No hype this time as key issues face Raiders as NFL training camp opens. Here’s a look
There was plenty of hype surrounding the Las Vegas Raiders last season after trading for All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams.
That made the Raiders’ offense potentially prolific, at least on paper, under Derek Carr, Adams & Co. heading into the team’s 2022 NFL training camp.
There was plenty of joy to go around for the Silver and Black in Henderson, Nevada, knowing they had a star wide receiver, coupled with other threats in wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, running back Josh Jacobs and tight end Darren Waller.
Some believed that lineup could give the Kansas City Chiefs a run for their money for the AFC West crown.
Yes, the Raiders had a big lead in Kansas City only to lose 30-29, but they never came close to challenging the eventual Super Bowl champions.
Miscues and mistakes piled up during the regular season, with blown leads and a faltering defense leading to a 6-11 finish after a 10-7 season the year before that included a trip to the NFL playoffs.
Now, heading into the 2023 camp, there’s no talk of the Raiders challenging the Chiefs or even finishing second in the division.
Most experts predict the Raiders to finish last in the AFC West because of uncertainty on offense and defense.
And who can blame them, especially when new quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who reportedly passed his physical Sunday in time for training camp, hasn’t proven he can stay healthy for an entire NFL season?
The Raiders’ season hinges on two main areas: The health of Jimmy G and whether the Raiders defense can make stops and generate turnovers.
Las Vegas has the playmakers to get it done on the field, but fans are cautious heading into a new year because of Jimmy G’s injury history.
Fans know what they can expect from Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby, Adams and Jacobs, even though the latter might hold out because of his contract situation.
It is the other pieces that need to contribute to turn the naysayers into believers in the 2023 Raiders.
Here are the key questions:
▪ Will Crosby get help from defensive end Chandler Jones, who started slowly in the first half of the 2022 NFL season before picking it up in the second half?
▪ Will the Raiders’ rookies contribute, including defensive end Tyree Wilson, defensive tackle Byron Young, cornerback Jakorian Bennett, safety Chris Smith, linebacker Amari Burney, and defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera? (Wilson was already placed on the non-football injury list and Young on the PUP list).
▪ Will wide receiver Jakobi Meyers be a threat?
▪ Can the Raiders’ defensive backs be ballhawks? The Raiders signed cornerback Marcus Peters on Monday, giving the team a boost for the secondary despite the fact he only played 13 games for Baltimore last season because of an injury.
▪ And, more importantly, can Jimmy G stay on the field? He’s been on winning teams, but the Raiders’ season hinges on his health.
The Raiders will be quickly tested, opening in Denver and Buffalo in the first two weeks before playing the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium on Sept. 24.
Buckle up, Raider Nation. It will be an interesting season.
This story was originally published July 23, 2023 at 4:08 PM.
