Category: Column

Raiders Draft: Who to pick in Round One? 

It’s finally here! It seems like I say that every year. Well, every year I’m excited for the NFL Draft. Dreams are made, fans hopes are up and many hearts get broken. Sounds pretty exciting, if you ask me.

Who will our precious Silver and Black select? Here are some ideas as well as my selection.

The Fans’ Pick: Obi Melifonwu, S, UCONN

All the fans love this pick. For good reason too. Melifonwu is the kind of prospect who Al Davis will turn in his grave for. The big-bodied and fast safety made a name for him self at the NFL Combine and Senior Bowl. Melifonwu Los has experience as a productive corner and safety at UCONN. He could develop into Reggie Nelson’s eventual replacement. The only issue with this pick is that the safety class is so deep. The Raiders could get a guy just as capable in the second round.

The Dark Horse: Cam Robinson, OT, Alabama

You never want to reach for a need in the NFL Draft. However, Robinson has an argument to be the best tackle in this class. He has big game experience that dates back to his days at Bama. Robinson has the size and athleticism to be the long-term answer at either of the Raiders’ tackle spots. Ultimately, there are some questions about his ability to finish run blacks and his balance/technique in pass pro. Luckily, the Raiders have some veterans at the position to help groom Robinson. Personally, I think Robinson is a better value in round two. Nonetheless, Mike Mayock pegged him here. 

Draft Crush: Kevin King, CB, Washington

Everytime we play the Chiefs, I believe that Marcus Peters should be a Raider. His play style and swagger would have fit perfect with Oakland. Now, King isn’t quite the same player as Peters. However, he is a big and fast corner from the Bay Area. King played safety and corner at Washington so he brings the versatility that the Raiders need. He should immediately challenge for the nickel corner position. King might even challenge David Amerson and Sean Smith for starting roles on the outside. King has the size and ball skills to develop into the Raiders eventual starter on the outside. He might not be available at No. 24, but it would be really hard for the Raiders to pass on the Bay Area kid.

The Gamble: Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama

Draft experts have nothing bad to say about Foster’s tape out of Alabama. However, he could fall to the Raiders due to off-field concerns. Foster had an incident that got him sent home from the NFL Combine. He also tested positive at the Combine. Then, he’s got size and injury concerns. Plus, Oakland is still haunted by the demons of another former Bama linebacker taken in the first round, Rolando McClain. I say no but the Raiders may roll the dice.

The Al Davis Pick: John Ross,  WR, Washington

Questions about his size, ankle, knee and shouler health could make Ross tumble in the draft. You think Al Davis would care about any of that? Ross broke the NFL Combine record for the 40-yard dash with a sub-4.3 40-time. Not to mention, he was highly productive at Washington. Ross’ route tree is extensive, his hands are good and he is Cali-native. Al Davis would make this pick despite the Raiders’ receiving corps already being among the NFL’s best.

The Safe Pick: Jarrad Davis, LB, Florida

Davis has been another popular target for the Raiders in various Mock Drafts. There are a lot of good reasons. Davis was productive at Florida and he tested well at the combine. He projects as an outside or middle linebacker in the NFL, despite his limited size. Oakland would sure up their middle linebacker spot with a rangy backer. However, I’m not sold on taking a MLB this early unless you think he can change your defense. Davis will be a solid starter but I don’t know if he is a future Pro Bowler. I’d roll the dice on him in the second round, especially given his injury history.

My Pick: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt 

Early in the draft process, I was high on the Raiders selecting Davis. Cunningham’s scheme fit, speed and hands had me questioning his fit with Oakland. Then, I remember that the Raiders defense has not been good enough to establish a scheme. There scheme is flexible for the players that they select. Moreover, Jack Del Rio and Reggie McKenzie have both put empathisis on selecting impact players. Cunningham was a productive, impact player in the SEC. he has the size and frame to play a variety of positions in the front seven. Moreover, he is ready to start from Day One. This pick makes too much sense. BR’s Matt Miller also consigned this pick in his latest mock draft.

