Print Email Font Resize Font Resize Analysis: Raiders deserved 7-9 record but took big step forward

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Raiders news on Facebook The Raiders started the season with the ability to block but not tackle and ended it as capable tacklers who couldn't block. Finishing with a 7-9 record after a 23-17 road loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Raiders epitomized mediocrity because they weren't able to put complete games together and finish teams off in the fourth quarter. As disappointing as it was to miss out on a chance for a .500 record, the Raiders got what they deserved, and 7-9 sounds just and fair. The Raiders were 3-3 in the AFC West, 3-5 at home, 4-4 on the road and a regrettable 0-4 against the NFC North, ending up at least three games shy of being a legitimate playoff contender. KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 03: Running back Latavius Murray #28 of the Oakland Raiders carries the ball as linebacker Dee Ford #55, defensive back Tyvon Branch #27, and defensive end Mike DeVito #70 of the Kansas City Chiefs defend during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 3, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) ( Jamie Squire ) Yet the Raiders improved their record by four games over 2014, and considering they were 11-37 in the previous three seasons, winning seven games in the first season under Jack Del Rio is progress. Amid the myriad statistics that add up to 7-9, here is one that matters -- in their last 15 games of the season, the Raiders were either in the lead, tied or within seven points of the lead at some point in the fourth quarter of every game. Anyone who has watched a lot of Raiders football over the past several years and has suffered through some gruesome blowouts that were ordained by halftime realizes that is a big deal. For what it's worth, it's where the Raiders closely parallel their 1999 season, during which they went 8-8, and the margin of defeat in all eight losses was seven points or less. Advertisement The next season, the Raiders went 12-4, won the division title and advanced to the conference championship game. Think about what the last several offseasons have entailed and then consider what the Raiders won't be looking for in the coming months: A head coach. The only time that hasn't been a topic of conversation since the close of the 2003 season was 2012, after Dennis Allen's first season. It's Del Rio's show, with what appears to be a good working relationship with general manager Reggie McKenzie and an insistence on playing together that helped keep the Raiders competitive. A quarterback. Derek Carr slumped in December, threw some bad interceptions, and an offense that was the talk of the NFL in October fizzled in the final month. But even when he's not sharp, Carr has shown the ability to make up a deficit, he threw 32 touchdown passes with 13 interceptions and wasn't helped by pass blocking that went from powerful to porous once December began. He's a second-year quarterback with 53 touchdown passes, 25 interceptions and a shining light when compared with the likes of Aaron Brooks, Andrew Walter, Josh McCown, Daunte Culpepper, JaMarcus Russell ... you get the picture. Carr is also beyond reproach in terms of work ethic and character, and teammates rally around him. Playmaking wide receivers. Amari Cooper will have an entire season under his belt, and Michael Crabtree was signed to an extension. The two complement each other perfectly. A dominant defender. Khalil Mack, who finished with 15 sacks and remained one of the NFL's best defenders against the run. Barring injury, he'll be good to great well into the next decade. It's a solid nucleus anchored by young talent. There are holes to fill, as there are on any sub-.500 team. The offseason shopping list for McKenzie and Del Rio in free agency and the draft will include the following: A solid cover corner to pair with waiver find David Amerson and TJ Carrie. A safety to replace the irreplaceable Charles Woodson. (San Diego's Eric Weddle is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.) A decision on whether to retain free agent left tackle Donald Penn or identify a blindside blocker for Carr, along with additional size and depth on both lines. A running back to pair with Latavius Murray, who enjoyed a solid season but had no complementary back to give him a rest and the defense a change-of-pace back to look at. McKenzie, by almost any measure, has aced the last two drafts, given the selections of Mack, Carr, guard Gabe Jackson and defensive tackle Justin Ellis in 2014 and last year's haul that included Cooper, Mario Edwards Jr., Clive Walford, Ben Heeney and Neiron Ball. If McKenzie strikes gold again, the Raiders could get to 10 or more wins and maybe even return to the playoffs to the delight of the home crowd. Wherever that may be. For more on the Raiders, visit the Inside the Oakland Raiders blog at ibabuzz.com/oaklandraiders. Follow Jerry McDonald on Twitter at twitter.com/Jerrymcd.