What Is 2014 Oakland Raiders football team

Overview

The 2014 Oakland Raiders season was one of struggle and transition, finishing with a 3-13 record, the worst in the AFC West. The team showed flashes of promise with rookie quarterback Derek Carr but ultimately failed to build consistency on either side of the ball.

Head coach Dennis Allen was dismissed after an 0-4 start, marking the franchise’s first midseason coaching change since 1997. Interim coach Tony Sparano took over but managed only three wins in the remaining 12 games, highlighting ongoing organizational instability.

• Derek Carr became the first Raiders rookie QB to start all 16 games, throwing for 3,270 yards and 21 touchdowns with a 7.0 yards per attempt average.
• The team’s only wins came against the Houston Texans, New York Jets, and Kansas City Chiefs, all teams that also finished below .500.
• Defensive struggles were rampant, as the Raiders allowed 381.7 total yards per game, ranking 31st in the NFL.
• Running back Latavius Murray emerged late in the season, rushing for 593 yards and 4 touchdowns despite missing the first six games.
• Only three players—Carr, Murray, and linebacker Sio Moore—were selected to the Pro Bowl roster during or after the season, though none actually played.

How It Works

The 2014 Raiders season operated under a rebuilding framework, relying heavily on young talent and midseason adjustments after leadership changes. With a new quarterback and coaching shift, the team focused on development over immediate wins.

• Rookie QB System: Derek Carr was thrust into immediate action after a strong preseason. The offense ran a West Coast scheme emphasizing short passes and play-action, averaging 20.4 points per game.
• Midseason Coaching Change: Dennis Allen was fired on September 29, 2014, after losses to the Dolphins, Jets, Patriots, and Chiefs. Tony Sparano took over, aiming for cultural reset.
• Defensive Scheme: The Raiders used a 4-3 base defense but struggled with tackling and coverage, surrendering a league-worst 8.4 yards per pass attempt allowed.
• Special Teams: Kicker Sebastian Janikowski made 25 of 31 field goals, including a 52-yarder, but the return units ranked near the bottom in efficiency.
• Offensive Line Challenges: The unit allowed 43 sacks, tied for fifth-most in the league, contributing to Carr’s 16 fumbles and 8 lost.
• Player Development Focus: The team prioritized growth over wins, sitting veterans like Charles Woodson at times to evaluate younger defensive backs.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2014 Raiders compared poorly to division rivals and league averages across key performance metrics:

The Raiders ranked near the bottom in scoring and yardage while allowing the third-most points in the league. Their inability to run the ball or stop the pass made them one of the least balanced teams in football.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was a pivotal low point that accelerated the Raiders’ full-scale rebuild, setting the stage for future draft investments and front-office decisions. It underscored the need for structural change beyond just coaching.

• 2015 Draft Position: Their 3-13 record secured the 5th overall pick, used on Alabama WR Amari Cooper.
• Coaching Reevaluation: The midseason firing prompted a full search, leading to Jack Del Rio’s hiring in 2015.
• QB Development Proof: Carr’s performance gave the franchise confidence to build around him as the long-term starter.
• Cultural Reset: Sparano emphasized discipline and accountability, laying groundwork for future locker room standards.
• Defensive Overhaul: Poor rankings led to major changes, including drafting pass rushers in the next two drafts.
• Relocation Planning: Poor on-field results intensified owner Mark Davis’s push for a move to Las Vegas.

The 2014 season, while disappointing, provided critical data for the Raiders’ long-term strategy, influencing personnel choices and relocation efforts in the following years.