Ultimately, we will find out who the Raiders select at about 8:00 p.m. PST tonight. Who do you think they should select? I know I can’t wait to welcome the newest member of the Silver and Black.

Just Sin Baby!

The Oakland Raiders officially announced that they are relocating to Las Vegas. NFL Owners agreed on the proposal via a 31-1 vote. .

It’s stunning considering the Owners rarely agree on anything with that much conviction. The Miami Dolphins were the one team to vote no for whatever reason.

Clearly, the proposed $750 million in approved public funds had an influence on the decision. That is a lot of free money from a market, especially when you consider the East Bay was not putting any public funds out there. 

However, this is devastating for a community that embodies the Raiders’ mystique. The two are a perfect match due to the social and civil rights hisory of Oakland as well as the trailblazing, renegade culture of the Raiders. That community needs the team to give the hope. To inspire the community. To work with the kids and reach out to the Oakland community.

As for Vegas, some fans have reasons to be excited. Las Vegas is fun and new. More importantly, the Raiders are getting the shiny new stadium that they’ve wanted for decades. 

However, there are some major flaws in this whole ordeal. Does it really make sense that the Raiders would leave a top-5 market for a top-40 market? Not to mention, the Raiders need to take out lots of loans just to make this happen. 

Then you factor in Vegas’ legal prostitution and gambling. Is this really an environment for a winning football team? Does the NFL want their brand associated with a city based on the very things that they disapprove.

From a fans’ perspective, do you really want to tailgate in 100 degree weather? Would you rather be among drunken idiots at a football game when you can be around beautiful women at a party? Plus, are fans going to be priced out of the stadium by rich tourists?

Overall, this Vegas relocation creates a ton of questions… Like the financing. The Raiders are relying on loans from Bank of America and the NFL to make this happen. How can this team afford to pay more money in relocation fees and leave added money from the NFL? All because of their quest to leave Oakland?

I get that the Davis Family has wanted a stadium for decades. I get that he has that in Vegas, but should it be at the expense of Oakland? 

The fans have supported him through thick and thin. Why should the NFL ignore the wants of their fan base for the third time in 15 months. It is even more disgusting when you factor in all the investment money that is happening in the Bay.

Why can’t the Raiders get those funds? Guess, the City will have to settle for a baseball stand and some condos. Does gentrification win again?

Ultimately, the Raiders’ relocation to Oakland raises more questions than answers. One thing is for sure, the move to Vegas is happening. It’s about the one thing we know for sure. They still got to work out the details on a lease, but it is happening if we like it or not.

For now, it is a time for us to mourn. Oakland will always be the Mecca for Raider Nation, and it is sad that the team is leaving that. 

Regardless, Raiders fans will endure. We always endure. We’ll go to and celebrate Las Vegas. It won’t be the same, but we’ll make it happen.

It’s a risky move that could pay off or flop horribly. At the end of the day, what else do we expect from Vegas or the Raiders?  

Just Sin Baby!

Raiders Rants: Cordarrelle Patterson, Marshall Newhouse and More

The Oakland Raiders finally made some Free Agency moves after what seemed like an endless first few day of the new NFL year.

Most recently, Oakland adds kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson. The two-time All-Pro brings the gamechanging and consistent return ability that this team has lacked for years.

More importantly, it is a two-year deal with a team option for the second year. Reggie McKenzie strikes again with a bargain free agent.

Besides the return game, Patterson could have ability to challenge Seth Roberts in the slot receiver position. First, Patterson will need to work on his concentratrion on catches and refine his route tree.

At the very least, Patterson brings the 4.42 speed that late owner Al Davis would’ve have drooled on. Thus, Patterson can serve as a fourth receiver to stretch the field via vertical passes. Essentially, this assumes Andre Holmes’ role in the offense over the past two seasons.

