Oakland Raiders Week 1 review: 3 stars and 3 duds

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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs the ball for a first down in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

3 Up

Josh Jacobs

Having to alter the offensive, many expected the first-round pick Josh Jacobs to be heavily featured on Monday Night. Safe to say, Jacobs did not disappoint. The rookie totaled 113 total scrimmage yards (85 yards on the ground, 28 receiving) and ran for two touchdowns. Josh Jacobs showed burst, a knack for finding holes at the line of scrimmage, and looks like the real deal heading into the rest of the season.

Derek Carr

Many assumed this is a “make or break” type of season for Derek Carr, and now without their prized offseason acquisition not in the fold, those same critics wondered how Carr would respond in Week 1. How’s this for a response: 22-for-26 passing, 259 yards, and a touchdown with a 121.0 passer rating. Carr was clearly the better quarterback on the field and played the perfect game, scrambling and making plays when needed. Derek Carr also formed a nice chemistry with Tyrell Williams (105 yards and a touchdown) and tight end Darren Waller (seven catches for 70 yards).

Benson Mayowa

In reality, this could be given to the Raiders defense as a whole, as their stock undoubtedly rose after dominating the Broncos’ offense for a majority of the game. Yet a significant story of the game was the quarterback pressure generated on Joe Flacco. Flacco was taken down three times, and two of those sacks were at the hands of Benson Mayowa (who also forced a fumble). Mayowa was vital in Monday night’s pass rush, and the hope is that continues week-to-week.

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