Oakland Raiders: 2018 Season preview, prediction and more
By Joel W. Cade
The Offense
The Raiders offense is the strength of the team. With quarterback Derek Carr leading the team, the Raiders are established at the most important position on the field. Carr is not perfect and cannot carry a team by himself. So he will need to lean on his weapons for the Raider to have success. Lucky for Carr and the Raiders, there are weapons aplently.
The running back room is defined by Marshawn Lynch. Beastmode is a power back who will serve as the primary ball carrier. His backup Doug Martin is a proven commodity in the NFL. The Raiders are set to attack the AFC West with a powerful rushing attack.
The receiving group has questions around the third receiver position. But at least the first receiver and second receivers are established veterans. Amari Cooper is still ascending as a player while Jordy Nelson is descending. Seth Roberts may be a place holder until the versatile Brandon LaFell gets up to speed. The Raiders have a very good receiving group.
The offensive line is stacked. The interior three may be the best in the NFL. The addition of Kolton Miller at left tackle allowed Gruden to move Pro-Bowl left tackle Donald Penn to the right side. This group is strong and established.
The offense will be fun to watch this season. They should put up a lot of points. They may need to put up a lot of points given the depleted state of the defense.