Oakland Raiders have improved in 2015, but still climbing

Oct 11, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) throws a pass against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

I know the last game the Oakland Raiders played was a heartbreaking loss to the Denver Broncos last Sunday to fall to 2-3, but the Raiders and Raider Nation should be encouraged by the season so far. No, I don’t believe in moral victories and they’ve let plenty of opportunities slip through their fingers but that is what young, newly put together teams do.

Young receivers like Seth Roberts miss reading blitzes and don’t look for the ball on hot reads. Young corners like T.J. Carrie, even though he played well, missed opportunities to get interceptions. I just can’t excuse Sebastian Janikowski for missing two chip shot field goals because he’s a veteran, but the youth of the Raiders has played a big part in some

But still, the last time the Broncos were in town, they put 47 points up on the Raiders to their 17. The fact the Raiders had all those missed opportunities and still only lost by six on a touchdown that was practically handed to the Broncos on an unfortunate miscue should tell you something. This is a good, young team in the making, but they’re not there yet and need to continue to grow.

How long will it take?

It could start after the bye, three weeks from now or next year but it’s going to happen by next year. The last two losses have been painful lessons learned by youngsters that go through things like that. That’s why I told all that would listen to temper their expectations because the team still needs to grow.

Now thay they’ve had these painful lessons, there are still some winnable games out there for them. And there are so many things that you can look at and be happy to know the Raiders have come a long way. Not just from last year but from game one to game five, you can see growth.

Turn the page for a look at that growth the Raiders have been fostering over the first five games of the season.

Next: Coaching staff fixing things