FPC Raiders Point/Counterpoint: NFC North Opponents

If you look at the Oakland Raiders in 2019, their non-conference schedule did them no favors. Facing the NFC North, Oakland will face a variety of potent offenses and stout defenses. In a season where Derek Carr needs to thrive, he faces teams that have their own set of desperation. First, the Detroit Lions always look to capture any victory. Next, the Green Bay Packers feature an elite quarterback and rebuilt defense. Many consider the Chicago Bears a threat to make a long playoff run. Not to mention, the Minnesota Vikings always appear to lurk on the edge of contention. As a result, Oakland must find a way. Which teams pose the greatest threat? To answer this, FPC Raiders writers Ray Aspuria and Pete Camarillo debate this question.

Aspuria

Minnesota. The Vikings have an offense that can test every area of the Raiders defense. More importantly, the head coach (Mike Zimmer) served as the mentor of the pupil now known as Oakland defensive coordinator Paul Guenther.

A bevy of Paulie G’s scheme is derived from Zimmer concept. Under those circumstances,  Jon Gruden could struggle trying to solve the riddles and puzzles the Vikings will deploy in the September 22nd matchup.

Camarillo

Oakland has had their fair share of embarrassments versus this division in recent years. Sure, the Raiders might also struggle with the QB and receiver combos in Minnesota or Green Bay. However, their secondary should be improved enough to compete. They could also have trouble with the Lions, but that is a home game. Regardless, the Raiders will have the most trouble with the Bears. Why?

KHALIL MACK. Obviously, I fully anticipate Mack to have a three sack game and potentially some interceptions or fumbles. Think his debut with the Bears versus the Packers or some of the games he had versus Denver when he was a Raider. This will be his revenge game and I fully guarantee him to look Jon Gruden in the eye when the coach can find no answer for his multiple levels of impact. If you watched the first years of his career then you know the impact Mack has regardless of his position or stats.