The Mark Stoops Dynasty

[CakeWalker]

The Las Vegas Raiders coaching team found themselves in a favourable position moving into the offseason, as the players were often very happy to join a franchise that had recently son the Super Bowl as there was often an expectation that these teams would look for repeat performances in the coming seasons.

Week One

The first man that would be signed up by Stoop and Stormberd would be Avonte Maddox.

(Avonte Maddox)

Maddox (Cornerback) was another young player who had only been in the league for four season and was expected to be Mike Ford's second CB in the formation. This signing would be a surprise to a lot of the teams, as they had never really expected the Eagles to not resign the former Pittsburgh Panter. The Raiders would also choose to bring LT Terron Armstead.

(Terron Armstead)

Armstead who had been a regular member of the Saints offensive line was being brought in someone who would add some experience to the Raiders protection bracket, with the Raiders having a few more senior players that realistically only a handful of seasons left in the tank and Stormberd would make it clear that they would be foolish to rely on the Draft Picks.

Week Two

The Raiders would sign Defensive End Muhammad Wilkerson who had spent the last few seasons at the Dolphins, but had seemingly being high annoyed by the lack of ambition that Miami seemed to be offering their talent pool.

(Muhammad Wilkerson)

The Raiders would also also seem to be in the market for Linebackers wanting to make sure that they didn't find themselves exposed at any point in the new season. Stormberd who had been officially been revealed the the team Defensive Coach would announce the signigns of LOLB Lorenzo Carter and MLB Reggie Regland.

(Lorenzo Carter)

(Reggie Regland)

Stormberd would make it clear that because of all five of these free agents being signed that some of the current Raiders' playing side would find themselves possibly departing the franchise, however it would be made clear that all possible departure had all spoken to Mark Stoop and considering they all were in possession of a Super Bowl ring felt very fortunate of the opportunity they had been presented.

Week Three

The first trade that the Raiders would engage in would see least season's first choice Left Tackle Kolton Miller being made available on the the trade block. Miller had been the first choice LT for the Raiders for the past two years, but despite putting on solid performance the signing of Terron Armstead meant that Miller would no longer be the 1st string choice.

(Kolton Miller)

Kolton would be allowed to go public and confirm that he had was extremely thankful for the opportunity the Raiders had given him and that he hadn't been expecting to win the Super Bowl in just four season in the NFL. Miller would also make it clear that he was grateful that the the Raiders were willing to trade him away, rather than forcing him to watch the next season on the bench. In the week it would be announced that Kolton had been drafted to the Colts and that in return the Raiders had secured the services of Left Guard Emmanuel Randall. Randal had just had been in his second season, and what the Colts had needed the service of a Left Tackle clearly more than that of a talented young LG. Randall would be the last player to joined the Raiders during the offseason, although Kolton Miller would not be the last to leave. Despite having been a key player in the last few season Brandon Marshall had started to show sign of wear and regression was already starting to show, which would result in the Raiders trading Marshall with the Kansas City Chiefs for a 7th Round Pick in the 2023 Draft.

(Brandon Marshall)

For some member of the Raider Nation, it would be clear that they were disappointed that Marshall was joining an AFC West Rival for what seemed like next to nothing with a last round pick in next year's draft. One of the online statisticians for the NFL would raise the point that Mark Stoop had proven to quite calculated in regards to the draft. The point was made that the 2020 Draft had been an excellent pickup for the franchise, whilst the 2021 draft had arguably only seen one prospect Derek Kendrick prove to be useful. However, the point was made with two extra picks in the Round 5 & Round 6 this year and with this year's draft pool seeming to more fruitful - a 7th pick draft next season could result in this being another fantastic decision by the coaching staff.


Week Four

Nick Nelson (Cornerback) who had been injured for much of last season, now found himself being sidelined with Maddox and Ford now being the two starting Cornerbacks on the Raiders' depth chart. The 2018 Round 4 Pick would find himself being Traded to the Houston Texans, whilst the Raiders's seemed to get a return on their investment as they found themselves getting the the #5 Pick in Round 3. This trade would be the Raiders' highest pick in the 2022 Draft, with the Super Bowl LVI Champion's have previously traded away 1st and 2nd round pick in trade block deals of their own.

(Nick Nelson)

The last trade that the Raiders involved themselves in though seemed to cause a lot of confusion for the Raiders' fan base as they would find out that Vontaze Burfict had been traded to the Steelers for the #10 Pick in Round 6 of this year's draft. Burfict had proven to be one of the the Raiders' best defensive linemen for the past three season under Stoop so many felt this was a bad decision. Stormberd though would go to social media and explain that Stoop had spotted a potential diamond for the team to pick up in the Round 5 or 6 (the Raiders now had five picks in R5 & R6) and that this was the best decision for the franchise moving forward.

