fractured foot that would be put him out for nine weeks, whilst Jonathan Abram (SS) would have a broken thumb that would see him out for six weeks. Jarno Stormberd would confirm that neither men were being played on Injury Reserve, in the hopes that they might be available come playoff season, and the way Stormberd mentioned the playoffs seemed to be a subtle suggestion that the Raiders were already starting to plan for their future.

51 - 23

​

Las Vegas Raiders	10	13	10	18	51
Carolina Panthers	0	17	3	3	23

Week 9 would see the Raiders score 50+ points for the third week in a row and also mean that Las Vegas were now on a seven game win streak with a record of 7-1 as the mid-season point. Antonio would score a hat-trick of receiving touchdown including an impressive 92 yard pass as the Raiders found themselves in their own red zone, but Brown would break three markers to break the line and sprint down the sideline to score a full field touchdown on the play directly following the Panthers kickoff. Despite, the Raiders outstanding run of form there would be a number of doubters from the press that would they expected the Raiders to collapse in on themselves sooner rather than later, with Cris Colinnsworth going as far as claiming that he expected the Raiders to come undone against the Chargers and wouldn't be surprised if they faltered for the next couple of game following their certain loss to the Chargers. Considering the Raiders would face the Buccaneers who had only one win to their name this season, Collinsworth prediction seemed nothing but hype talk.

[Brycen Hopkins Voted As The Las Vegas Raiders' MVP for the second 1/4 of the season]

Hopkins who had been the 27th overall pick in the 2019 Draft (the third of the Raiders three first round picks) was recognised for his performance in the first half of the season with 52 reception for 895 yds in his first eight professional games in the NFL, which had resulted in six touchdowns. Hopkins who was first choice TE for the Raiders was showing everyone why he was the 1st string choice, but arguably a clear demonstration to some of the other teams in the league that had chosen not to select Hopkins in the first round.

​