Carr, Mack form foundation
Sensational second years provide hope
During an offseason dominated by relocation talk, the Oakland Raiders quietly rebuilt their defense to complement rising quarterback Derek Carr.
Carr took a major leap in his second season in the NFL, leading the Raiders to four more wins and establishing himself as a team leader.
He benefited from the new system instituted when Bill Musgrave was hired as offensive coordinator last season. And with Musgrave back, Carr could improve on last season’s numbers.
“I think it helps that he doesn’t have to learn a new language again,” Musgrave said. “Two years in the league, two different systems, now this year he can feel like he has a good grasp of it and start putting his own spin on things and can put his own signature on the system.”
Carr was able to keep the Raiders in games, but the defense ranked 22nd overall in yards and points allowed. The secondary couldn’t stop anyone, and Oakland was 26th in passing yards allowed.
Khalil Mack was one of the lone bright spots for Ken Norton’s defense, but he didn’t have much help in the pass rush. He racked up about 40% of the Raiders’ sack production.
The Raiders brought in free agents Bruce Irvin, Reggie Nelson and Sean Smith on defense, and Mack says the defensive unit could be one of the best in the league.
“If you look at that Broncos defense, they’re one of the best defenses in NFL history last year,” Mack said. “They did a lot to make the quarterback uncomfortable. We can do those types of things and still put our own little twist on it. We can be that good.”
With Carr leading the offense and Mack leading the defense, the Raiders have the pieces to take them to the next level. Considering that the Denver Broncos have a question mark at quarterback, the Raiders might have a small opportunity to advance in the AFC West.
QUARTERBACK
Carr made the Pro Bowl last season, throwing for 717 more yards and 11 more touchdowns than he did as a rookie in 2014. His comfort with the offense and his leadership on the field showed when games were on the line, and he led four game-winning drives last season. Oakland drafted former Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook in the fourth round when he started to slip. He will compete with Matt McGloin to be Carr’s backup.
RUNNING BACK
Latavius Murray shined in his first full season as a starter, rushing for 1,066 yards, though his yards per carry dropped from 5.2 to 4.0. He will begin the season as the every-down back — his bigger body makes him a good blocker on pass plays — but coach Jack Del Rio could elect to use fifthround pick DeAndre Washington as a change-of-pace back. Washington showed in college that he could be a weapon in the passing game, but his size (5-8) remains a question.