Deuce: Are the playoffs a possibility for Raiders?
By Deuce Mason
I know it's unfamiliar territory, Raider Nation.
I know you don't want to "jinx" anything, but it's time to start considering that this Raiders team may be good enough to get into the playoffs.
It's been a long time since you legitimately felt like Oakland had a playoff team. Sure, the 2011 team seemed like they would be a lock when they started 7-4 but it wasn't a team that was built for long-term success.
This 2015 version of the Silver and Black is far from perfect but their impressive 34-20 win over the Jets proved that this team isn't going to be easy to beat.
Derek Carr is getting the ball out fast and showed he can run an NFL offense. He has great chemistry with his new weapons (Cooper and Crabtree), Murray got it going against a tough Jets run defense and the offensive line is giving Carr plenty of time.
The defense isn't great, but they're also not as bad as we thought they'd be. How can you not love what Charles Woodson is doing?
Also, it's time to show Reggie McKenzie a little love. I think it took longer than expected, but his moves have started to pay off. Rodney Hudson was a phenomenal signing, Crabtree looks like one of the best pickups of the offseason and his last two draft classes look pretty good right now.
For the first time in a LONG time, Raiders fans have a reason to look forward to Sundays.
Enjoy the ride.
