Spayer419
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Coming off a successful 10-6 campaign marred by a disappointing 2-game losing skid which kept them out of the playoffs, there is finally reason for Raider Nation to be optimistic again as autumn arrives. Led by a prolific offense and a tenacious front four, the Raiders are poised to make a serious run, not only at the playoffs, but also at the Lombardi Trophy.
Offensively the Silver and Black are led by third-year quarterback Derrick Carr, who will miss the opener with a torn shoulder but should make a full recovery heading into a week 2 showdown with Carolina, who went 14-1-1 last season before losing in the NFC title game. Carr played extremely well down the stretch last season, avoiding turnovers while stretching the field vertically with his big arm. This will be a make-or-break season for Carr, as the Raiders need to decide if he truly is a franchise quarterback. Internally the organization have nothing but confidence in the Fresno State grad, and quietly think he can be in for a pro-bowl season.
The organization’s confidence in their quarterback is partly attributed to the supporting cast that is now around their signal caller. The Raiders invested heavily in the offensive side of the ball, adding pass-catching back Andre Ellington and veteran slot man Victor Cruz in free agency, while using all of their first four picks on the offensive side of the ball. First-round selection James Jeffrey is slotted to start at left tackle, but it’s been third-round pick Brenden Rucker who’s shined most brightly on the line while solidifying his position at right guard.
Perhaps the most notable rookie this preseason has been fourth-round pick Evonte Patrick, who has flash elite athleticism and the ability to play both out wide and from the slot. Internally there is a feeling that Patrick could be the Raiders version of Antonio Brown, and there is plenty of optimism surrounding second-round pick Denolious Hatcher, who is poised to be an elite pass catching tight end moving forward.
Evonte Patrick has drawn comparisons to Antonio Brown this preseason
The new guard joins a very potent group of returning skill players, led by second-year wideout Amari Cooper, veteran Michael Crabtree, and do-it-all tailback Latavius Murray.
“We feel like our skill players can line up and compete with anybody in the league,” said owner EL Spayer. “You’re going to see us try to get the ball out quick and let these young guys beat defenders in space. I think a lot of what we do will model the New England Patriots of the last decade.”
Defensively the Raiders are led by a front four being touted as the best in football, led by Khalil Mack, Aldon Smith, Dan Williams and new addition Haloti Ngata. The unit is touting itself as the “four rushmen” and it will be interesting to see how opposing teams attempt to counter a group of four that generally all require double teams.
Some pundits around the league questioned the Raiders offseason strategy of spending so much of their funds and cap in resigning Aldon Smith and adding Haloti Ngata, while ignoring their struggling linebacker and secondary unit with positive additions potentially on the market. Spayer sees it differently.
“We preach the concept of Nine Units Strong. We believe to be at our maximum capacity, all 9 units (QB, HB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, CB, S) need to be able to perform at an elite level.
“With that said, sometimes the strategy to get to nine strong isn’t as clear as people externally think it is. Sure, we had the opportunity to add to add a linebacker or defensive back. But whether it was through free agency or through the draft, we did not feel that there were players available in those areas that would improve us to the point that the unit would be more than average, or even above average.
“If you have 9 above average units, you’ll be an above average football team. Last year we were above average, 10-6. That wasn’t good enough. We need to strive to be better. So what did we do? We made one of our units, the defensive line, to be truly elite. What we feel is the best in the league. And now that impacts the other defensive units. Because you can’t block our four with five. You’ll have to keep a sixth back. But then the defense has less to cover. If the offense does block with five, then the QB won’t have time to throw. We feel like we addressed our needs, just in a different way.”
Offensively the Silver and Black are led by third-year quarterback Derrick Carr, who will miss the opener with a torn shoulder but should make a full recovery heading into a week 2 showdown with Carolina, who went 14-1-1 last season before losing in the NFC title game. Carr played extremely well down the stretch last season, avoiding turnovers while stretching the field vertically with his big arm. This will be a make-or-break season for Carr, as the Raiders need to decide if he truly is a franchise quarterback. Internally the organization have nothing but confidence in the Fresno State grad, and quietly think he can be in for a pro-bowl season.
The organization’s confidence in their quarterback is partly attributed to the supporting cast that is now around their signal caller. The Raiders invested heavily in the offensive side of the ball, adding pass-catching back Andre Ellington and veteran slot man Victor Cruz in free agency, while using all of their first four picks on the offensive side of the ball. First-round selection James Jeffrey is slotted to start at left tackle, but it’s been third-round pick Brenden Rucker who’s shined most brightly on the line while solidifying his position at right guard.
Perhaps the most notable rookie this preseason has been fourth-round pick Evonte Patrick, who has flash elite athleticism and the ability to play both out wide and from the slot. Internally there is a feeling that Patrick could be the Raiders version of Antonio Brown, and there is plenty of optimism surrounding second-round pick Denolious Hatcher, who is poised to be an elite pass catching tight end moving forward.
Evonte Patrick has drawn comparisons to Antonio Brown this preseason
The new guard joins a very potent group of returning skill players, led by second-year wideout Amari Cooper, veteran Michael Crabtree, and do-it-all tailback Latavius Murray.
“We feel like our skill players can line up and compete with anybody in the league,” said owner EL Spayer. “You’re going to see us try to get the ball out quick and let these young guys beat defenders in space. I think a lot of what we do will model the New England Patriots of the last decade.”
Defensively the Raiders are led by a front four being touted as the best in football, led by Khalil Mack, Aldon Smith, Dan Williams and new addition Haloti Ngata. The unit is touting itself as the “four rushmen” and it will be interesting to see how opposing teams attempt to counter a group of four that generally all require double teams.
Some pundits around the league questioned the Raiders offseason strategy of spending so much of their funds and cap in resigning Aldon Smith and adding Haloti Ngata, while ignoring their struggling linebacker and secondary unit with positive additions potentially on the market. Spayer sees it differently.
“We preach the concept of Nine Units Strong. We believe to be at our maximum capacity, all 9 units (QB, HB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, CB, S) need to be able to perform at an elite level.
“With that said, sometimes the strategy to get to nine strong isn’t as clear as people externally think it is. Sure, we had the opportunity to add to add a linebacker or defensive back. But whether it was through free agency or through the draft, we did not feel that there were players available in those areas that would improve us to the point that the unit would be more than average, or even above average.
“If you have 9 above average units, you’ll be an above average football team. Last year we were above average, 10-6. That wasn’t good enough. We need to strive to be better. So what did we do? We made one of our units, the defensive line, to be truly elite. What we feel is the best in the league. And now that impacts the other defensive units. Because you can’t block our four with five. You’ll have to keep a sixth back. But then the defense has less to cover. If the offense does block with five, then the QB won’t have time to throw. We feel like we addressed our needs, just in a different way.”
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