The Raiders won their season opener against the rival Broncos on Monday night after an offseason full of distractions — namely the drama of former Raiders wide receiver, Antonio Brown. The negative energy that surrounded the squad has suddenly turned positive.
But they’d be wise not to read their press clippings. The Raiders must focus. They have a short week of practice to prepare for another rival, the Chiefs, who come to Oakland on Sunday.
Here are the five players to watch as the Raiders attempt to turn a feel-good opening night into a bona fide great start to their campaign.
RB Josh Jacobs
The Raiders appear to have the real deal on their hands when it comes to running back Josh Jacobs. He said he wants to be one of the best running backs in NFL history, and through one game, he’s backing that statement up.
Jacobs was the first NFL player to debut with more than 100 scrimmage-yards and two touchdowns since Chargers Hall of Fame running back, LaDanian Tomlinson.
Jacobs had more carries on Monday night than he did during any game while at the University of Alabama. He’ll continue to get all the touches he can eat. Now just sit back and watch this talented young runner aim for the stars.
Offensive line
The Raiders offensive line had a spectacular Week 1, allowing zero quarterback sacks or hits. Quarterback Derek Carr responded, only missing on four pass attempts on his way to 259 yards through the air and a touchdown.
When Carr drops back to pass, don’t look at one player necessarily, but look at the pocket that should be forming around the QB. Carr has a history of growing very comfortable in the pocket if he has reason to trust his blockers. And when Carr stands behind the big guys with confidence, he’s at his best.
In the run game, watch the front five’s push off the line of scrimmage. The group has extra inspiration from their talented rookie runner, Josh Jacobs and should be fired up when Gruden calls a run.
After allowing more than 50 sacks last season, Week 1 was a breath of fresh air for the entire club, especially Gruden and Carr. If the line continues to be a reliable engine to the offense, the Raiders will be fun to watch — at the very least — this season.
MLB Vontaze Burfict
Middle linebacker Vontaze Burfict is the only listed player at his position, and he was playing with a reckless abandon against the Broncos. Maybe too much so. After the final whistle, he looked like he had played two games on Monday night, not just one. But he practiced Wednesday, and Gruden isn’t worried.
According to the Raiders’ official website, Burfict played 88 percent of the defensive snaps against the Broncos, and if he continues to play so aggressively, as is his calling card, he’ll likely need more rest than that.
Or, maybe he can handle all the snaps. Watch to see if defensive coordinator Paul Guenther sends either LB Marquel Lee or LB Nicholas Morrow in to spell the veteran more often. Also, look for continued aggressiveness from Burfict on every snap he plays against the Chiefs.
TE Darren Waller
Tight end Darren Waller, who could have been the story of training camp had it not been for Brown, had the best game of his career Monday night, with seven catches on eight targets for 70 yards.
In fact, Waller had just 18 catches in three NFL seasons heading into Monday’s game. Six of those came with Oakland late last season.
Waller looked unguardable in Napa, and though it’s been just one game, that hasn’t changed. Watch to see if he can continue his meteoric rise. He played every offensive snap against the Broncos, and Gruden has said he’s a good blocker. That could make it easier for the coach to isolate slower, front seven defenders on Waller. If that happens more often, watch out. Waller could be a star.
SS Karl Joseph
The Raiders almost traded strong safety Karl Joseph a season ago. They must be glad they didn’t.
Now that rookie safety Johnathan Abram is out for the year, it will be Karl Joseph’s job to take his place. He should be ready. He’s gained seasoning over his three full NFL campaigns, and he’s playing for a contract. The Raiders declined to exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.
He already had a productive game Monday night, with seven tackles (three solo) and a tackle for loss. Watch to see if Joseph can take control at strong safety, forcing the Raiders into a difficult decision when his contract is up at the end of the season.
Keep an eye on rookie defensive end, Clelin Ferrell, as well. As the No. 4 overall pick, he must build on a solid Week 1 performance. On offense, wide receiver Tyrell Williams demands a mention. He looked the part of a No. 1 WR against the Broncos, and he’ll have to for the rest of the campaign.
But more than anything, each of these players and the rest of the team, led by Carr, have to play with an edge. Though the Week 1 win surely felt good after so much negative attention, the Raiders have accomplished very little thus far. If they can focus and beat the Chiefs, the win against the Broncos will mean so much more.
