Why Todd Bowles is perfect for Oakland Raiders in all regards –NFL Special
The Oakland Raiders at present are driven by the need to bring in a head coach who could effectively check their failings in the defence department, while addressing other problems as well.
For them, it is a defensive mind which is exactly what they need at the moment.
Raiders’ general manager, Reggie McKenzie, wasted no time in firing coach, Hue Jackson, and now wants a new man in, as soon as possible.
On the list of suitable candidates for the head coach's slot, one such person on whom Reggie's eyes are fixed is Todd Bowles, and that choice, no doubt, turns out to be a worthy one.
Bowles has been the secondary coach for Miami Dolphins and took over as the interim coach after Tony Sparano was fired.
Bowles led the Dolphins, 2-1, in the last three games he acted as coach.
That was an impressive performance on part of Bowles that saved the Dolphins from ending up at the bottom of their division.
The only defeat that he sustained was at the hands of New England Patriots and that loss came after a very close call indeed, considering the fact that the Dolphins in fact had led that game for the most part.
This speaks to the credit of the coach who has surely bolstered his ratings through his performance.
The Dolphins surely looked to be a newly changed and energised team under him, but are still reported to be unsatisfied.
It could be for this very reason that the general manager is intent on interviewing him.
There are other reasons too why Bowles could be the best choice for Raiders.
Bowles is more of a defensive specialist through his experience, and a defensive mind is what the Raiders actually need at this time.
Oakland’s defence has slumped down this season, coming up with the worst performance. They have become one of the only four teams in the NFL to concede 5.0 yards carry and allow 30 touchdowns in one season.
As much is the desire for a better coach, Raiders also need to improve their defence, the main source of their downfall this season.
Of course there were other reasons for the Raiders being eliminated from the playoff race as well.
Injuries were one of them, but that is something the team cannot help controlling.
If there is something that they can effectively control, it is rooting out the problem they face with their defence.
Not to forget, Raiders have broken the NFL record for most number of penalties in a single season as well by surpassing the Kansas City Chiefs' record, committing 163 penalties and forfeiting 1,358 yards, a record in both categories.
Hence, when Raiders look at Bowles, they are surely looking to address their main problems and according to most analysts, Bowles is the right guy to set things straight for them.
It looks evident that the Raiders are poised to go through quite some changes since the former director of football operations of Green Bay Packers took over as the new general manager of the team.
It is quite possible that McKenzie would desire to bring up the same setup that he was part of for 18 years with Packers.
Good news for the Raiders is that it seems evident from certain sources that the Dolphins may not be interested in Bowles.
The reason being that Miami's general manager, Jeff Ireland, when firing Sparano, seemed intent on hiring someone who had first hand experience of being a coach, and a secondary coach may not be the one Ireland is possibly looking for.
"You're looking for the best candidate out there, a guy who has been in the trenches before. You're looking for some of the same qualities I saw in Tony, a tireless worker, a guy who understands offense and defence. We'll talk about those things as the weeks
go by, and exactly what we're looking for, and iron out a plan that best fits what Mr. Ross is looking for." Ireland said.
With Bowles' future with the Dolphins being uncertain, Raiders may have the chance to get the man they need.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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