5 Reasons the Oakland Raiders Can Win the AFC West
By Segun Giwa
![Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52), cornerback T.J. Carrie (38) and cornerback David Amerson (29) at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Jun 15, 2016; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52), cornerback T.J. Carrie (38) and cornerback David Amerson (29) at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Ffiles-2F2016-2F08-2F9346336-khalil-mack-david-amerson-nfl-oakland-raiders-minicamp-832x560-c4174bd77015ba4ff25927ad89942b53cd73955946de28321c31137d9b417846.jpg)
2. Young stars should take the next step
The Raiders’ goal is clear as day. Build around their franchise cornerstones and ride them to the promise land.
Last season folks around the league finally started to put some respek on Derek Carr’s name. He threw some costly interceptions last year, but with an improved o-line, run game, and another season with his top targets, he should have a breakout season.
Amari Cooper dropped a bunch of balls last season, but he still amassed over 1,000 yards while playing much of the season with a broken toe. His speed is next level, and reports have it that his connection with Carr is only growing.
And then there’s sack machine Khalil Mack. Mack was second in the league in sacks last season, and who could forget Mack’s five sack eruption vs. Denver in Week 14. Mack straight up took over that game, and we should see a lot more of those dominant performances in 2016.