Patterson is also a former Tennessee Volunteer which RM loves.

Not to mention, the Raiders signed Marshall Newhouse over the weekend. He wasn’t a highly coveted free agent but he is a solid depth veteran on a cheap contract. Apparently, McKenzie helped evaluate Newhouse when he was in Green Bay.

Either way, I’d expect the Raiders to add a tackle in the draft since Menelik Watson bounced. Oakland needs help as Donald Penn is aging and Austin Howard has been inconsistence.

Speaking of players leaving, Malcolm Smith, D.J. Hayden, Stacy McGee and Nate Allen are among key players not returning to the team. Those guys all played hard for the Silver and Black, so I wish them luck. 

All of those players can easily be upgraded, but it should be noted that teams wasted no time signing them. Clearly, they saw something that the Raiders did when they added them.

Hayden might actually do well with the Detroit Lions. He’ll have way less pressure there. Meanwhile, McGee and Watson will have to live up to their new starting expectations. Khalil Mack should be happy that Watson is in Denver now. That should equal more sacks.

As for Allen and Smith, neither lived up to the 2015 free agency hype. However, they were both constant pros who made plays at times. Not to mention, they helped change the Raiders’ losing culture. Hopefully, they can pull it together and remain solid NFL players.

Moving forward, the Raiders still have massive needs in the middle of their defense. Key targets like Dontari Poe and Johnathan Hankins should be on the Raiders’ priority list. Especially when you consider this DT draft class is not as good as last year.

At middle linebacker, this draft class is deep. The Raiders could draft a player here in the top of they draft. Either way, they should still add a savy veteran. Luckily, Donta Hightower, Perry Riley and Zachary Brown are all available. They’re the top players at the position. They have a ton of experience and they are all on the right side of 30. Considering all three are available, Oakland should be able to get whichever one they want. I’d expect Riley is the first priority since he joined the team last year. Then again, wouldn’t they have already signed him?

Nonetheless, stay posted for more Raiders free agency updates.

Quick Hits on the Oakland Raiders’ Free Agency Targets

Raider Nation should be stoked that Free Agency begins next week. Our team finally has the cap space and winning culture to sign almost anyone that we want. However, remember that there are levels to attacking free agency. Check out some quick hits on free agents that the Raiders should consider.

Too Good to Get

This group of guys would be awesome, but they’re probably worth more than the Raiders would pay. they were each connected to rumors about getting the franchise tag, so their team should look to re-sign them. Then again, the Raiders are off their first playoff season in more than a decade. Could marquee players finally give us discounts? Guess we will find out.

A.J. Bouye

Alshon Jeffery

Stephon Gilmore

Terrelle Pryor

Jaball Sheard

Logan Ryan

Ideal Fits

These are the guys that fit the team need. They should be in the Raiders price range. Can Oakland make it happen for our Super Bowl Run?

Dont’a Hightower

Calais Campbell

Brandon Williams

Dontari Poe

Nick Perry

Ricky Wagner

Kenny Stills

Chis Baker

Jack Doyle

Tony Jefferson

Zach Brown

Dre Kirkpatrick

Johnathan Hankins

Value Picks

These guys are great fits too. They don’t have the same name or production as anyone above, but they are more cost efficient. That is what Reggie McKenzie likes anyways.

Jared Cook

Nick Fairley

Jonathan Cyprien

Kenny Britt

Kendall Wright

Kevin Minter

Gerald Hodges

Jahleel Addae

Micah Hyde

Robert Woods

Terrance Williams

Sterling Moore

Lawrence Timmons

Kelvin Beachum

Quintin Demps

Riley Reiff

Bennie Logan

Buyer Beware

If we have to give the money to someone or we must fill a roster need, then these are the guys you call. They have a different combination of question marks including age, price, scheme-fit and injuries. However, they might be worth a gamble if they are available late in the process.

