Raiders plot lines
ANY LINGERING EFFECTS FROM DEREK CARR’S INJURY?
It sure doesn't seem like he's at all bothered by the fractured fibula he suffered last Dec. 24 that ended his — and effectively, the Raiders' — season. He's physically fine and mentally strong, although he's yet to go through an entire game against defenders.
DOES MARSHAWN LYNCH HAVE ANYTHING LEFT?
His homecoming to Oakland is a fun story and is lifting plenty of spirits around town. But can Beast Mode still activate beast mode? He sat out all of last season and was besieged by injuries when he last played in 2015. His final game saw him carry six times for 20 yards in a playoff loss to the Carolina Panthers.
IS THE DEFENSE ANY BETTER?
It was bad last season to the point that not even NFL Defensive Player of the Year Khalil Mack could lift them to mediocrity. It's a stretch to find concrete reasons why they'll be better this year. The hope lies in the secondary improving under new assistant head coach John Pagano and in maintaining the health of Mario Edwards Jr., who started camp with a hamstring injury. The jury is out.
Raiders DE Khalil Mack sacks Broncos’ Trevor Siemian in November.
JOSE CARLOS FAJARDO
IS TOO MUCH BEING PUT ON THIS ROOKIE CLASS?
The Raiders really got limited rewards last season from their draft class, yet they go into 2017 almost needing their latest crop of rookies to be impactful. Cornerback Gareon Conley, safety Obi Melifonwu, defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes and inside linebacker Marquel Lee could all have starting or major roles.
CAN THEY AVOID THE DISTRACTIONS?
This team now definitely is moving to Las Vegas, probably in 2020. As coach Jack Del Rio put it, football seasons are like dog years so that seems 21 years away to most of them. But players will still get asked questions and their answers will be scrutinized by jilted fans. If the team starts to struggle on the field, it could become a bigger issue.
SUBPLOTS FOR MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACKS
Too many cooks?
No, this isn't about Jared and Connor Cook. Jack Del Rio hired former Chargers defensive coordinator John Pagano as an assistant head coach for defense. Ken Norton Jr. is still the Raiders' DC, but could there be some stepping on toes with so many strong voices?
Janikowski’s last hurrah?
The 39-year-old kicker is in the final year of his contract and the Raiders aren't likely to pay him $4 million again next year. Could his 18th season be his final in the Silver and Black?
Tougher slate
It's not just the extra road game again with the trip to Mexico City. The Raiders have on paper the fourth most difficult schedule in the league. Their opponents combined for a .564 winning percentage.