(Vontaze Burfict)

​

2022 Draft Pick	Player/Position	University
Round 3 #5	Nolan Holmes (RT)	Oregon
Round 3 #32	Marcus Glass (CB)	Minnesota
Round 4 #30	Nate Lane (DT)	LSU
Round 5 #25	Max Gregory (HB)	Kansas
Round 5 #32	Rashan Bradman (RT)	Florida
Round 6 #3	Charles Hill (CB)	Mount Union
Round 6 #10	Dom Boyle (FB)	Minnesota
Round 6 #32	Jermarcus Neal (FS)	Georgetown
Round 7 #32	Trade Cleveland Browns R6 2023	N/A

Following the draft two players would be identified as being player of incredibly high potential. Nolan Holmes from Oregon (72 Rating) & Dom Boyle from Minnesota (71 Rating). Stormberd would have a massive smile on his face and make it clear that this proved just how smart Stoop was considering the Holmes pick had only taken place because of the Nick Nelson Trade whist the Boyle Pick was a result of the trading away Burfict. Stormberd would sound confident in stating that both men were in for an excellent rookie season with the reigning world champion.

​

 

[CakeWalker]

Preseason News 2022 Season. ​

With just a few days until the start of the the 103rd season of the National Football League the reigning Super Bowl Champions the Las Vegas Raiders would unveil some potentially season altering news as it would surface that the despite the Raiders doing their best to treat and rehabilitate some of of their roster members, a number of key players would be unavailable for a number of game at the start of the season. This would include the following:

Josh Jacobs (Super Bowl LVI Most Valuable Player) would be unable to play until approximately Week Six which was seen as a massive blow for the franchise. Fortunately Isaiah Crowell had proven on multiple occasion that he was more than capable of working the running routes in tandem with versatile Full back Jalen Richards.

(Isaiah Crowell 2nd String HB)

The second big loss for the Raiders would be last season top scorer in receiving touchdown Brycen Hopkins who would be out of action until Week Five. Foster Moreau had already established himself as a solid blocker, but also as a receiving option already but with Derek Carrier having departed the Raiders at the end of last season, Blake Jarwin the 3rd String TE would find that he might be having a more active role for the first week weeks of the season. Jarwin had a limited number of games starts for the Cowboys, although this was potentially his chance to prove himself as a backup player and perhaps put some pressure on Moreau.

(Blake Jarwin 3rd String TE)

Marquel Lee would also have injured himself and would be the only defensive player to have forced himself out action, although he was expected to be ready for action in Week 3.

(Marquel Lee Linebacker)

The last man announced as injured would generate the large amount of negativity however as it would emerge to Aaron Rodgers would be unable to play until at least Week Five of the regular season. It would be announced that Mark Stoop was choosing to start Tyree Jackson as QB, but it would be made clear that if Jackson wasn't able to perform to the same standard which he had done during last season's playoffs then he would be vulnerable to having his role taken by the 3rd String option - a man that was no stranger to the National Football League and had apparently been offered an emergency contract within hours of the Raiders discovering that Rodgers would be out of action. The mystery man would be Andy Dalton the former QB1 of the Bengals.

(Andy Dalton 3rd String QB)

Despite Las Vegas missing three of their most critical offensive players at least for the first four games of the season, Mark Stoops would make it clear that the Raiders had an extremely challenge ahead of themselves considering the target he had set them. The target being to play in the Super Bowl for the second successive season, and it would be pretty clear from the way in which Stoop expressed himself that anything less would simply not be viewed as acceptable. Stoops however, would recognise that the Raiders were likely to lose a few more games this season as there was a horrible potential that they could really struggle in their first four games of the season with one home game against the Colts before three road game in a row versus the 49ers, the Titans and the Express. Stoop would make it clear that his job with the Raiders had never been more at risk, until the day following winning Super Bowl LVI.

​

 

[CakeWalker]

Week 1 - Week 4

The injury riddled Raiders would kickoff the 103rd season of the National Football League by hosting the Colts. This would be a match up that would see the winners of the previous three Super Bowls face each other in the first official game of the season, although with the Raiders missing four of their key players it became apparent that the struggle was real. The Colts would take an early lead in the contest, with the Raiders relying heavily on the boot of Jonathan Song to convert a field goal. It must be noted that despite the Raiders offence clearly lacking without Rodgers, Hopkins and Jacobs - the defensive line were really doing their best to hold the flood gates and this would be proven when the second quarter would result in no points being conceded by Las Vegas with the Colts holding a narrow lead of 7-3 at the break. Andrew Luck though would really the Colts in the third quarter and get the Colts on he board once again just after kickoff. Tyree Jackson who had been noticeably struggling would manage to throw to Jeudy for the TD at the end of Q3, and this would seem to inspire him as he would also find Williams towards the beginning of Q4 giving the Raiders a 17-14 lead. It looked as if the understrength Raiders were going to hold their own, only for Devin Duvernay to make a vital catch from Luck with under a minute left on the clock, that would prove to be the game decided and give the Colts a 21-17 win in the Week 1 game.

(Devin Duvernay Colts WR)

21 - 17

​

Indianapolis Colts	7	0	7	7	21
Las Vegas Raiders	3	0	7	7	17

(Malik Jefferson LB)

Despite the loss the Las Vegas defence was recognised for their hard work as Malik Jefferson would be awarded the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for 7 Tackles and 2 sacks. Jefferson would make it clear though that the award might be in his name but it was the entire defensive squad that deserved recognition for their effort.

