The Raiders triumphed last week in a must-win situation, improving their record to 4-4 to stay in the playoff hunt.
But as Oakland enters the second half of the season a relevant team, the sense of urgency in the locker room must increase, and the execution on the field demands further tightening.
No longer will coach Jon Gruden’s bunch sneak up on opponents, unaware of the Raiders’ ability. Starting Thursday night against the Chargers, Oakland has an “X” on its chest just like the other contenders in the AFC.
Here are the players to watch during prime time, when the Raiders will attempt to climb the standings and gift wrap another loss for their division rival.
WR Zay Jones
Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones’ name appeared on this list the last couple weeks, but he’s yet to receive his own section—until this week, of course.
Oakland acquired Jones via trade way back on Oct. 7, so it’s time to watch this mid-season addition make an impact after the Raiders brought him along slowly.
He played 92 percent of the offensive snaps a week ago, so he has Gruden’s confidence. Watch to see if Jones can improve on his three catches against the Lions and have a breakout game as a Raider in front of a country-wide audience.
TE Darren Waller
Raiders tight end Darren Waller is another pass-catcher that could be in line for a big day. The much-celebrated tight end has been a bit quiet the last two weeks, with just 4 catches on 10 targets.
Defenses became wise to his skills and paid close attention recently, especially on play-action bootleg plays that worked like a charm early in the campaign. Gruden will find a way to get Waller the ball, however. He’s too skilled to receive just two targets, as he did last week.
QB Derek Carr
Quarterback Derek Carr’s season just gets better and better. And it’s been solid from the start.
On the campaign to date, Carr’s completion percentage is just over 71 percent and his quarterback rating stands at 105.2. He’s running Gruden’s west coast offense to near perfection.
Carr’s athletic ability in making off-script plays has come to light recently, as well, after Gruden made performing under pressure a point of emphasis in training camp.
“He made some plays yesterday scrambling too that are signature plays. Things that we’ve been really coaching and prodding him on, and he’s really responded,” Gruden said at his Nov. 4 press conference. “The touchdown to [Hunter] Renfrow; the bad snap, getting out of trouble and throwing it away saved us three points. [He’s] doing a lot of things at a high level.”
Perhaps most impressive, however, is Carr’s confidence and leadership, which spiked Sunday against the Lions, according to running back Jalen Richard. “I saw it in his eyes today, and it’s in his eyes all the time, but in times where you really, really need it, you just look at him and you see that greatness coming,” Richard said, according to The Athletic’s Jimmy Durkin.
Carr is thriving in all aspects of the game, just when the Raiders need him most. Watch to see if he can continue to operate Gruden’s offense with precision, maintaining possession of the football and scoring touchdowns.
DE Maxx Crosby
Remarkably, rookie defensive end Maxx Crosby is an every-down player now, and it’s time for him to take the next step and get after the quarterback when the Raiders defense is in dire need of a stop.
The fourth-round pick from Eastern Michigan played 93 percent of the snaps on defense last week. When the Raiders drafted him, Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock insisted Crosby needed to add strength and bulk to his frame, so that he’s played so much is a bit of a surprise.
But the 255-pound DE earned it with his performance. Watch to see if Crosby can turn his added experience and playing time into more production, especially in rushing the quarterback in crucial situations.
CB Isaiah Johnson
Set to make his NFL debut after landing on the injured reserve list to start the season, rookie defensive back Isaiah Johnson figures to be thrown right into the mix.
The Raiders traded starting CB, Gareon Conley, two weeks ago, intent on learning what their young players, led by rookie CB Trayvon Mullen, can do. Mullen started the last two weeks, and Johnson’s return comes at a good time. Daryl Worley, the team’s other starting CB, strained his Achillies against the Lions and Oakland has a short week to prepare.
Additionally, Gruden likely can’t wait to toss Johnson into the fray and watch his rookie perform. The coach’s praise of the Houston product has been lavish. Gruden even called Johnson the steal of the draft, though he’s yet to play a regular-season snap due to a fractured orbital bone suffered in the preseason.
That should change Thursday night. “We activated him. He’ll be hopefully up playing,” said Gruden. “Like we said a couple weeks ago when we made the trade, we’d like to see Isaiah play the second half of the season and see him develop,”
Watch to check up on Gruden’s scouting eye. He really likes this player. If the 6-foot-2, 210 pound Johnson is to become the cornerback Gruden envisions, he’ll at least flash ability Thursday night under the lights.
Johnson could be yet another addition to a fine rookie class, led by running back Josh Jacobs, who is always a player to watch. Due to their performance, they all deserve watching at this point. Another member of the class, first-round pick Johnathan Abram will return next year after landing on the injured reserve, further improving the impressive draft haul.
But it’s Gruden and Carr who must lead the way. Thus far, the Raiders’ mixture of youth and strong leadership from their coach and QB has proved effective. Watch to see if it’s the right formula to beat the Chargers after an emotional win and on a short week, not to mention in front of a rowdy Oakland crowd on national television—with playoff position in the balance.
