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Oakland Raiders: Five reasons to be pessimistic in 2017

By Sayre Bedinger

Jun 13, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) addresses the media at minicamp press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2017; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) addresses the media at minicamp press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2016; Mexico City, MEX; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) tackles Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller (13) during a NFL International Series game at Estadio Azteca. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Mexico City, MEX; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) tackles Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Miller (13) during a NFL International Series game at Estadio Azteca. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The defense is (still) not very good

As good as the Raiders were offensively last season, they were probably just as bad defensively. They ranked 20th in the NFL in points allowed, 26th in total yards allowed, 24th in passing yards allowed, and 23rd in rushing yards allowed.

They were right smack at the middle of the pack at 16th in third down percentage, and despite all of these numbers making it seem like they were on the field all the time, the Raiders ranked 7th in the NFL in time of possession, so the defense was pretty consistently fresh.

The key to their defense’s success?

Timely turnovers.

The Raiders were an astounding plus-16 in the turnover department with 16 interceptions and 14 fumble recoveries last season. Can they duplicate that kind of success again in 2017, or was last year one of a kind?

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