The 2018-19 season has been yet another painfully disappointing year for the Bay Area National Football League (NFL) teams. Once again, the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers have finished their seasons as two of the worst teams in the NFL with the 49ers finishing second to last in the National Football Conference West and the Raiders finishing last in the American Football Conference West.
What was shaping up to be a season of change for the 49ers quickly spiraled into another lost season. The 49ers suffered heavy losses very early on in the season, losing their starting running back, Jerick McKinnon, and franchise quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Despite this, some players like George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk stepped up to have their greatest seasons yet, and both were selected as pro bowlers. Players like these are why the 49ers still have hope for the near future. But until their key role players are fully healthy for the majority of the season, the 49ers will continue to be at the bottom of the league.
Facing what was most likely their last season playing in the Oakland Coliseum, the Raiders approached the season with less optimism. Disappointment for the Raiders season appeared even earlier, with a 1-7 start including a loss to the 49ers. Although some moves initially appeared to be favorable for the Raiders, it seems that the loss of their best players only benefited the individual careers of the players. Amari Cooper and Khalil Mack were the two biggest losses in the Raiders roster over the season. While playing for the Raiders, both players were ineffective; however, as soon as the players were moved, their performance quickly improved. Mack was able to bring even more power to the Chicago Bears’ defense, and Cooper injected the Dallas Cowboys with some much needed offensive firepower.
Though this season was yet another season of waiting, the future of both teams looks bright, and it can only get better from where the two teams stand as of today.