Oakland Raiders 2015 Preseason Primer

Aug 2, 2015; Napa, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws a pass at training camp at the Napa Valley Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterbacks

This may be the second easiest group on the entire team to cover. The fate of the Raiders rests on the shoulders and head of their young quarterback Derek Carr. After a first season where he posted over 20 touchdowns and only 12 interceptions, Carr is primed and ready to take another huge step. Unlike some quarterbacks who have a sophomore slump, the bulk of Derek’s game is played in his head. With an offensive coordinator like Bill Musgrave who is showing early on that he was not joking when he said he learned from Chip Kelly (he has introduced the practice of using RC cars to run routes, a practice that is a Kelly staple), Carr can easily be put in a position where he is allowed to get the ball out quickly and not risk his body.

I am keeping my expectations for this offense relatively modest, however, the key difference we may see in the offense this year as opposed to Greg Olson’s offense, is the use of 11 personnel (one back and one tight end) as the base personnel group. By bringing in the third wide receiver or by using a movement tight end like Rivera in the slot similarly to how Peyton Manning used Dallas Clark, the Raiders can loosen the box and create a more efficient running game. If Musgrave is able to include even a small amount of creativity, and dare I suggest more than three shallow crosses a year, the Raider’s offense could see a significant jump.

Next: Preseason Primer: Running Backs