Oakland Raiders: 5 Most important 2017 training camp battles

5. Controlling the Injury Pest

A trip to Houston and the Raiders first playoff game in 14 years was missing some key player contributions in January. Coming to camp in shape and ready to compete is often overlooked only until someone is out of shape and/or overweight, in which case they are shamed. These two factors, no matter how minimal, can not be understated.

A proper approach to strength and conditioning in the offseason often pays major dividends in December and January when it’s apparent who put the extra work in. Down the stretch, the Raiders were leaking oil into the postseason. The experience of failing teaches us how to better prepare oneself for a task.

Last season, durability was a major issue. Offensive players were dropping like flies and dealing with nagging injuries, while the defense wasn’t without its share of lumps either. Hopefully, with Year 2 of the upgraded training facility, the attention spent on conditioning and recovery will be enough pest control.

Even the best teams can be derailed by injuries if they start to mount. Thus, the Raiders, need to do their part in preventing what they can on that front as they head into camp.