Week 2 would see the Raiders visit San Francisco for the first time in a season game since Stoops joined the Raiders franchise, and it would prove to be another challenging week for the Raiders. The first half of the game would be a low scoring affair with both sides having to settle for a FG apiece as the scores after the end of Q2 would be 3-3. The Raiders seemed to have come to a conscious decision that Tyree Jackson was proving to be more of a risk than anything else, and decided to favour their running game although without Jacbos this wasn't at it strongest. None the less Jalen Richards would step up to the plate and give the Raiders and lead in Q3 only for the 49ers to tie up the game with a touchdown of their own. San Fran would then take the lead during Q4 only for Richards to score his second rushing TD of the game moving the scores to 17-13 with 49ers no longer being able to kick a field goal to tie the game. The 49ers though would start to mount on the pressure and it looked as if they were going to conquer the Raider's red zone only for Lamarcus Joyner to pluck a ball out of the air for an interception with just 0:22 left on the clock giving the Raiders an important first win of the season.

17 - 13

​

Las Vegas Raiders	3	0	7	7	17
San Fransisco 49ers	3	0	7	3	13

(Andy Dalton 3rd String QB)

After the game despite the Raiders having won, Jarno Stormberd would seem quite genuine when he would thank Tyree Jackson for stepping to the plate but the coaching team had come to a unanimous decision that for the remaining games before Rodgers was deemed unable to compete, the Raiders would be starting Andy Dalton. This announcement not only meant that Dalton was now QB2, but also seemed to leave a future question mark on who Rodgers eventual replacement would be once he decided to hang up his boots.

The Raiders would stay on the road as they would travel to face the Titans in Week 3. The last time the Raiders had played Tennessee would have been in 2019 during Stoops' first season in Week 14 in a game where the Raiders would have been absolutely creamed by the Titans 31-7. The Raiders had massively improved since then, and despite being understrength the game would be a much closer affair. Andy Dalton would prove to all his critics why he had been the correct choice to start, and would show initiative by spotting a gap in the Titans line to choose to not pass the ball and instead scramble over the line himself to score a rushing touchdown and officially open his account with the Raiders.

Unfortunately for the fans it would also be the only touchdown of the for the next three quarters. The Titans would convert two field goals in the second quarter resulting in the Raiders leading the game by just one point at the break. With the Raiders scoring a second FG in Q3 and both sides converting an additional 3 points each in the fourth quarter the Raiders would find themselves leading 13-9 with four minute left on the clock. The Titans would find themselves pushing through the Raiders' barricade slowly but surely, but had found themselves having used all of their timeout the Titans found themselves at 2nd & Goal with just 0:10 left on the clock, after a QB spike. It looked as if the Titans were going to break the lines only for Clelin Ferrel to absolutely pulverise the Titans QB with what would prove to be a game winning sack, as the timer would countdown before the Titan could even have a chance of spiking the ball.

13 - 9

​

Las Vegas Raiders	7	0	3	3	13
Tennessee Titans	0	6	0	3	9

The Raiders would have their first AFC West game of the season (Week 4) as they would remain on the road by travelling to the Mission City Stadium to face the San Antonio Express. The Express would take an early lead by scoring a touchdown and a FG in Q1 and only mount up the pressure by converting a second FG in Q2 giving the Express a 13-0 lead. Dalton though would manage to throw his first passing TD for the Raiders as he would find Tyrell Williams whilst Las Vegas were present in the red zone. Stoops would call for a timeout though, and it was clear that the Raiders were attempting to score a 2-point PAT which unfortunately they were unable to convert which would take the score to 13-6 at the end of the second quarter.

Things would go from bad to worse for the Raiders as the Express would score a their third FG in Q3 and their fourth in Q4 before scoring a rushing touchdown taking the score to 26-6 having scored sixteen unanswered points. Andy Dalton would do his best to rally the Raiders as Jeudy would score a receiving TD and Song would convert a field goal, but ultimately it wouldn't prove to be enough as the Raiders would loose 19-26 to San Antonio.

19 - 26

​

Las Vegas Raiders	0	6	0	13	19
San Antonio Express	10	3	3	10	26

The Week 4 defeat would be the Raiders first loss to the The Express since their relocation to San Antonio having beaten them 10-9 in their first visit to San Antonio and 16-30 in the Las Vegas encounter. The result would also place the Raiders at 2-2 for the season and it was clear that the Raiders were in needed of their injured players. Marquel Lee would be announced fit enough to play in the Week 5 game, but Stormberd would make it clear that the Raiders were unwilling to risk playing either Hopkins or Rodgers a week early as Las Vegas would host Seattle next week. It would no surprise to anyone when Clelin Ferrel would be announced as the MVP for the first 1/4 of the season.

[Clelin Ferrel - Voted As The Las Vegas Raiders' MVP for the first 1/4 of the season]

The next run of games for the Raiders would see them remain at home for the next three weeks playing host to the Seahawks, The Ravens and the Chiefs before their scheduled Bye Week and then travelling to New York in what would be a repeat encounter of last season's AFC Championship contest with the New York Jets.

(Jason Bell former Giants, Cowboys & Texans CB/SS)

Jason Bell now living in the UK would find a comment he would make about the Las Vegas Raiders clipped and shared around the world, whilst speaking for the reigning Super Bowl Champions on British based The NFL Show. Bell would say that in his opinion that Rodgers was already on the way out, and that despite the fact that a number of key Raiders players were missing he expected the 2022 season to be the year that the Mark Stoop realises he needs to invest in a young QB to build the franchise around. To add insult to injury Bell would make the point that he felt that the Raiders would be fortunate to win more than eight games this season, and that he felt despite the Las Vegas outfit seeming to display good depth chart management he didn't have any faith in the Raiders being a part of this years playoffs after the way he had seen them perform in the first four games of the season.

