Oakland Raiders: Strengths and weaknesses before preseason finale
Strength: The Entire Offense
On every level, the Raiders have shown surprising depth on offense. It starts with the quarterback Derek Carr and receiver Amari Cooper connection.
In the preseason, Carr has completed 63 percent of his passes with two interceptions and one interception. His training camp roommate Cooper caught six passes for 79 yards and one touchdown. Not to mention, we know Seth Roberts and Michael Crabtree will build on their 2015 performances thanks to more chemistry with Carr.
Added, the Raiders featured some quality depth pieces late. Although they’re playing lesser competition, receiver Johnny Holten has one less catch, one less yard, and one less touchdown than Cooper.
Quarterback Connor Cook has also made strides this preseason.
Plus, the offensive line has looked good. We knew the starters would play well. However, the reserves do not look bad with versatile players like Austin Howard (Yes, I think Menelik Watson won the right tackle position) and Jon Feliciano having the ability to play across the line. The entire unit only allowed one sack through three games, which is great considering first, second and third string linemen all played.
Then, you got the running backs which have been the story of training camp. Everyone talks about DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard as the stars of camp. Washington is the leading rusher through three preseason games. Plus, George Atkinson III played well in the first two games. Our backup runners are so good, we are not even talking about our first two running backs on the depth chart Latavius Murray and Taiwan Jones.
As a unit, the Raiders average more than five yards a carry in the preseason. If they maintain that, the Raiders will play with a lot of short third downs. That is always ideal for an offense.
Further, the Raiders have not even really utilized their depth at fullback and tight end.
Sounds like the Raiders could have a very good offense. Added, they have the depth to keep playing great offense through the entire regular season.
Next: Secondary