Las Vegas Raiders: 4 most exciting storylines heading into 2020

Las Vegas Raiders: 4 most exciting storylines heading into 2020

Raiders offense is due for a big year

The Raiders offense in 2019 was in the top half of the league in several stats that may surprise the casual fan. Gruden’s offense was 11th in the NFL in total yards, 9th in passing yardage, 13th in rushing, and 6th in yards per play. They had all the makings of a top-tier offense but they struggled when the margins for error got smaller in the red zone.

Many of these struggles could be chalked up to the injuries to weapons like Foster Moreau and Josh Jacobs at different periods of the season as well as the dependence on rookies and first-time starters who may not have fully grasped the intricacies of Gruden’s red zone offense. 2020 should be a different story altogether.

The Raiders will have continuity all over the offense with the addition of some intriguing weapons through free agency and the draft. Darren Waller is already a top-five tight end in the league and Josh Jacobs has all the makings of a Pro Bowl back so if the Raiders can get consistent production from the receiving group then big things are in store for the offense.

Derek Carr will also have the benefit of playing in the same offense for three years, the longest stretch of his career with this level of continuity. He had the best season of his career in terms of yards, yards per attempt, and QB rating in 2019 and should be growing more and more comfortable in the offense. This should be a top 7-10 unit in the NFL in every major category and anything less than that will be a major disappointment.