Captain Munnerlyn

Brandon Marshall

T.J. McDonald

Alterraun Verner

Jarvis Jones

Jarius Byrd

Morris Claiborne

Charles Johnson

Prince Amukamara

Barry Church

Darelle Revis

DeMarcus Ware

Stefen Wisniewski

Guys to Stay away from

I made an entire post for them. These are the guys who don’t make sense for our team and culture. They can leak anonymous connections to our franchise or have their agents call us, but we should probably not return that call. Check out the full list here:

Did I forget anybody? Let me know via Twitter.

*This list was composed via NFLTradeRumors.co’s Top-100 Free Agents list

 

 

 

Oakland Raiders: Free Agents to Avoid

Free Agency is finally here! Many of us are excited as the Raiders have nearly $40 million in cap space after a 12-4 playoff season.

Thus, the Raiders have been connected to many free agents already. Here are the top players that Oakland should avoid when Free Agency negotiations open on March 7.

Pierre Garcon

Garcon is 31. He took a step back last season. Oakland has no need for an undersized receiver on the outside.

DeSean Jackson

Jackson went to Cal and grew up in L.A. He should’ve been a Raider two seasons ago when we created a hashtag for him. Instead, he chose to kick it with Wale and RGIII. This ship has sailed, but we’re not salty.

Michael Floyd

He’s 27 and has value as an inside and outside threat. However, he did not show much with New England. Thus, he is on the open market for a reason. Not worth the snaps investment.

Adrian Peterson

Peterson will be an all-time great. However, his 1.9 average last season did not do him any favors. A checkered past with questionable fatherhood decisions and his age make this an absolute no-go. I don’t care if we should have had him instead of JaMarcus Russell.

Eddie Lacy

Young and big back with zero ability to avoid hits. He also lost his ability to hit the second gear and make explosive runs. If we wanted that, we would have kept Latavius Murray.

Jamaal Charles

Charles has missed more games than he has played in over the past few seasons. Plus, Oakland has their receiving backs in Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington.

Andrew Whitworth

One of the best linemen in his time, but he is 35. He is not even an upgrade over Donald Penn.

Lorenzo Alexander

Even Alexander did not see his double-digits sack performance in 2016 coming. The Raiders do not need to be on the wrong side of his career projections as the edge is 34.

Julius Peppers

Another all-time great. He was still effective during his time in Green Bay. However, he is 37 and the Raiders need to invest money and reps elsewhere.

Brandon Carr

Big corner who has been on a steady decline. Raiders should pass.

Anthony Fasano

Our tight end position is enough of a mess without adding a journeyman tight end who is on the wrong side of 30.

Jared Odrick

He was never the same player in Jacksonville that he was in Miami. Is an end or a tackle? Is he any good? Plus,  I didn’t forget that he dissed Oakland for the Jaguars. Boy Bye.

Jacquizz Rodgers

Rodgers might make sense if the Raiders want a big-back for insurance behind Washington and Richard. However, this NFL Draft class is stacked with backs.

Ryan Clady

Former Pro Bowler with injuries. Over 30. His previous team did not bring him back after only one season. He is also a career left tackle who is probably not willing to switch to the right side. Clady is also more of a zone blocker, so he does not fit in Oakland.

Russell Okung

See above.

LeGarrette Blount

I feel he was a product of his environment in New England. There is a reason the Patriots eased his use towards the end of the season.

Chris Long

He only played 60 percent of the snaps in New England last season. Long is 30, and a hybrid edge rusher with a legacy to the franchise. It makes too much sense to happen, just like last offseason.

Darius Butler

An aged, veteran corner. Eh.

Stay tuned to see if the Raiders negotiate with any of these free agents that could end up being big busts. Either way, Oakland can not make any deal official until the league new year begins on March 9.

The above players were from a list of the Top-100 Free Agents, per NFLTradeRumors.co.

 

 

 

 

Raiders Rants: Aldon Smith returns? Plus, Results from the AP Awards

Raiders fans could not ask for better news on Super Bowl Sunday. Finally, it could be time to Free Aldon!