​

 

[Chris]

Rough start but things will probably turn around before a collapse

 

[CakeWalker]

Without my best three offensive players (I don't include Antonio Brown in this) for at least the next two weeks (in game) I am not so sure. Although, on a creative basis - it does make the storytelling a little bit more interest. Also having set my season goal to make the superbowl, I am also not sure what this might mean for Stoops if I don't achieve this goal.

 

[CakeWalker]

Week 5 - Week 9

20 - 14

​

Seattle Seahawks	0	7	10	3	20
Las Vegas Raiders	0	7	0	7	14

Andy Dalton was clearly doing his best in what was proving to be unexpected position, and despite throwing successful passing touchdowns to both Foster Moreau and Antonio Brown the Raiders would find themselves losing their third game in a row. It was hard to believe that Las Vegas had only lost three times in the entire of the their winning 2021 season, but after five games (Week 5) had already lost that many times already.

And like the old saying goes "things get worse before they get better" (Week 6) as the Allegiant Stadium faithful would have to watch their Super Bowl Champion be handed another defeat, although it would be by a much larger points deficit as on Isaiah Crowell would manage to his name on the score list with a 8 yard rushing touchdown, as the the Ravens would rip the Raiders' defence apart with a comprehensive 20-7 victory, causing the Raiders to tumble to 2-4 for the season.

20 - 7

​

Baltimore Ravens	7	10	0	3	20
Las Vegas Raiders	0	7	0	0	7

Week 7 would be the Raiders third home game in a row, and would find themselves on a three game losing streak with the AFC West rivals Kansas Chiefs coming to turn. If Mahomes delivered as was expected, another loss could bring the Raiders chances of making this year's playoffs over before the journey had ever really begun. Forunately, three key Raider player would be available to start arriving in first class from destination: Injured Player column.

And there can be no denying that the starting QB, RB & TE had a massive effect on the performance of team, seemingly both physically but also mentally as the Raiders would not only finally score more than 20 points in a game for the first time in 2022, but actually proceed to double that number as they would manage to get 42 points on the board. Jalen Richard and returning Josh Jacobs would both claim rushing touchdowns each, whilst Richard would also claim a receiving touchdown. The real highlight though would the combination of Rodgers and Hopkins being witnessed once more as Hopkins would go on to score a hat trick of receiving touchdowns on his first game of the season. Rodgers would end the game with 15/25 for 333 yards with four passing touchdowns as he opened up his account for 2022.

17 - 42

​

Kansas City Chiefs	0	3	7	7	17
Las Vegas Raiders	7	14	7	14	42

Week 8 would act as Bye Week for the Raiders, which for everyone apart from the returning trio was just what they needed to adjust themselves for the rest of the season.

Week 9 would see the Raiders travel to New York to face the Jets. Both teams have last met in last season AFC Championship game but the Raiders now found themselves at 3-4 for the season, whilst the Jets were in an even worse position of 2-5. This season right in the middle of the regular season, was a clear indiction to all the other team in the league, at how easy it is to fall down the ladder if you take your eyes off the ball or lose a few key players. The Raiders though would seem to have been rejuvenated after last weeks victory, and Jacobs would score two rushing touchdown, Hopkins would score two receiving touchdown, with Antonio Brown catching a third to give the Raiders an important victory taking them to 4-4 at the midpoint of the season.

35 - 23

​

Las Vegas Raiders	7	14	0	14	35
New York Jets	0	7	10	6	23

Josh Jacobs would win himself the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award with an impressive 22 carries for 196 yards (8.9 average) for 2 touchdown and talk was already beginning to start that perhaps the Raiders had it in themselves to turnaround this bad start and this make the playoffs for the four consecutive year. One man that would receive high praise from the Raiders fan though would be Defensive Tackle Maurice Hurst Jr. who would win the honour of the being the Raiders MVP for the second 1/4 of the season, with a large degree of this being the manner in which he managed to contain the opponent's offensive players from making important yardage from the snap.

[Maurice Hurst Jr. - Voted As The Las Vegas Raiders' MVP for the second 1/4 of the season]​

 

[CakeWalker]

Week 10 - Week 13

The Raiders would stay on the road visiting Jacksonville (Week 10) for the first time under Stoops' leadership, although the two had met previously in 2019 with the Raiders win barely 15-17. The fans would be treated to an important third win on the bounce for the Raiders who would witness Rodgers throw his sixth, seventh and eight passing touchdown of the season to Jeudy twice and Hopkins respectively. However, what would standout in everyone's mind would be when it looked as though Song was going to kick a field goal from 25 yards out on 4th & 4 only for Andy Dalton to pull-off a fake kick trick play and loop the ball over to Hopkins who would score his second touchdown of the game. Hopkins would spike the ball in front of hardcore Jaguars fans and it was clear from the way in which he celebrated that being back at a hundred percent meant the world to him. The win would also put the Raiders at 5-4 for the season, and put them above 0.500 for the first time since Week 3.

