Buy or Sell: Oakland Raiders vs. San Diego Chargers

Buy or Sell is a weekly series that will examine statements about the Oakland Raiders and provide a “buy” or “sell” response. This is the Week 5 edition.

4-1 and tied for first place in the division — not things typically associated with the Oakland Raiders. But five weeks into the season, here we are.

After yet another thrilling win, this time against the Chargers, there is plenty to discuss — both good and bad.

Let’s examine some of the thoughts and opinions that have been discussed by Raider Nation in the days following the big win.

A statement will be given, and the answer will be given in a Buy/Sell format.

Perry Riley should start over Malcolm Smith going forward.

Buy.

This might feel reactionary, suggesting a newcomer in Perry Riley to replace a mainstay starter in Malcolm Smith after just one game — and a game where Malcolm was banged up, as opposed to being benched for poor play. But I’m taking the bait.

Malcolm has been shaky at best in 2016, and the only real reason he hasn’t been removed from action is because of the lack of options behind him. Now that Riley is on the team, that’s no longer the case.

And this wouldn’t be a move to replace Malcolm just for the sake of replacing him, or just to plug in any guy with a pulse — Riley was damn good in his Raiders debut, leading the team in tackles and also forcing a fumble on Antonio Gates.

You also have to consider that Riley is still new to the scheme and some of the terminology that is used, and he was of course completely unfamiliar with his new teammates. Which makes how well he played even more impressive, and it’s not unreasonable to say he’ll get even better as he gets comfortable in Oakland.

So why not give Riley a shot as the starter, even if Malcolm is healthy? The defense has been bad nearly all season, and any potential improvement should be given a chance. If Riley has a poor showing next time out, then simply just go back to Malcolm. No harm in that.