Las Vegas Raiders

Concerns about the Oakland Raiders 53 man roster

Published Sep. 8, 2015 10:06 a.m. ET

foxsports

By Terrance Biggs

Quarterbacks: Matt McGloin is the backup. I’ve bagged on him, because irrational fans calling for him to start. Yet, he outplayed Christian Ponder, and earned the backup slot with moxie and hard work. He’s chased out former Pro Bowlers, number one picks, and Terrelle Pryor. While he’ll never be a prime starter, you have to applaud the hustle. If Carr gets injured, can McGloin play multiple games, and lead this team to victories? Improved offensive talent is usually accompanied by high expectations. His defenders say yes. I don’t really want to find out, and hope Carr goes on a lengthy consecutive games streak.

Running Backs: Taiwan Jones has returned to the backfield. Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave seems optimistic, that he can utilize Jones where many others have failed. Jones possesses blinding speed. In 33 offensive touches, he hasn’t scored a touchdown. Not one. We’re waiting to see that explosion finally pay off. Even Jacoby Ford took a few to the house.

Offensive Linemen: Austin Howard is an awful free agent signing. He is only proficient at cashing large checks. Menelik Watson’s injury was a disaster for this unit (Never thought I’d type those 7 words). Yet, he’s better than what is on the horizon. In case you forgot, Howard’s backup is Khalif Barnes. Yes, he’s back again to stall drives with ill-timed holding penalties and missed blocks. Maybe they should have drafted La’el Collins. How worrisome is this? He faces Carlos Dunlap, Terrell Suggs, DeMarcus Ware (twice), and Clay Matthews.

Tight Ends: Should we be concerned that Clive Walford hasn’t seen the field often in preseason? The season begins in less than a week, and a rookie we are counting on hasn’t had the needed reps.

Wide Receivers: The only concern is that Seth Roberts is targeted more than Andre Holmes. Roberts showed what Holmes seemingly lacks: all out hustle and effort. Holmes will round off a route, or run the wrong one entirely. Don’t ask for him to block downfield. What you’ll get is an advanced game of patty cake. Despite being 6’4 and 210lbs, Holmes is not physical. Here's hoping that Roberts climbs the depth chart.

Defensive Linemen: Where is the 3-technique tackle? There are perimeter rushers and interior run-stuffers, but no disruptive inside force. For all the hype, Williams and Ellis better halt opposing rushing attacks. Basically, Oakland is starting a potentially dominant rusher, 2 massive space eaters, and a part time rusher. What about this screams success?

Linebackers: Ray Ray Armstrong looks to be the starting strong side linebacker for the Oakland Raiders. Let that thought sink in. The man known for this. All we can do is trust that Ken Norton is in Armstrong’s ear, motivating him to be better than this punchline. There’s a legitimate concern with Armstrong’s awareness.

Secondary: With the exception of Charles Woodson, the rest of the secondary is an eerie combination of frighteningly bad and inexperienced ineptitude. D.J. Hayden cannot shoulder the blame alone. No one has emerged to push him. If you can’t push a player with 5 pass interference penalties in 18 career games, there is a problem. Where are McGill and Carrie to supplant Hayden? Sadly, he may be better than they are. If the pass rush doesn’t disrupt opponents, the secondary is going to lose double digit games for this team.

Special Teams: Why is TJ Carrie still returning kicks? He’s slotted to be the corner opposite Hayden. He does possess return ability, but his worth is in the secondary. I get Jason Sehorn flashbacks. Here’s what I mean. Imagine TJ Carrie in that spot. Brutal. Taiwan Jones should be the lone returner. He has this alleged speed. It’s time to see it.

While the roster is far from great, it’s our team. We should enter this season with some renewed optimism, but still be rooted in common sense.

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