28 - 17

​

Las Vegas Raiders	7	14	0	7	28
Jacksonville Jaguars	0	3	7	7	17

The Raiders would return to Las Vegas in Week 11 in what was set to be three AFC West division game in a row, and would prove to be a real test for the franchise with three rival games in a row a real test of mental strength. Despite, both Tight Ends Hopkins and Moreau scoring touchdowns and Jalen Richards scoring his 20th Rushing TD of his career the pressure seemed to almost too much for Aaron Rodgers who despite his recent good form seemed to be lacking some of his mental toughness which would result in him throwing three interceptions. Every following drive from a Rodger interception would result in the San Antonio Express scoring a touchdown - and to really rub the salt into the wound they would only score three touchdowns in the game as they would win 26-21.

26 - 21

​

San Antonio Express	10	6	0	10	26
Las Vegas Raiders	7	0	7	7	21

With the Raiders being handed their fifth loss of the season, they now found themselves on course for Mark Stoops' worst regular season finish. Stoops had finished 10-6 in 2019, but the quality of players he had then compared to now had been drastically lacking. Week 12 would see the Raiders play the Chiefs in a match that saw both AFC West rivals holding a 5-5 record. Although this game wouldn't be a high scoring as the game in Las Vegas the Raiders would claim an important victory with rushing touchdown from Jacobs and Richards, as well as two crucial field goal from Jonathan Song. However, the Raiders' fan would look distraught from their seats as Aaron Rodgers would leave the field holding his hand. Andy Dalton would make his way to the field and actually go onto throw a passing touchdown that was caught by Antonio Brown as the Raiders would complete the double of the Chiefs with a 27-11 victory.

27 - 11

​

Las Vegas Raiders	7	3	14	3	27
Kansas City Chiefs	0	3	0	8	11

Following the game it would emerge that Defensive End Arden Key had suffered an upper-arm fracture and would be out for the next seven weeks, meaning that unless the Raiders somehow performed a miracle Key's season was already over.

(Arden Key Defensive End)

What would emerge as a major concern was that Aaron Rodgers had broken his thumb and the report was that he would be unlikely to be available until the playoffs. The reason this injury was even more of a concern was this was the same injury that Rodgers had occurred during preseason and the fear was that this could become a repeating issue for Rodgers. To make matters worse, next weeks game would see the Raiders playing the Broncos for the first time this season and everyone knew that this was the one game that Mark Stoop was not willing to lose.

21 - 18

​

Las Vegas Raiders	7	14	0	0	21
Denver Broncos	7	0	3	8	18

Week 13 for many teams that have a thing about superstitions about the number thirteen, and when the Broncos took an early lead it looked as if the nightmare scenario of Las Vegas losing to Denver was going to happen. Stoop though would seem to have formed an understanding with Andy Dalton was now playing his sixth game of the season (5th as a game starter) and Dalton would throw to Jeudy once and Hopkins twice as the Raiders would have a 21-7 lead at half time. However, the Broncos defence would seem to adamant at stopping the Raiders getting anymore points and shut out the Raiders for the second half. The Raiders' D-Line though would do their best and despite a resilient attempt at a comeback that Broncos would fall short by just three points.

Mark Stoops would not be one to hide his happiness following the game and would tell the member of the sports press associations during the post-game conference that as much of an honour as being a back-to-back NFL Coach of the Year was, having an perfect 8-0 record over the Denver Broncos meant so much more. Stoops would make it clear that beating the Broncos was what he considered as his form of a tribute to every member of the Raider Nations around the world and that he had no intention of losing to the Broncos anytime soon.

The win over the Broncos would take the Raiders to 7-5 for the season, with just four game remaining. History had shown that some teams can earn themselves a spot with a 8-8 record and that even once in 2010 the Seahawks had won the NFC West with a record of 7-9. Stoops though would make it clear that these trivia question answers held no relevance to him and that from this point onwards his team needed to do everything in their power to win all four of their last regular season games. Stoops would also much praise to Brycen Hopkins who after just six games since his return in Week 6 had gone on to score 9 Touchdowns. What made this even more impressive, is last season top receiving TD scorer was now just one touchdown off being equal 1st in this season highest scorers. It was therefore no surprise to everyone when Hopkins would be announced as the Raiders' MVP for the third 1/4 of the season. It would mark the third time in three seasons that Hopkins had won this accolade that was voted for by a panel of select fans and owners of the Las Vegas Franchise.

[Brycen Hopkins Jr. - Voted As The Las Vegas Raiders' MVP for the third 1/4 of the season]

NFL analyst Charles Davis would also speak exclusively with Andy Dalton following the win over the Broncos. Dalton would reveal that he had already featured in more games than he had been expecting to this season and would confirm that originally he had been signed by the Raiders as a potential replacement once Rodgers retired with Tyree Jackson wasn't able to earn his spot. Dalton would confirm that after the Week 2 game against the 49ers he had spoken to Jarno Stormberd and Mark Stoop who had officially promoted his as the QB2 for the Raiders and had spoken in detail about him taking over as QB1 once Rodgers stepped down.

