Watch CBS News

Raiders Season Preview Capsule: Can They Succeed?

OAKLAND RAIDERS (3-13)

New faces: Coach Jack Del Rio, WR Michael Crabtree, C Rodney Hudson, LBs Curtis Lofton and Malcolm Smith, S Nate Allen, DT Dan Williams, TE Lee Smith, RB Roy Helu Jr., G J'Marcus Webb, rookies WR Amari Cooper, DE Mario Edwards and TE Clive Walford.

Key losses: Coach Tony Sparano, WR James Jones, RBs Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew, C Stefen Wisniewski, CBs Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers, DTs Antonio Smith and Pat Sims, LB Miles Burris, S Tyvon Branch.

Strengths: OL, K.

Weaknesses: CB, pass rush.

What's New: Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave is bringing some of the up-tempo style he learned in Philadelphia under Chip Kelly. That should work well for QB Derek Carr, who excelled in a no-huddle system in college.

Fantasy Tip: Despite having just 82 carries last season, Latavius Murray is expected to handle the bulk of the running duties. He has breakaway speed to go with his 6-foot-3, 230-pound size, and underrated vision needed to make cuts to the open field. With Hudson anchoring an offensive line that has a strong left side with Donald Penn and Gabe Jackson, Murray could put up big numbers this season.

Expectations: After winning just 11 games the first three seasons under GM Reggie McKenzie, the Raiders enter 2015 with more optimism under Del Rio. With Carr back after starting 16 games as a rookie and second-year edge player Khalil Mack leading the defense, the Raiders have a young core to build around. They are counting on Cooper and Crabtree to give Carr the needed outside options in the passing game and need a trio of young cornerbacks in TJ Carrie, DJ Hayden and Keith McGill to step up in order to get significant improvement this season.

___

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

 

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.