5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 8
By Brad Weiss
![OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Running back Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders picks up 12 yards against inside linebacker Edwin Jackson #53 of the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter on December 24, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 33-25. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 24: Running back Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders picks up 12 yards against inside linebacker Edwin Jackson #53 of the Indianapolis Colts in the second quarter on December 24, 2016 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California. The Raiders won 33-25. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)](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-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F637181364-850x560-7f089cac753ab66f4ea0fa85901509861d5aa1765f277a97b97ab223f10c4f12.jpg)
Derek Carr throws for 300 yards
Sure, Amari Cooper is gone, but he barely showed up at times this season anyway, and Derek Carr was still able to put up a bunch of yards. This offensive passing attack has been led by Jared Cook the last two seasons, and he will once again be a focal point in the offense against a very beatable Colts secondary.
Malik Hooker is out this weekend for the Colts, and the Raiders still have talented guys on the outside in Jordy Nelson and Martavis Bryant. In addition, Marcell Ateman is making his NFL debut, and he looked great this summer, giving Carr another big body to throw to on the outside.
Carr is a very talented quarterback, and he should have time to work against a Colts defensive line that has a hard time getting to the quarterback. This defense has allowed a ton of points this season, and while they played better last weekend, that was against the Buffalo Bills, who were trotting out Derek Anderson under center.