2017 Oakland Raiders Preseason: Four Questions
With the Raiders training camp less than a month away, questions remain. These may not be quickly answerable immediately. Yet, camp will serve as a defining moment in this season. 2017 needs to be another strong step in the right directions. Players, coaches, executives, and fans want progress.
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Will Perry Riley re-sign before the season?
What good could it do? Riley doesn’t seem high on the list of free agent middle linebackers. Plus, news of any impending reunion isn’t flowing through the news. At this stage of his career, Riley met his ceiling. Strong versus the run, but limited in coverage. On the other hand, Cory James and Marquel Lee each have you and upside. If neither grabs the job, Riley remains an option. Signing him now could grab reps from the younger players.
Can Austin Howard hold a roster spot?
While the Raiders need the right tackle spot solidified, Howard’s inconsistencies leave the door open. At age 30, Howard could effectively play for 5-7 years. However, OL coach Mike Tice doesn’t want effective lineman. He prefers maulers that push piles and affect games. With a 2.8 million dollar cap hit, Howard could see his last days in Oakland. Without delay, Austin Howard needs a strong preseason to keep a spot in Oakland.
Other than Carr, which return from injury will help Oakland most?
Without a doubt, TE Lee Smith coming back from injury immediately helps the offense. In the hope that Smith’s comeback ignites that nastiness seemingly lost in 2016. Within the rules, Smith bullies opponents into submission. By clearing running lanes, the offense keeps the defense off the field. Under those circumstances, Jack Del Rio can play his style of offense: take deep shots, brutalizing run game.
What Raiders player needs redemption?
Despite five touchdowns within 38 catches, Raiders WR Seth Roberts did not earn himself any fans with crucial drops. If you want to see struggle, pop in the film from that Thursday night in Kansas City. Carr targeted Roberts nine times, only connecting on two. Third receivers aren’t superstars by nature, but they are sure-handed chain movers. Roberts needs to make those catches. RaiderNation appreciated an undrafted players’ fight to the main roster. Now, he must learn from ’16.
As mentioned, for some preseason maintains a sense of importance. Granted, Khalil Mack and Derek Carr shouldn’t see extended time. Yet, for those trying to cement a role, the heat is on.
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