Oakland Raiders Roundtable: 5 Questions About The 2014 Season
2. What is the Oakland Raiders’ biggest strength going into this season?
August 15, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Jason Tarver (second from right) instructs defensive end
Antonio Smith(94) and defensive end
Justin Tuck(91) during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Lions 27-26. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Erik Lambert: Their pass rush. It’s deep and boasts of good mix of youth and veteran experience. Oakland looks like they can bring it with four or with the blitz if they choose. Quite a luxury.
Cody Pasby: like what the Raiders did to improve their defense this offseason. Big boom or bust potential with so many veterans, but with additions like Justin Tuck and a star in the making with Khalil Mack, Oakland’s D looks miles better this season.
Ben Greenberg: The Raiders are deep and talented in the trenches. Offensive and defensive line appear to be the strengths of this team heading into 2014.
Nick Hjeltness: The front four, plus Khalil Mack. Oakland beefed up the defensive line in the offseason, adding capable veterans such as Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley. If the front four can play well enough to allow Mack to come off the edge against a single lineman, he could have a big year.
Aaron Candelaria: The running game. They have incredibly incredibly talented backs, and don’t forget about fullback Marcel Reece. Also, if they can keep the pressure off the passing game, it will help Carr tremendously.