Oakland Raiders: Best-Case Scenario for Second Half of 2016

How can the Oakland Raiders finish the 2016 season with a bang? What pitfalls will they have to avoid to clinch a playoff spot?

Through eights weeks, the Oakland Raiders have put together an impressive start to their 2016 campaign. How can this team sustain success into the postseason?

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The Silver and Black must accomplish a few crucial goals and hope for one positive outcome that’s out of their control. Thus far, the offense looks sharp with Derek Carr at the helm.

However, the bigger story is that the defense has shown steady improvement over the past several weeks:

As noted above, Oakland has surrendered fewer yards in each game since Week 5. Despite playing in an extra period against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the previous week, the Raiders gave up the fewest yards in a single game for the year.

Defensive coordinator Ken Norton deserves some credit for the overlooked strides on that side of the ball. His unit isn’t giving up yards to every team. There’s no shame in surrendering 500-plus yards against the top two offenses in the league with five new starting defenders. If it happened against the Tennessee Titans or Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s a bigger issue. But the Raiders held both teams in check for the most part.

What do the Raiders need to accomplish and hope for in the second half of 2016to keep rolling into the postseason?

Victories Over Division Rivals

Oakland can’t clinch a playoff spot without knocking off competition in their division.

If the Raiders plan on winning the AFC West, it’s important to establish the upper hand against their fiercest rivals. Oakland has a primetime matchup against the Denver Broncos in Week 9. They’ll play division opponents in three of their final four games.

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Oakland should aim to finish with a winning record within a tough group. The AFC West could send three teams to the playoffs like the 2014 postseason.

Derek Carr Avoid Second Half Drop off

Last year, quarterback Derek Carr started the season with 19 touchdown passes and four interceptions. However, he tossed 13 balls for scores and committed nine turnovers through the air in the second half of the season. Tough competition hurt his box score statistics as the offense hit a wall after Week 8.

This season, Carr has notched 17 touchdown passes. Five of the next eight opponents have .500 records or better. As the Raiders go through the tougher part of the schedule, their game play must improve to keep this team on the path to success. Oakland doesn’t have a victory over a club with a winning record, which will have to change in the second half of the year.

Offense Sets Up Shorter Field-Goal Attempts

Thus far, kicker Sebastian Janikowski has missed five field goals, all from 50-plus yards out. The all-time leader in games played as a Raider turned 38 this year.

He’s known for his strong leg. However, at this point, Janikowski doesn’t have long-range kicking accuracy he once did. His misfires place more pressure on the offense to shorten the distance to the goal line. Though eight weeks, Janikowski has converted a perfect 10-of-10 on attempts from 49 yards and shorter.

With the Raiders competing in tight contests nearly every week, Janikowski’s accuracy becomes crucial down the stretch. Despite being the record holder for most kicks 50 yards and beyond, he’s more effective from a closer distance in his 17th season.

Mario Edwards and Aldon Smith Return

The final aspect to finishing a strong campaign goes beyond the Raiders control. Commissioner Roger Goodell will make a decision on defensive lineman Aldon Smith in the next couple of weeks. If Smith completes protocol for reinstatement, he’s eligible to rejoin the team in Week 11 after a year-long suspension.

Smith’s return would immediately bolster the pass rush. As he rounds back into football shape, his presence would also strengthen the run defense. After a year of inactivity, the Raiders shouldn’t expect the edge-rusher in full form until the last few weeks of the season. Nonetheless, Smith would provide a fresh body during the postseason while most players cope with nagging injuries.

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Defensive end Mario Edwards continues to work out with trainers, but he’s yet to practice with the team, per San Jose Mercury News reporter Jimmy Durkin. He’s probably going to miss Sunday’s prime-time game. There’s a better chance for his return after a Week 10 bye, which puts him on track to play in Mexico City against the Houston Texans.

Similar to Smith, Edwards’ play significantly boosts the run defense and occupies lead blockers, which allows defensive lineman Khalil Mack to take advantage of one-on-one opportunities off the edge. Ranking No. 28 in run defense and sacks, the Raiders defense would show substantial improvement with both defensive linemen back in action.