While playoff hopes are slim to none, here are three things Raiders fans should pay attention to that will go a long way in determining Oakland’s short- and long-term success.
Quarterbacks
Darren McFadden stated this past Wednesday on NBCN's Pro Football Talk that Matt Flynn will be starting at quarterback. But in the situation the Raiders are in, this book should be far from closed.
As a team looking for any talent they can find, many are watching projected backup Terrelle Pryor in the event Flynn can’t perform. Pryor is a much better athlete who has the arm strength and size to develop into a special player.
Watch these two over the course of the preseason. Don’t be surprised if Pryor ends up getting reps in the regular season, possibly even getting the starting nod at some point.
Defensive Chemistry
Oakland has one returning defensive starter tonight. One.
It’s probably for the better as they had a putrid defense, giving up the fourth-most points in the NFL. With a bevy of mid-level talent coming in, the new lineup may not be eye-popping, but it has the potential to be respectable. It will be a challenge, however, as there are no standout pass-rushers on the defensive line.
If the defense meshes well in the preseason, the unit could be a decent foundation to build upon, especially if the Raiders end up in a position to draft Jadeveon Clowney next year.
Draft Pick Progress
D.J. Hayden won’t be playing today and may not even see the ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
