The first quarter of the Oakland Raiders' regular season is complete. Let’s look at some key developments:
Story of the quarter: 0-4. The Raiders made additions in free agency and the brass thought this team would be much improved from the 4-12 records of the first two seasons of the Reggie McKenzie/Dennis Allen era. But the Raiders have been noncompetitive in three of their four losses. This team looks worse. It could cost Allen his job as soon as this week if owner Mark Davis wants to make a change at the bye.
Offensive MVP of the quarter: Receiver James Jones has 21 catches. The free-agent pickup from Green Bay has been one of the few offensive weapons. He consistently gets open and is on pace for his highest catch total of his career at 84. He had 64 catches for Green Bay in 2012.
Defensive player of the quarter: Safety Charles Woodson, who turns 38 next week, has been one of the Raiders’ best players. He is a steady force for Oakland. Woodson is a future Hall of Fame player who is ending his career on a high note.
Rookie of the quarter: Quarterback Derek Carr. The Raiders’ rookie class looks like a bright spot. It starts with Carr, who won the starting job in the preseason. Carr hasn’t been a great, but he looks comfortable in his role and he looks like he has a strong future. The Raiders are not 0-4 because of Carr.
Disappointment of the quarter: Carr getting hurt. He suffered a high-ankle sprain and sprained MCL Sunday against Miami. Carr is hopeful he can return after the bye, but, realistically, he may be out a few weeks. The Raiders can’t afford to see Carr’s development stalled.
Biggest unanswered question of the quarter: Can this team win a game? The biggest problem for the Raiders has been that they don't look competitive. They don’t appear capable of winning a game. That could hang over the team for a while.
Fearless prediction for the second quarter: I don’t see the Raiders winning right now so I think they will be 0-8 at the halfway mark. They have not given me any reason to think differently at this point.