What We Know About the Oakland Raiders Through Five Weeks

Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepares to throw a pass against the San Diego Chargers in the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepares to throw a pass against the San Diego Chargers in the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Through five weeks, here is what we know about the 2016 Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders entered this season as everybody’s sexy pick to make the playoffs. Through five weeks, the Raiders are 4-1 and tied for first place in the AFC West with the Denver Broncos.

The first year out of the rebuilding process looks good so far, but there are definitely some reasons for concern. Without further adieu, here are some things, good and bad, that we know about the Oakland Raiders through five weeks.

Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepares to throw a pass against the San Diego Chargers in the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepares to throw a pass against the San Diego Chargers in the first quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

1. The offense is lethal

Duh. The Raiders rank inside the top 10 in nearly every offensive category. Derek Carr has spearheaded the offensive renaissance, as Raider Nation finally has the franchise quarterback they have been searching for since Rich Gannon left.

Carr continues to get better and better, sitting among the top of many analysts’ early MVP rankings. Carr, protected by his new and improved offensive line, coupled with his elite wide receiving core of “hands team” All-American Michael Crabtree, playmaker Amari Cooper, and end zone serpent Seth Roberts can be directly thanked for the Raiders early season success.

If offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave took the training wheels off of the playbook, this explosive offense could reach new heights.