The Oakland Raiders are 2-3 going into their bye week. Normally, that would be cause for concern. But considering the Raiders won all of three games last year, I'd say it's a strong step in the right direction.
Oakland gutted out a tough comeback win against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2 and remained competitive in last week's 16-10 loss to the Denver Broncos. It has been far from perfect, but for the first time in a while Raiders fans can see a light at the end of the tunnel. That hope and optimism is largely due to second-year quarterback Derek Carr and rookie wide receiver Amari Cooper.
ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson lists Carr as Oakland's offensive MVP and Cooper as the team's top rookie.
"The most important individual development of the season has been Carr's improvement," Williamson wrote. "He is the long-term key to the franchise. Carr has struggled at times but, for the most part, he is productive. What encourages me most about him is his improvement in accuracy, against the blitz and on down-field passes."
Through five games, Carr has upped his completion percentage from 58.1 last year to 63.6 this season and his average yards per pass attempt from a lowly 5.46 to a respectable 7.23. He's on pace for single digit interceptions and has three multi-touchdown games. As Williamson mentioned, his performance against the blitz this year has been extraordinary.
A lot of that improvement can be attributed to the better weapons around him, namely Cooper.
"I was tempted to give him the offensive MVP nod," Williamson conceded. "Cooper, the No. 4 overall pick this year, is an early favorite to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Cooper has been steady at his least and dynamic at his best. His highlight was getting back-to-back 100-yard games in Weeks 2 and 3. He is far from a finished product but he's been terrific so far. The sky is truly the limit for this player."
Overall, Cooper has caught 28 passes for 386 yards and two scores. He leads all rookie pass-catchers in receptions and receiving yards. Together, he and Carr have formed the foundation for a functional offense with room to grow.
Raiders fans couldn't be happier.
