We are just a day away from the start of the 2021 NFL season. The Dallas Cowboys take on the reigning Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football.
The rest of the NFL will have to wait until at least Sunday to take the field. While the Raiders and Ravens will have the longest wait, as they will close out opening weekend as the Monday Night Football game.
Not once did the Raiders field a team of starters for the preseason, so Monday will be the first time we get a full idea of what we might be able to expect from this group.
What I expect to see is an improved defense under new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. What I don’t expect to see is an improved offense. With the overhaul of the offensive line and the departure of wide receiver Nelson Agholor the Raiders’ offense looks like it could take a step back from last season.
Here’s how I expect the season to play out.