Las Vegas Raiders offense: Better or worse than 2016?

The Raiders were all business just six years ago. Led by current QB Derek Carr, the team had a record of 12-4 and posted a top 10 offense. In 2016, the then-Oakland Raiders made the playoffs for the first time in over a decade, finally rewarding the loyal fans. Now in Las Vegas, it's expected that the Raiders light up scoreboards weekly and contend for another playoff spot. Can today's Raiders outperform the 2016 offense?

No Defensive Help

Jack Del-Rio manned the roster in '16, but Greg Olsen relayed play calls to Carr. The coordinator-QB tandem proved electric, as the Raiders finished seventh in points scored and sixth in yards per game. Eliteness on this side of the ball was necessary for survival, as the Raiders produced a bottom 10 defense ranking 26th in yards per game and 20th in points allowed.

Amari Cooper & Mike Crabtree

The receiving core in Oakland was noteworthy. Wideouts Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper paved the way for the current air-raid, helping Carr throughout his forgotten MVP run. Cooper posted 83 receptions for 1,153 yards and 5 touchdowns making his sophomore season special. His running mate Crabtree found the end zone eight times catching 89 balls for 1,003 yards. The partnership placed the Raiders in the middle of the pack regarding their pass offense, but fans will only remember the clutch moments. Las Vegas, now having Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow out wide, should be in for some major treats this upcoming season. Adams is coming off consecutive All-Pro selections, and Renfrow just played in his first Pro-Bowl. In a system already featuring tight-end Darren Waller, it's obvious the Raiders will irritate opposing defenses starting in the fall.

Oakland's Run Game

Lost in the mix, Oakland's running game was deemed crucial to the team's rare playoff birth. Finishing with 788 rushing yards, halfback Latavius Murray delivered stability in the backfield — the complete opposite of past years featuring Darren McFadden. Supported by DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard, the Raiders had themselves a versatile offensive approach. Oakland ended the season 10th in rushing yards per game and 6th in rushing touchdowns with 17. Given Carr finished with 3,397 passing yards, the run complemented the organization's scheme. Josh Jacobs and Kenyan Drake, representing the modern Raider backfield, look to get the run game back in good shape. The duo is definitely capable, considering they'll have less defensive focus due to the acquisition of Adams. 

Raiders Need to Prove it

Las Vegas is coming off a roller coaster of a season. Aside from off-the-field nonsense, the team has strides to take offensively. Ranking 18th in points per game is unacceptable and has been the focal point of the team's decision-making. It's no secret the Raiders now have the talent. The question is: Can they beat the 2016 version of themselves? Josh McDaniels' offense will have to answer the call.