Oakland Raiders: 3 reasons for optimism after Week 1

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders jumps in to the crowd after scoring his second touchdown of the game against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders jumps in to the crowd after scoring his second touchdown of the game against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders hands the ball off to running back Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

The Oakland Raiders knew they needed to get off to a hot start in 2019, playing two straight games at home, and there is reason for optimism after Week 1.

There were a lot of questions surrounding the Oakland Raiders heading into Week 1, whether it was about Derek Carr, Jon Gruden, or the pass rush. All of those questions were answered on Monday Night Football.

The Raiders defeated the Broncos 24-16 Monday night, and the Raiders were clicking on all cylinders. Derek Carr had the offense rolling early, scoring on the first drive, the Raiders looked like they had a pass rush, and the offensive line did its job.

For Oakland, the page gets quickly turned, as they play host to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in another huge AFC West matchup. The Raiders have the talent to make this one a game, despite being ten-point under dogs, but overall, there is a lot to like about this team in 2019.

In an off season that the national media filled with negativity, let’s take a look at three reasons for optimism after week 1 of the NFL season.