Oakland Raiders: 3 reasons for optimism after Week 1

The Offense is Explosive

The Raiders offense played lights out from start to finish, as Derek Carr used all of his new weapons throughout the game.

Derek Carr opened the game with a touchdown drive, where he would find Tyrell Williams in the end zone on a great pass. The Carr to Williams connection would be a theme throughout the game, as Williams would record six receptions for 105 yards and a touchdown, along with a 43 yard bomb off a play action pass.

Darren Waller showed everyone what the Raiders players and coaches have been saying all training camp, as he used his speed and size to dominate the Broncos defense all night. Waller recorded seven receptions for 70 yards, making catches all over the field. It did not matter who the Broncos had covering him, he was a nightmare to cover.

The highlight of the Raiders offense was first round draft pick Josh Jacobs. Jacobs proved that he can do it all, from finding the hole with his great field vision, to running defenders over and breaking tackles.

Jacobs was the first rookie since Ladainian Tomlinson in 2001 to record over 100 total yards and 2 touchdowns in his NFL debut. Jacobs ran the ball 23 times in his first game, which is more than he ever had done at Alabama.

Jacobs proved why he was a first round pick Monday night, as he not only dominated the running game, but opened up the passing game as well. The Broncos were helpless when the Raiders ran play action, as they were so worried about Jacobs that they were never prepared for the pass.