5. Will the new-look offense be able to control the football long enough for the defense to produce late in ballgames?
While Antonio Brown will catch more than a few game-changing passes for the Raiders offense, he can’t be expected to carry the load alone. With the defensive depth still a question mark, ball control — in certain circumstances — is going to be vital. Outside of Brown, will the other weapons show up in third down situations and can the offense avoid too many three-and-outs to keep the defense fresh?
Besides Brown, the Raiders also added offensive lineman Trent Brown and linebackers Vontaze Burfict and Las Vegas product Brandon Marshall, as well as a host of rookies including first rounders Josh Jacobs (RB) and Clelin Ferrell (DL). If the new offense meshes and the defense improves, as expected, it could give the both sides of the football the needed balance to succeed. Additions at WR like Tyrell Williams and J.J. Nelson should provide experience for the offense but rookie WR Hunter Renfrow and TE Foster Moreau will both also be expected to contribute.
The Defense can hold the opposing Offense to 20 pts or less, but if Carr can't lead that team to at least 3 TDs/Game on Offense, they are doomed… pic.twitter.com/KiXduhGhnC
— BrokIE IncogNegro (@LakersRaiders23) July 21, 2019
Keeping the ball out of the hands of divisional QBs like reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes and Hall of Famer Philip Rivers will be crucial. Already, Renfrow has turned some heads and could be a dark horse to give the Raiders possession options underneath and over the middle.
“I think Hunter Renfrow is a guy that’s going to come in and not make any mistakes, be very user-friendly for the quarterback,” general manager Mike Mayock said. “I think Derek is going to have a lot of fun watching him compete. There is going to be a lot of competition at that slot and like Jon, I can’t wait to see some of these second-year players.”