Dalton wouldn't shy away from the fact that he was aware that the Raiders would most likely have their eyes on potential young Quarter Backs and so the number of seasons he would be the Raiders QB1 was very much dependent on how good the hot prospects of the future really were. Dalton though would make it clear that he would never stop fighting for top spot. Charles Davis would push Dalton, asking him if a discussion had taken place at what would happen if the Raiders were to win the next four game only for Rodgers to then be cleared to return to action.

Dalton candid answer though was unexpected, as the former TCU man would reveal that Mark Stoops had told him in front of other members of staff that if the Raiders won their next four games in a row and they made the playoffs, then Dalton would retain his position as first choice QB until he made an error that worthy of being him brought off the field. Dalton would make it clear that Mark Stoops was a man who didn't believe in having favourite, but rather about winning football games.

​

 

[Bobby Barrows]

THE RED ROCKET!

 

[CakeWalker]

I was in shock when I saw Dalton was a free agent and the next QB below him was like a rando with 58 ratings. Had to nab him just in case - thank the lawd i did

 

[CakeWalker]

@Grim Kimura "Oh It's True, It's Damn True!"*​

 

[CakeWalker]

Week 14 - Week 17

The Raiders had won their last two games in a row, and would very much need to win their remaining four games to guarantee an appearance in the playoffs. (Week 14) The Raiders would find themselves having a truly exception first half against the Texas, with Las Vegas scoring four touchdowns. Isaiah Crowell on the first play of the game would rush 75 yard down the field, whilst Andy Dalton would throw three passing touchdown to Jeudy, Browns and Williams as well as Song scoring a field goal to give the Raiders a 0-31 lead at the end of the second quarter. During the second half, the game would seem to just die with the only points coming in the Q3 by way of a Texans FG. The Raiders would suffer another injury, with Hopkins returning to the medical assessment room for the second time this season. Following the game it would emerge that Brycen was suffering from an abdominal tear.

3 - 31

​

Houston Texans	0	0	3	0	3
Las Vegas Raiders	21	10	0	0	31

Following the game Andy Dalton would be awarded the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award with 18/26 for 324 yards for 3 touchdowns and 2 carries for 19 yards. The win would also put the Raiders up to 8-5 for the season, meaning it was now impossible for the Las Vegas franchise to fall below 0.500 for the season. There would be one departure from the franchise however, as Jalen Richards (FB) contract had expired with the player being unwilling to resign with the Raiders despite being a key starter.

(Jalen Richard - former Raiders 1st String FB)

It would emerge that Richard had been unhappy at being played out of position and instead had agreed to sign with the Denver Broncos as their first choice Halfback. Although Stoops wouldn't go on record, it was clear that the Las Vegas Head Coach was less than pleased about the team that Richard had chosen to leave for.

The Week 15 game for the Raiders would be the first time in four seasons and the first time in Stoops' career that he would play against the Los Angeles Rams. And the game would be prove to the one fiercest of the season so far. The Rams would take a 3-0 lead in Q1 and extend their dominance by claiming a touchdown in Q2 giving themselves a 10-0 lead over the reign Super Bowl champions. Josh Jacobs would score a rushing touchdown to pull the Raiders closer to the LA, only for Jonathan Song to convert two fields goals giving Las Vegas a 10-13 lead going into half time.

In the third quarter the Rams would claim their second touchdown of the game that would take the score to 17-13. Tyrell Williams though would make an important touchdown scoring catch in Q4 that would see the Raiders reclaim the lead at 17-19 - but Song had been unable to convert the PAT. Song would seemingly makeup for his mistake though as his kickoff with some backspin would force the end into their own red zone, with the like of Hurst and Ferrel pushing the Rams back and claiming a safety increasing the Raiders lead by two points to 17-21.

The onslaught of pressure in the game would continue as Jonathan Song would score his third field goal of the game, and with just five minutes left of play that Raiders would increase their lead by seven with the 17-24. The Rams though would on two separate occasions on their final drive manage to claim a first down on 4th & 3, 4th & 7 and 3rd & 12 on three consecutive runs on the same drive before one of the Rams rookie WR would score his first career touchdown making the scores level at 24-24 with less than ninety seconds left on the clock.

Andy Dalton would find himself needing to live up to his name as the Red Rocket and throw some deep aerial throw in order to move the Raiders up the field as quickly as possible, but would end up being sacked three times in a row as the Raiders would find themselves at 4th & 14 with very little time and only two timeouts remaining. As Heicklen came to the field to punt the ball, Las Vegas would fool the Rams as Tyree Jackson would make his first throw since Week 2 with Foster Moreau catching the ball to claim a game changing first first down. With the clock ticking down, the Raiders would chose to go for three points and Jonathan Song would convert the FG for the Raiders to claim a monumental 24-27 victory.

24 - 27

​

Los Angeles Rams	3	7	7	7	24
Las Vegas Raiders	0	13	0	14	27

As Las Vegas pushed themselves to 9-5 for the season with just two games remaining in the regular season, Mark Stoops' team would discover that if they were able to defeat the Broncos, whilst the AFC West Rivals San Antonio and Kansas City were to also lose then the Raiders would automatically earn themselves a place in this seasons playoffs. Clearly not wanting to hold anything back, Jarno Stormberd would reveal that Brycen Hopkins would be playing in the key game against the Denver even if the coaching staff were aware that there was a risk in their 1st string Tight End taking the field. For Stoops though, this was his must win game with the Broncos travelling to the Vegas. To make the affair even more interesting it would be the first time that Jalen Richards would return since only leaving the franchise just a few weeks previously.

