Fansided

NFL 2015: Team-by-team grades

By Matt Verderame

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the second half of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrate after combining on a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrate after combining on a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Raiders

Grade: B+

What went right: This is a young team that really has to feel good about itself. The Raiders are getting really nice play out of its offense, and that all starts with Derek Carr. Along with Blake Bortles, Carr looks like one of the real coming stars in the league at the quarterback position, and he has some premier targets in both Michael Crabtree and rookie Amari Cooper. The Raiders also are getting a nice job at head coach by Jack Del Rio.

What went wrong: The defense is not good, and the unit is only going to get worse in the immediate aftermath of the season with safety Charles Woodson heading to retirement. Despite being one of the oldest players in the league, Woodson continues to be a turnover machine and a really nice presence in the locker room. On the bright side, linebacker/defensive end Khalil Mack is a dynamic star in the NFL.

Offseason expectations: Look for general manager Reggie McKenzie to build off the core that is already in place for years to come. Oakland must find a way to upgrade the secondary and give Mack another pass-rusher on the other side of the field. The Raiders have a ways to go to become a Super Bowl contender, but being a playoff team is not that far off, something that this franchise has not been since 2002.

Next: San Diego Chargers

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