The Raiders are riding high after a comeback road victory against a top-flight AFC team. Head coach Jack Del Rio got his players motivated after a tired first half by asking one question: “Do you believe?”
The Raiders believed they could and would perform better, putting together their most complete half of the season in a 15-12 victory over the Denver Broncos.
Del Rio doesn’t believe in momentum in this week-to-week league, but the Raiders need a similar effort to compete with the Green Bay Packers at O.co Coliseum. Here are five critical storylines to watch heading into Sunday’s game.
1. Khalil’s encore
It’s pretty hard to follow up one of the best defensive showings in Raiders history, but all eyes will be on Khalil Mack on Sunday. The second-year edge rusher had five sacks and a forced fumble against the Broncos, the latest portion of a dominant stretch. He has nine sacks in the last three weeks, and needs 2.5 more against Green Bay to match the most productive pass-rushing stretch in NFL history. The Packers will scheme against him and the Raiders pass rush, but if they unit can harass quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Oakland stands a real chance.
[RELATED: Raiders' Mack named AFC Defensive Player of the Week]
2. Baby A-Rod’s growing up
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr is often compared to Rodgers. The quarterbacks share similar size, arm strength and athleticism, though Rodgers obviously has a much longer NFL resume. Carr has shown considerable growth over his rookie season. He has become a respected leader and is on pace to set a franchise record for touchdown passes. The Raiders need him to approach the record the right away. Victory might require a shootout, or at least steady offensive production from their most consistent offensive player.
[BAIR: Carr downplays comparisons: Rodgers 'done far more than I']
3. Home, not-so-sweet home
The Raiders have six wins, only two of them at home. The 2-4 mark at O.co Coliseum is a disappointing, somewhat surprising development considering the team’s recent road struggles. East Bay fans haven’t seen victory since Nov. 1, and there are only two guaranteed home dates remaining with a possible move to Los Angeles looming this offseason. A victory over a talented Green Bay team would provide a lasting memory for fans and a real sign that the Raiders have made significant progress.
[BAIR: Carr, Mack right tandem to spark Raiders rise]
4. Amari’s home stretch
Rookie Amari Cooper was 80 yards from being the Raiders’ first 1,000-yard receiver since 2006 heading into last week’s game against the Denver Broncos. After that victory, Cooper is … well, still 80 yards away. He didn’t have a catch despite seven targets, and on top of that, was credited with two more drops. Cooper is working through a foot injury, but needs to be productive despite significant scheming against him.
5. Return of the Packers run game
Rodgers is a quarterback to be respected and feared. This season, however, the Packers passing game has scuffled some without the run game going strong. It struggled during a three-game losing streak earlier this season, but power back Eddie Lacy seems to have regained his groove. Making the Packers one-dimensional is essential in this game so a potent Raiders pass rush can do its thing.
