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3 Reasons why the Oakland Raiders will win the AFC West

By Thomas Wheaton

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with fans after a win against the Detroit Lions at RingCentral Coliseum on November 03, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 03: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders celebrates with fans after a win against the Detroit Lions at RingCentral Coliseum on November 03, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 27: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders yells at the officials during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – OCTOBER 27: Head coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders yells at the officials during a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Gruden’s offense is clicking

In year two it really is beginning to appear like Jon Gruden’s true offensive vision is being portrayed on the field. Similar to Derek Carr‘s great 2016 season when he entered year two under Jack Del Rio and Bill Musgrave, Carr is having a tremendous season in year two under Gruden and offensive coordinator Greg Olson.

Carr is having a career year and has been a huge reason for the Raiders success. His game-winning drive on Thursday night was the 19th of his career, once again showing how clutch he is in big situations. Through nine games Carr has 2,202 yards with a 70.8% completion percentage and has thrown for 14 touchdowns with only four interceptions. Also, he is doing all of this with a makeshift wide receivers unit.

Part of Carr’s success is derived from the ability to run the ball, which is attributed to the behemoth offensive line and the play of rookie running back Josh Jacobs. The first round draft pick is the favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year and for good reason, he has been dynamite. Already the franchise’s leading rookie rusher, passing the great Marcus Allen, Jacobs has 168 attempts for 811 yards and seven touchdowns.

The emergence of tight end Darren Waller has been pivotal to the offense as well. His narrative has been well documented this season and boy has it been a pleasure to watch him play. His connection with Carr has been apparent from the get go and is sure to remain for seasons to come. This offense is dangerous, a top ten unit in the NFL with ease, and is good enough to carry the team to a potential division title this season.

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