I've been a Raiders fan since '68... so I understand how you feel, Freddie.
Let me ask you.... and all the rest of you... what did you really expect this year? Did you expect that Gruden would come in and we would be Superbowl bound? Did you expect to win the division? Did you expect to make a run at the playoffs?
I figured this would be the way it would go. But, as a fan I also hoped that we would make a playoff run... no matter how unlikely, because that's how fans are... and the reason we are fans.
Deep down all of us on here (real, no rose colored glasses fans) knew this is how it would be. Reggie made a monumental mess of this team. It is going to take Gruden a year or so (by the time we get to Vegas) to sort through the trash and right the ship. I have a lot of confidence in him being able to do it.... and I wasn't particularly happy about him coming back, for various reasons.
I know you hate Carr.... and I understand your ire, but he IS a good QB. He's by far as good as we've had since Gannon. I believe he can be every bit as good as Gannon. He needs a few more years of maturity to be the leader Gannon was. Gannon wasn't in his 20's when took over this team. I believe he was 34? Give Carr a little time.... he'll be a good one.
As far as going through the motions.... I can probably agree with you on that. That doesn't mean they don't want to win, but I don't think there is any dire urgency to do so. I think it's like Forbidden said, they are evaluating what is and what is not needed this year. It sucks, but you have to start somewhere if you expect to arrive at your destination in the near future.
We have two #1's for Mack. I don't see Reggie having anything to do with the draft from here on out.... if he's even still here after this season (PLEASE, be gone!). Gruden will build a solid team with sound players... even if we don't like the picks. Look how Miller is working out, and not many of us liked the pick. Gruden knows football better than any of us! We just have to give him the time and trust he's doing it right.
That's easier said than done, I know.