NFL Insider Ian Rapaport reported that the NFL will reinstate edge Aldon Smith in March, as long as he does not suffer another drug test setback.
Obviously, this is huge for a Raiders defense that ranked in the bottom half in most statistical categories.

Ironically, many Raiders writers said it was time for Oakland to move on from their troubled pass rusher.

I couldn’t disagree more. Smith’s reinstatement means he’ll have an entire offseason to integrate himself back into the team. 

Smith should secure the starting edge role opposite Khalil Mack. That means young tackles Jihad Ward and Mario Edwards can concentrate on playing inside defensive tackle as three or five shades. Bruce Irvin can also concentrate on full-time linebacker duties again. Irvin can also be utilized as a situational blitzer.

This gives Oakland more flexibility in the NFL Draft and free agency. They can focus on strengthening the interior of their defense via the nose tackles and inside linebackers positions.

Besides a natural ability to rush the passer, Smith brings an intensity and versatility the Raiders lacked last season. He should be utilized as a stand up rushing linebacker like his days as a 49er. Smith can also play a more traditional end role due to his length.

Not to mention, Smith can teach young players like Ward and Shilique Calhoun how to bend and use their length to defend the run and pass.

Plus, an improved Raiders pass rush means that Oakland secondary should improve as opposing quarterbacks will have less time to pass.

Raiders Awards

In other Raiders news, Khalil Mack won DPOY from the AP. Mack stole the award from Broncos rusher Von Miller. Funny, cause Mack is often compared to him.

Mack mostly wins the award thanks to his 11 sacks and five forces fumbles. However, I wouldn’t have given him the award due to his slow start and finish to the season. Mack had zero sacks when the Raiders needed it most for the playoff stretch.

Either way, congrats to Mack. He deserves it as a hard worker and stand up guy.

Meanwhile, Jack Del Rio and Derek Carr got snubbed for awards on the same night. Del Rio finished fourth for Coach of the Year despite helping his team earn their first playoff berth in more than a decade.

As for Carr, he was a long shot for the award when he broke his leg in week 16. Still, we all saw his impact on the Raiders by his absence in the Raiders’ final two games. Nonetheless, he finished tied for third for the NFL MVP award.

All in all, it’s a great time for Raider Nation!

Oakland Raiders Regular Season Awards

The Oakland Raiders regular season ended way earlier than any of us had hoped.

We would all rather watch our team in the AFC Championship. Unfortunately, that did not happen.

Instead, we’re forced to review the regular season. Here is my take on the key players for the Raiders season, as well as a bonus award.

MVP

Derek Carr is the MVP and it is not even close. Oakland’s score in the combined two games without Carr did not surpass the Raiders’ per game total.

Added, he was the emotional leader of this team via multiple fourth quarter comebacks. Carr may also have a claim to the league’s version of this award. He is also the obvious choice for Offensive Player of the Year too.

DPOY

Khalil Mack was one of the lone bright spots for a Raiders defense that ranked towards the bottom in most categories. Mack graded as the best defensive player per Pro Football Focus. He also registered 11 sacks and four turnovers.

Rookie of the year

Jalen  Richard wins this award for his contributions to the running game and return game. He provided sparks for this offense in the playoff game via a return and during a touchodown that occured on his first professional carry.

Moreover, Richard started the year behind fellow rookie DeAndre Washington but Richard finished the season with more rushing yards.

Best Newcomer

Kelechi Osemele came over from the Baltimore Ravens. He brought a nastiness to the guard position and the entire offensive line. Osemele is the one of the biggest reasons the Raiders had a top offense. He should anchor one of the best lines for a while.

Reggie Nelson and Bruce Irvin also contributed as newcomers. However, Osemele completely changed the culture of the offensive line. This earns him the row. Not to mention, the offense was superior than the defense.

