5 reasons the Raiders exceed expectation in 2018
By Brad Weiss
More weapons for Derek Carr
Last season, the Raiders saw tight end Jared Cook led the team in receiving yards, which is certainly not going to happen again. This offseason, the Raiders did let Michael Crabtree walk, taking away one of the Carr’s favorite weapons, but they brought him back so much more in return.
Jordy Nelson will take Crabtree’s place behind Amari Cooper on the wide receiver depth chart, and he should be just as productive as he always is. His statistics took a dip last season, but his quarterback was also Brett Hundley for most of 2017, so it is understandable that he would put up weaker numbers than when Aaron Rodgers is getting him the ball.
Martavis Bryant was traded for during the 2018 NFL Draft, and he brings incredible athleticism, and talent to the wide receiver group. He is going to give this offense a completely different look in the passing game, and Carr has to be excited with having three legitimate game-breakers at the wide receiver position on every play.
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Coming off a six-win season, it is reasonable that the media and the oddsmakers would be down on the Raiders. Add to that fact that Gruden is coaching for the first time in a decade, and you can see why the team has low expectations in 2018. Let them think what they want, because this roster is solid, and the team has the right coaches pushing the right buttons.