Oakland Raiders: 3 Players to watch vs. Rams in Week 1

OAKLAND, CA - AUGUST 19: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders looks to throw a pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first quarter of their preseason NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on August 19, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 18: Tank Carradine #96 and Jason Cabinda #46 of the Oakland Raiders defend against Brandon Allen #8 of the Los Angeles Rams during the second half of a preseason game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on August 18, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Tank Carradine

The loss of Mack puts Tank Carradine in the spotlight. It does not help that Mack lit up the Green Bay Packers with and interception, touchdown and a sack. Carradine steps up in the position Mack played but is in no way a replacement. Carradine and others will have to carry the load Mack once carried.

More important than just Carradine, how will the entire front seven respond to the changes. Who will step up their game to ensure victory?

Fadol Brown had a good showing in the preseason. But can he repeat his performance when the bullets are flying for real? Bruce Irvin is a staple at the other side, but one person can only do so much to solidify a defense. Arden Key has come on strong, but is he a pass rusher only? The emergence of Shilique Calhoun is a welcome sight.

But will it be enough to stop a terrific Rams running game? The Rams boast one of the league’s best rushing attacks behind Todd Gurley. The Raiders defensive ends will be the focal point of the Rams rushing attack given the uncertainty at the position. The Rams will also look to but the starting defensive ends in a bind schematically just to test them.

How the defensive ends respond to the challenge is a major factor for the Raiders success.

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