What the Oakland Raiders have to build on

Sep 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) calls an audible during the game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bottom Line

Carr got more than just his feet wet on Sunday—he jumped all the way in the pool against one of the NFL’s best defenses. And while he wasn’t perfect, he handled it and at the end of the game, he showed he doesn’t need to throw a bunch of bubble screens. So this Sunday, I’m expecting the Raiders to open up the playbook for the rookie and attack the Texans down the field as Texans defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel is not Ryan.

Having Ausberry and his 4.4 speed back at tight end will also help with that while not giving away the play based on personnel because he blocks too. I hope Jones-Drew’s  hand is okay but it would be nice to see a back with McFadden’s talent get more than four carries while healthy. And now, I see why Jones has so many touchdowns the last few years as he can go get that fade and make catches in traffic.

Defensively, I’m hopeful that the vets on the d-line will bounce back from Week 1 and get after the quarterback. But with Moore and Mack blitzing more and Chekwa helping the coverage, the front seven will to get to the quarterback.  Woodson and Branch will be lurking at the safeties too so I’m looking for more turnovers from the Raiders defense than in Week 1.

Nick Roach is reportedly getting better so let’s hope he’s out there because that will immensely improve the run defense as Burris is awful. Having Roach back is the difference between 85 yards and 212 yards rushing for opposing teams and in one play, the difference between a gain of one or 71. And everyone that saw the game noticed that was the difference between the Raiders being 0-1 or 1-0 going into Week 2.

Just win baby.