Heading into the 2024 regular season, the Las Vegas Raiders are aiming to build on the momentum from the previous season under head coach Antonio Pierce.
The quarterback position, often the focal point of any team, sees a competitive scenario with Gardner Minshew named as the starter over Aidan O'Connell. That's the story of the preseason there, and from that comes the other stuff, like the roster being filled out, and cutting down from 90 to 53 players.
Offensively, the Raiders have bolstered their receiving corps with the presence of Davante Adams, and Jakobi Meyers, and the addition of Brock Bowers at tight end, who brings a dynamic element to the offense with his receiving skills. The running back position, with Zamir White stepping into a more prominent role following Josh Jacobs' departure, is somewhat of a wildcard.
The offensive line, a cornerstone of any successful offense, returns key players like Kolton Miller at left tackle, with new faces like Jackson Powers-Johnson aiming to solidify the interior, providing Minshew with the necessary time to execute plays.
Defensively, the Raiders have constructed a unit designed for disruption and control. With Maxx Crosby leading the edge rush alongside Christian Wilkins and Tyree Wilson, the front seven promises to be formidable, aiming to pressure opposing quarterbacks and control the line of scrimmage.
The secondary, with players like Marcus Epps and Trevon Moehrig at safety, looks to improve, especially knowing that could be the one weak link of the defense in 2024.
So, with all of that being said, and the preseason finally being over with losses to the Minnesota Vikings, and Dallas Cowboys, and a tie to the San Francisco 49ers, what questions still need to be answered?
Two big questions Raiders need to answer
Will Jackson Powers-Johnson be ready come Week 1
The Las Vegas Raiders play the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1, and while JPJ was activated off of the PUP list recently, he has still yet to participate in any scrimmages or preseason games. So, will he be ready by Week 1?
The Raiders don't have to rush this, because they have a decent offensive line as is, and some good depth as well. However, you want the rookie to start getting repos as quickly as possible because we know that even as a rookie, he is probably better than Cody Whitehair. So, the question stands, will Powers-Johns even be ready for Week 1?
Is Thayer Munford ready?
Yes, that sounds weird, but, there is some explaining to do. So, let's start with the fact that there have been reports of Munford having both good and bad days during training camp, and those bad days can be attributed to the fact that he has some bad hand issue he is working through right now. Is he ready despite the hand issue?
Because, if he isn't -- I'm not saying rookie offensive tackle DJ Glaze is ready, but he has shown some great promise, with the ability to take on Maxx Crosby every day, and not lose every rep and even win some, you have to think about the kids potential. And, he played well in preseason. Munford is better, but he's banged up, do they let Glaze get the start in Week 1 so Munford can get his injury solved in a game where the Raiders likely won't be facing Justin Herbert?
