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4 reasons the 2019 Oakland Raiders are a playoff team

By Nick Ellis

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 20: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders drops back to pass during the third quarter of a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 20: Derek Carr #4 of the Oakland Raiders drops back to pass during the third quarter of a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 20, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 03: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball against the Detroit Lions at RingCentral Coliseum on November 03, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 03: Josh Jacobs #28 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball against the Detroit Lions at RingCentral Coliseum on November 03, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Rookies are starting to put it together

The Raiders rolled into this season with an extremely young team, starting a lot of rookies on both sides of the ball.

In the first part of the season, the rookies did not do a whole lot. Clelin Ferrell has been marked as a disappointment, Hunter Renfrow was not making many big plays, and Johnathan Abram is out for the year.

Over the last few weeks, rookies have shown their improvement and they are getting comfortable with the schemes and plays the coaches are putting in front of them. Josh Jacobs is the clear best rookie on the team, as he is already one of the best running backs in the entire league.

Hunter Renfrow has been a big part of the offense over the last two weeks, scoring touchdowns in both games, including a game-winner against the Lions. Not only is Renfrow finding the end zone, but he is picking up huge third downs for the team consistently.

Foster Moreau has played a similar role to Renfrow in the receiving game, making big plays on third down all season, and finding the end zone on multiple occasions this season, being a great compliment to Darren Waller.

Although Clelin Ferrell is not filling up the stat sheet, he is making big plays for the Raiders and does not deserve as much hate as he is receiving. Ferrell made the game-winning play against the Lions, reading the play action and getting after Matt Stafford on the final play of the game, forcing him to get rid of the ball quickly and not let the pay develop. He also stepped up big against the Chargers, recording 2.5 sacks.

Maxx Crosby has been another surprise for the Raiders, looking like a starter for years to come. Crosby does it all, whether it is getting to the quarterback, forcing fumbles, or batting the ball at the line. He made a huge difference against the Chargers on Thursday, having ten QB pressures.

This rookie class is looking like the best in the NFL, and they are only getting better. If they continue to improve, this team is going to look like a real threat.

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