Biggest Flop

Dan Williams deserves this award, despite being one of the best character guys on the team. Williams was one of the Raiders most consistent players in 2015. This year, he entered the season as a backup behind Justin Ellis. Williams eventually got his spot back, but he was not a gamechanger.

The Raiders cycled through multiple players at defensive tackle all season. A lot of that was Williams’ inconsistency. The Raiders struggled generating rush and stopping the run. Williams deserves a lot of the blame.

I published a similar version of this article on Inquisitr. You can read more about the Raiders awards on the website.

 

 

Oakland Raiders: There are no moral victories after 2016

“We want more,” Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio said at his final press conference of the season. “As an organization, our goals are higher. So, that’s not going to change.”

Del Rio continued to talk about his teams’ good accomplishments. The fact that the team won 12 games, six-games in a row, and  made the playoffs.

However, the Raiders leader is right. This team should not be satisified. They were a broken leg to Derek Carr away from at least playing in the divisional round of the playoffs.

So when we look back at the 2016 season, there are no moral victories.

It doesn’t matter that the team averaged more points per game than they have in a decade. It doesn’t matter that Derek Carr was an MVP candidate and his offensive line gave up the least amount of sacks. It doesn’t matter that Marquette King led the league in punts of more than 50 yards, or that the team lead the league in turnover differntial.

All that matters is that this team got bounced in the first round. All that matters is that this team lost a tie for the AFC West due to head to head losses via the Kansas City Chiefs.

Sure, the Raiders have a lot to be proud of. However, they also have a lot to improve. The 2016 season was merely a series of lessons to learn from.

Carr said it himself. The whole team has to work to be better next year. That is the only way they can take the next step as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

If the Wild Card loss to the Texans showed us anything, it proved how valuable a single playoff experience can be to a team. Last season, Houston got spanked by Kansas City in the same round.

Hence, Oakland will benefit from their own whooping on ESPN.

Therefore, I don’t want to hear about brightsides or silver linings. The Raiders are building a winning culture and they can not be satisified with moral victories or advanced statistics.

What is tangible is that the Raiders will be sitting at home next week. They need to remember that and come back for more next season.

Forget, the moral lessons and sports cliches. Oakland must move forward and prepare to win more next season.

Further, it is time for us to expect more from our Raiders. It is time for the Raiders to expect more from themselves.

Only winning matters. No moral victories.

 

Is Derek Carr the MVP?

Remember, when Matt Schaub was supposed to be the Raiders’ starting quarterback?

I remember seeing a young Derek Carr perform during a scrimmage against the Dallas Cowboys. It never seemed like it was too much for the young professional.

Sure, his feet were happy. He missed some throws, but he had a presence before his first NFL start.

Later that season, Carr received a lot of criticism for throwing the ball to check downs. Some of his top receivers were James Jones and Mychal Rivera. We don’t even need to mention some of the gems on defense and at offensive line.

Fast forward a few years and Carr’s MVP consideration is well documented. I’ve written about it as have many major outlets.

You look at Carr’s second season and we saw the glimpses in the first half. Carr’s performance tailed off at the end of the season as well as the team.

Then, he and the Raiders caught fire again this season.Is it a coincidence that the Raiders have risen with Carr?

Sure, the Raiders can attribute a lot of that success to Carr’s 22 touchdowns and five interceptions. Just look at last week’s victory over the Carolina Panthers.

Carr left the game with a pinky injury and the offense sputtered. Once Carr returned, he helped lead the team to another fourth quarter comeback.

Can this success be attributed to Carr alone?

First, you got to look at Carr’s offensive line. Anyone who watches tape can see Rodney Hudson, Kelechi Osemele and Donald Penn bring a nasty presence to the offensive line. Gabe Jackson and Menelik Watson are not too bad themselves. This group usually grades out as one of the best units in the league every week.

