What Is 1988 Los Angeles Raiders football

Overview

The 1988 season marked another challenging year for the Los Angeles Raiders as they struggled to regain their former dominance in the NFL. Coming off a 10-6 season in 1987, expectations were modest, but the team failed to improve, finishing with a losing record.

Under head coach Tom Flores, the Raiders faced inconsistency on both offense and defense. After five seasons without a playoff appearance, the 1988 campaign intensified scrutiny on the team’s leadership and roster decisions.

• Record: The team finished 7-9, placing 4th in the AFC West, behind the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, and Denver Broncos.
• Head Coach:Tom Flores coached his final season with the Raiders in 1988 before being replaced by Art Shell, the NFL’s first Black head coach.
• Home Stadium: All home games were played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, a venue known for its large capacity but declining fan attendance.
• Notable Player:Bo Jackson, a dual-sport athlete, played in 11 games but was limited by injuries, rushing for 518 yards and 3 touchdowns.
• Scoring: The Raiders scored 274 total points (17.1 per game), ranking 18th out of 28 teams in the league, reflecting offensive inefficiency.

Performance & Key Players

The 1988 Raiders season was defined by underperformance and transition, both on the field and in leadership. While the team showed flashes of potential, injuries and inconsistent quarterback play derailed progress.

• Quarterback Play:Marc Wilson and Sean Salisbury split time, combining for 1,935 passing yards and 11 touchdowns with 14 interceptions.
• Running Back:Bo Jackson averaged 4.5 yards per carry despite limited action, showcasing his explosive potential when healthy.
• Defense: The defense allowed 349 points (21.8 per game), ranking 24th in the NFL, struggling particularly against the run.
• Special Teams: Kicker Max Zendejas made 19 of 27 field goals (70.4%), below league average, contributing to close-game losses.
• Injuries: Key absences included Jackson missing five games and defensive end Greg Townsend sidelined at times, weakening the pass rush.
• Coaching Change: After the season, Tom Flores was fired, ending a 10-year tenure as head coach, marking a significant organizational shift.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 1988 Raiders to recent seasons highlights a decline in competitiveness and consistency:

The 1988 season represents a low point before a rebound in 1990. The team’s scoring dropped significantly from previous years, and defensive performance worsened. This period underscored the need for leadership and roster changes, which eventually led to Art Shell’s historic hiring.

Why It Matters

The 1988 Los Angeles Raiders season is notable not for its success, but for its role in a pivotal transition for the franchise. It marked the end of an era under Tom Flores and set the stage for future changes.

• The firing of Tom Flores opened the door for Art Shell, a groundbreaking moment in NFL coaching diversity.
• Bo Jackson’s limited but impactful play kept national attention on the Raiders, boosting marketing and fan interest.
• The team’s struggles highlighted flaws in personnel decisions, prompting a reevaluation of draft and free agency strategies.
• Declining attendance at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum signaled growing fan dissatisfaction with performance and stadium conditions.
• Media coverage intensified scrutiny on ownership, particularly Al Davis’s hands-on management style.
• The 1988 season became a cautionary tale in NFL circles about the risks of relying on star power without consistent team development.

While not a standout year, 1988 remains a critical chapter in Raiders history, illustrating how adversity can lead to organizational transformation.