San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Around the NFL
Las Vegas Raiders preview; complete schedule; team breakdowns.
Derek Carr vowed to quiet the doubters in his seventh season as quarterback of the Raiders.
He looked like one of the top young passers in the league in 2016 but has been unable to lead an offense to even a 20pointpergame average the past three seasons. A poor supporting cast and adjustments to new systems set the Raiders back on offense.
But the ingredients should be in place now to determine whether Carr still has what it takes to lead the franchise.
Speedy receiver Henry Ruggs III was drafted 12th overall, teaming with breakout tight end Darren Waller, versatile back Josh Jacobs and slot receiver Hunter Renfrow to give the team what could be its most complete offense since coach Jon Gruden returned in 2018.
“The opportunities are limitless,” Carr said. “I think that’s what Coach Gruden wanted. He just wanted a whole bunch of different versatile guys that he can call this or he can call that . ... He’s going to make sure that he’s going to stress you out with every ability that we have, and in that room there is just so many things.”
Carr did some things well last year when he set career highs in yards per attempt (7.9), rating (100.8) and completion percentage (70.4). But that didn’t translate into points as the team averaged only 19.6 thanks to poor performance in the red zone and a lack of big plays.
“We need a healthy supporting cast,” Gruden said. “It helps when (tackle) Trent Brown plays. It helps when (guard) Gabe Jackson is healthy. It helps when we have Josh Jacobs back there.”
Pandemic fallout: The excitement over the move to Las Vegas has been tempered by the fact no fans are allowed because of the coronavirus.
“It’s crushing,” Gruden said. “I know how bad it hurts our owner, Mark Davis. He set this thing up, I don’t know how he did it, but he’s crushed. I know he’s crushed for not being able to let his fans in here.”
Secondyear standouts: The Raiders got more production out of rookies in 2019 than perhaps any team, leading the NFL in sacks, touchdowns and yards from scrimmage by firstyear players. Maxx Crosby had 10 sacks, Jacobs led all rookies with 1,150 yards rushing, and Renfrow and Foster Moreau were capable receiving options.
That group can contribute even more this year. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell, last year’s No. 4 overall selection, added strength in the offseason and is being counted on for more production than the 41⁄2 sacks he had as a rookie. Cornerback Trayvon Mullen, a secondround pick, could take another step forward after showing flashes after taking over as a starter in the second half of the season, and safety Johnathan Abram (firstround pick) provides energy on defense after going down with a seasonending shoulder injury last year.
Carr’s insurance: The Raiders have invested more money in the offensive line than any other team in 2020, and are counting on that to be the strength of the offense. Rodney Hudson has been a top passblocking center for years and leads the group. Brown is one of the top right tackles when healthy, and Kolton Miller improved took a big step forward in his second year at left tackle. Richie Incognito didn’t miss a step at left guard after sitting out 2018, and Jackson at right guard should be healthy this season, giving Carr plenty of time to throw.
Rebuilt defense: The Raiders have struggled at all levels on defense since Paul Guenther took over as coordinator in 2018. The pass rush hasn’t been able to make up for the trade of Khalil Mack, the linebackers struggled in pass coverage, and the secondary has been a revolving door of mediocre play.
Guenther should have at least four new starters, with the secondary upgraded by firstround cornerback Damon Arnette. But the key is at linebacker, where free agents Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski are the team’s best pair at the position in more than a decade.
Backing up: The Raiders brought in their most accomplished backup QB since Carr arrived in 2014 when they signed 2015 No. 2 overall draft pick Marcus Mariota to a deal that guarantees him $7.5 million this season. Mariota lost his job to Ryan Tannehill last year in Tennessee but is poised to take over if Carr struggles.