Oakland Raiders Preseason Week 1: Keys to the Game

Jul 30, 2016; Napa, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) throws a pass as quarterback Derek Carr (4) watches at training camp at the Napa Valley Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2016; Napa, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) throws a pass as quarterback Derek Carr (4) watches at training camp at the Napa Valley Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Jul 30, 2016; Napa, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) throws a pass as quarterback Derek Carr (4) watches at training camp at the Napa Valley Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2016; Napa, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) throws a pass as quarterback Derek Carr (4) watches at training camp at the Napa Valley Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Efficient passing game

Obviously, they want their quarterbacks to not turn the ball over. The Raiders will get their first test at this via a stingy Cardinals defense.

Derek Carr needs to come in playing efficient. He needs to make the right reads and hit his guys in the chest. Carr enters his second-season with most of his key skill-players, so we want to see the chemistry.

More importantly, it is only the first preseason game. Therefore, Carr does not need to do too much.

Either way, this should remain a key for most of Oakland’s season.

Even when Carr comes out, expect Matt McGloin and Connor Cook to keep the consistency. Neither are much of gunslingers, but rely on a smarts and game management. Both players are in the middle of a competition for the second-string role, so it will be interesting to see who plays more efficient.

Next: The D-Line

Schedule