Improved efficiency is predicated on the rebuilt offensive line being more effective in the red zone, where the Raiders ranked 23rd in touchdown percentage.
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As they close in on the halfway point of Jon Gruden’s 10-year contract, the Raiders’ hope is that steady growth is replaced by significant and immediate improvement.
Dak Prescott’s health, including a shoulder issue that has hampered him in training camp, may be the biggest determining factor in the outcome of this division.
In Matthew Stafford, the Rams believe have a quarterback who will not be susceptible to the inexplicable fall-offs from game to game that plagued Jared Goff
Jon Gruden has brought teams to the playoffs five times, but the Raiders have made the postseason just once in 18 seasons.
Justin Herbert, Justin Jefferson, Jonathan Taylor and Joe Burrow, whose stars are on the rise, figure to be in the headlines this NFL season.
Urban Meyer in Jacksonville, Tom Brady in Tampa, the Raiders in Allegiant Stadium and DeShaun Watson in Houston figure to be in the headlines this season.