Then you got to look at Carr’s receivers. Both Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper are on track to surpass 1,000 yards. If you’re looking for impact, both players have their moments. Crabtree catches those passes that keep drives alive. Cooper turns those short passes into game changing plays like the touchdown versus Houston.

https://twitter.com/EverySport100/status/800953473223114752

Don’t forget the other side of the football.

The Raiders defense has not been that good. They are No. 29 in yards per game and gave up the 11th most points this season.

But without Khalil Mack this unit would be much worst. Mack has registered an interception, three forced fumbles and nine sacks. He is tied at No. 6 in the league in sacks.

Even in that game versus the Panthers, Mack became the first player since 2009 to register a sack, forced fumble, interception and touchdown since 2009.

When Mack plays well, the Raiders are noticeably better. However, players like Bruce Irvin and David Amerson have also earned their keep.

Therefore, Derek Carr may become the league’s MVP after this season, but he has a lot of improved play from his teammates to thank as well.

Carr may be the most valuable player on the team tied for the best record in the AFC, but there are other players who could be labeled the Raiders’ MVP too..

Included their head coach Jack Del Rio who reversed the losing culture of Oakland.

Oakland Raiders’ keys to beating the Denver Broncos

When was the last time the Oakland Raiders played a meaningful game in primetime? When was the last time the Raiders had a legitimate chance to win said game?

Oakland will face the Denver Broncos for this week’s Sunday Night Football action. The Raiders have a real shot at defeating the reigning Super Bowl champions this Sunday. Don’t forget Oakland defeated the Broncos one time last year.

There is a lot of hype surrounding this game. Beyond the typical AFC West rivalry hype, both teams are 6-2. The winner gains access to the driver seat in the division. Here is how the Raiders can live up to their hype.

Control the line of scrimmage

The Raiders top rusher only averages about 46 yards per game. The runner by committee contributes to that mediocrity. However, Oakland needs a big performance from a running back… cough… Latavius Murray.

Oakland needs to control the ball at home. They need to pound away at the Broncos defense. An effective running attack gives Derek Carr managable third downs.

Otherwise, Von Miller as a pass rusher versus the Raiders revolving door at right tackle is too much. Plus, Denver’s starting corners – if Aquib Talib is healthy – are too much for Oakland to throw the ball 60 times.

Not to mention, the Raiders defense ranks towards the bottom in most categories. Therefore, Oakland needs to run the ball so their defense stays off the field.

Start the Carr

Derek Carr is for sure the best quarterback in this game. He may just be the best player on the entire field.

All of this MVP talk is warranted. He’s thrown 17 touchdowns and 3 interceptions with a 66 percent completion rate. Not to mention, every Raiders fan has seen Carr lead momentous drives versus the Saints, Buccaneers, Ravens, and every other win.

Carr will need to get the offense started again. He needs a breakout game under the prime lights. That does not necessarily mean he needs to throw for 50 times like he did versus Tampa Bay. However, he needs to throw curcial big plays. He needs to keep drives alive by hitting the check downs. He needs to keep his feet accurate on routine passes and screens. He may also need to scramble for a necessary gain.

Basically, Derek Carr needs to continue his growth as a franchise quarterback versus the Broncos.

Create Turnovers

Oakland has a top five offense and a bottom five defense. The only way they’ve been able to win games is by creating turnovers.

Last season, neither team scored more than twenty points in either game. Therefore, defense will be critical again.

The Broncos will be without C.J. Anderson. Hence, the Raiders should improve at stopping the run.

That means the Broncos are going to gamble more on longer second and third downs. This translates to more pass rushing opportunities for Bruce Irvin and Khalil Mack. It should result for more picks via the secondary.

Ultimately, we know the Broncos can create turnovers. We know their defense is No. 1 against the pass. Can the Raiders hold their own by creating turnovers at home?

P.S. The Raiders are leading the league in penalties by a lot. They’ve been able to win in spite of that. Can the Raiders keep it up? Or will those yards and points left on the field hurt Oakland?