Week 16 though the Raiders would bring their best to the field with the first quarter seeing Jonathan Song scoring two field goals. The Raiders would then add on even more pressure as Song would make his third kick of the game, only for Larmarcus Joyner to make a pick interception and run the field for score a defensive touchdown with the Raiders holding a 0-16 lead going into the half time. The points would keep coming in the Q3 with Crowell scoring a rushing touchdown (Song missed PAT) and Jerry Jeudy scoring a receiving TD, that would see the the Raiders lead increase to 0-29.

Near the start of the fourth quarter the Broncos would score their first points of the game by way of a field goal, before former Raiders' player Richards would score a rushing touchdown for 12 yards out bringing the game closer at 10-29. Richard would noticeably choose not to celebrate the touchdown and it was clear despite his reasons for leaving, he didn't want to disrespect the team that had given him his opportunity as an underrated free agent in 2016. Josh Jacobs though seemed to take exception to Jalen's score, and only minute later would score his 5th TD of the season with the scores ending at 10-36.

10 - 36

​

Denver Broncos	0	0	0	10	10
Las Vegas Raiders	6	10	13	7	36

After the game the Raiders would wait to see how other results went in the league, to find out whether or not next week's game would be a do or die situation for them. The San Antonio Express however, would lose at home to the Bengals 35-21 which would been that the Express were now unable to move ahead of the Raiders with just one game remaining. Meaning that the Raiders would have to wait until after the Chiefs game in New England against the Patriots to find out whether or not they had come 1st in the AFC for the third year in a row. The game would be a close one score affair, but the Patriots would win the game 22-29. This result would mean that with a record of a 10-5 and with one game to spare, the Raiders had made the playoffs for the fourth year in a row. Stoops' despite now having beaten the Broncos nine times in a row would choose not to take the opportunity to brag as it would be evidently clear that his main focus was now for the Raiders to meet his expectation of reaching Super Bowl LVII in Arizona.

33 - 27

​

Las Vegas Raiders	10	10	6	7	33
Arizona Cardinals	3	7	7	10	27

The Week 17 if the Raiders had claimed a Divisional Round berth night have been a time for them to choose to rest players for a fortnight, however Stoops would take the approach of keeping the momentum rolling. The game would be close with Song needed to score three field goals, but the real focus was on Tyrell Williams who would score a hat trick of receiving touchdown in what would be a close one score game, but ultimately a victory for Las Vegas.
​

AFC WEST	W	L	%	Points Diff
Las Vegas Raiders	11	5	0.688	+130
Kansas City Chiefs	9	7	0.563	+14
San Antonio Express	8	8	0.500	-40
Denver Broncos	5	1	0.313	-51

The Raiders would find themselves in the Wild Card card round for the first time since 2019, but considering how their season had started the Las Vegas franchise were not complaining about this fact. It would then emerge that the Raiders would face the lowest seed involved in the Wild Card Round, which would end up being none other than fellow AFC West Rival the Kansas City Chiefs, whom the Raiders had already beaten twice in the regular season. This would also be the second time in two years, that the Raiders' first game in the playoffs was against an AFC West Rivals, having played the Broncos in the Divisional Round in 2021.

Andy Dalton would receive massive praise from the Las Vegas coaching staff. After Rodgers had injured himself against San Antonio, the Raiders had been on a six game winning streak to end the regular season with Dalton at the helm of the Raiders' offence for all six of those games. It would be confirmed that Andy Dalton would hold on to the position of starting Quarterback, even if Rodgers was medically cleared for next week's game. It was also no surprise to anyone when Dalton would be unveiled as the Raiders' MVP for the fourth 1/4 of the season.

[Andy Dalton Voted As The Oakland Raiders' MVP for the fourth 1/4 of the season]​

 

[CakeWalker]

The Wild Card round game for the Raiders would see them face a tough AFC West Division Rival in the Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders would begin the game finding that the Chiefs defensive approach was no joke, and despite finding themselves 1 yard away from the end zone, at 4 & 1 they were forced to send out Song to claim a field goal. The Raiders would have a slightly better second quarter with Song scoring a second field goal, before Tyrell Williams would take to the field and score a receiving touchdown to give the Raiders a 0-13 lead, although the half would end with the Chiefs converting a late field gold.

In the third quarter the Chiefs would score a touchdown and then also repeat that feat in the second half finding themselves up 17-13, although with quite a considerable amount of time on the clock it was all the play for. The Chiefs defence though remained impenetrable, and Jonathan Song would make his third FG of the game leaving the Raiders just one point short at 17-16. The Raiders would slowly start making their way into the Chiefs territory with three minutes of the clock and would manage to get into Song's field range and would call a timeout with 0:03 seconds left on the clock. Much to the dismay of all of the Las Vegas coaches and players, Song would hit the right post missing the target and the Raiders would find their season to be over.

