The Oakland Raiders are thankful that they can carry on the preseason without quarterback drama. With Matt Schaub penciled in as the starter, the team can focus on improving other position groups who will certainly be tested in this second game against the Detroit Lions. With the playoffs in mind, the Lions are looking to gain as much momentum as possible heading into 2014.
The Raiders have their first true test against the Lions. Detroit has the defensive front and top wide receivers to challenge the Raiders on both sides of the ball. Right now, Oakland is trying to figure out which wide receivers to keep and which to let go. After adding Greg Little and James Jones in free agency, Andre Holmes and Denarius Moore are suddenly finding competition at the top. The Raiders are running their passing offense by committee, hoping that one or two players step up to be Schaub's top targets.
The Raiders secondary will also get a run against the best as the Lions' wide receivers group is one of the best all-around units. Calvin Johnson returns to lead the team and possibly the league this year. They also added Golden Tate in the offseason after his Super Bowl season with the Seattle Seahawks. Ryan Broyles is healthy and ready for an increased work load. Rookie Erc Ebron is on the field to run alongside returning tight end Brandon Pettigrew. The Raiders have a young secondary minus Charles Woodson who will be tested all game.
Questions still linger regarding the defensive front for the Lions. Reports surfaced during the week that Nick Fairley was demoted to second team, replaced by a healthy Ziggy Ansah and CJ Mosley. The Lions need Fairley motivated. That is partially why the team opted to not pick up his fifth-year option. So far things are not going as planned. This is being paired with the contract drama surrounding Ndamukong Suh who failed to secure an extension this offseason and stands to become a free agent next year.