17 - 16

​

Kansas City Chiefs	0	3	7	7	17
Las Vegas Raiders	3	10	0	3	16

Wild Card Results:

Atlanta Falcons 21 - 40 Philadelphia Eagles

Houston Texans 28 - 35 Indianapolis Colts

Detroit Lions 20 - 24 New Orleans Saints

Following the Raiders' elimination from the playoff Las Vegas owner Mark Davis would announce on Monday morning that Head Coach Mark Stoops and his assistant Jarno Stormberd had been fired by the franchise, with the owner unhappy that Stoops hadn't achieved his goal of reaching Super Bowl LVII. Stoops would leave the Raiders with a record of 46-18 (71% winning record) as well as a positive play record of 4-3. Despite Stoops having led the Raiders to their first Super Bowl win since the 80s, Davis would make it clear that he was unhappy with the way in which the team had performed in what he considered as being a high profile year which demanded a good result for the Raiders brand.

Results From The Divisional Round:

Kansas City Chiefs 20 - 17 Cleveland Browns

New Orleans Saints 42 - 24 Seattle Seahawks

Indianapolis Colts 28 - 21 Buffalo Bills

Philadelphia Eagles 34 - 17 Chicago Bears

Following the Divisional Round it would be unveiled that Mike Tomlin who had been let go by the Redskins after just season (3-13) had been chosen to be the new Head Coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. Some members of the Raider Nations questioned whether Mark Davis had always been intending to bring in Tomlin to the job, and some of the fans felt that this was a step backwards for the franchise considering the success Stoops had brought.

AFC CHAMPIONSHIP
Kansa City Chiefs 21 - 35 Indianapolis Colts

NFC CHAMPIONSHIP
New Orleans Saints 28 - 21 Philadelphia Eagles

Following the the news that the Colts would play New Orleans at Super Bowl LVII, it would be announced that Mark Stoops along with Jarno Stormberd had signed with the San Fransisco 49ers (2-14) who had the worst run last season and were the team that seemed like they were in the most need of help.

Stoops would reveal in an exclusive interview that he had been approached by a number of team in the leagues, but that he had joined the 49ers because he felt that they were a team that needed rebuilding and that he was a man capable of doing that. Stoops would speak out about his dismissal from the Raiders for the first time since his sacking.

Mark would make it clear that he was still a little bit confused by Mark Davis actions, and hadn't been planning on leaving Las Vegas. Stoops would make the point that clearly Mark Davis was more delusional than he had ever realised, and that as much as he wished the best of luck to all his former player he would make it clear that until the Raiders franchise improved their community culture then all their old problems were likely to return if not managed effectively. Stoops would make it abundantly clear that his success with the Raiders had also been his downfall, but that he had been given reassurances from Denise DeBartolo that their would be no unrealistic expectation of him in San Fransisco.

SUPER BOWL LVII

Indianapolis Colts 38 - 49 New Orleans Saints

In the offseason Mark Stoops would be fortunate in bringing a number of free agent into his new setup, with the knowledge that he the 49ers would have the #1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Jason Myers (K), Brandon Brooks (LG), Logan Cooke (P) & Corey Linsey (C) would all sign contract with San Francisco in the the weeks leading up to the draft.

​

2023 Draft Pick	Player/Position	University	Rating
Round 1 #1	Perry Thurmond (QB)	Boston College	72
Round 2 #1	Marcus Thorton (DT)	Texas	77
Round 3 #1	Trade Seattle R3/R4 2023 + R7 2024	N/A	N/A
Round 3 #27	Christian Culver (LT)	Arkansas	69
Round 4 #1	Kalen Pare (TE)	Michigan	72
Round 4 #27	Eli Durham (LT)	Utah	62
Round 5 #1	Keenan Alexander (RE)	West Virginia	69
Round 6 #1	Trade Chicago R4 2024	N/A	N/A
Round 7 #1	Trade Cleveland R5 2024	N/A	N/A

Two men that had formerly played for Stoops with the Raiders would also be signed up following the draft. Andy Dalton would join the 49ers as QB2, with it being announced that Stoops intended on building his team around rookie QB Perry Thurmond.

Jimmy Garoppolo upon this realisation would realise he was no longer in the San Fransisco's plan for the future and would fight the trade, as he would find himself relocating to Las Vegas in exchange for Larmarcus Joyner.

Jarno Stormberd would make it clear to everyone that from his point of view Joyner was one of the most talented safety in the league and had been surprised when Mike Tomlin had accepted the trade option on the very first offer that had been laid down on the table. Stormberd would accept that it seemed as if his former team the Raiders under Tomlin's leadership had decided that Aaron Rodgers would no longer be the Las Vegas QB1 although this would be nothing more than a prediction from Stormberd.

Stormberd would make the point that himself and Stoop would spend much of 2023 trying to build the 49ers from the bottom floor up and had every intention of making them the best team in the NFC West. Jarno would end his conference by making it clear that he hoped the 49ers did play the Raiders this year, because he wanted his and Stoops return to be at a point where they had been with the team long enough to show Mark Davis he had made a very stupid decision in firing the pair of them.

​

 

[Chris]

Damn Davis treated Stoops so cold

 

[CakeWalker]

Damn Davis treated Stoops so cold

I honestly can't believe I got fired - i thought I would have some wiggle room after winning the Bowl.

 

[Bobby Barrows]

Fucking Davis just like his old man, idiotic and completely irrational to the point of being a dipshit.