1. Madd Maxx vs. Rashawn Slater
The Raiders' season opener in Los Angeles will pit two second-team All Pros against each other in the trenches.
According to Next Gen Stats, Maxx Crosby led the NFL with 82 quarterback pressures last season. He'll line up across from Chargers second-year tackle Rashawn Slater, who was a Pro Bowl selection his rookie season. Slater's quarterback, Justin Herbert, was pressured on only 4.2 percent of his dropbacks last season, fourth in the NFL.
The last time the two teams crossed paths Week 18 last season, Crosby had seven total tackles, three tackles for loss, three pass deflections and two sacks.
2. O Captain, My Captain
The Las Vegas Raiders announced their eight team captains for the season, which consist of three offensive players, three defensive players and two special teamers. Of the eight voted on by teammates, AJ Cole is the sole captain who came into the league undrafted.
Being selected is another full circle moment for Cole in his three-year NFL career. The punter came in for a tryout in 2019 from NC State and soon after, eared the job as the team's starting punter. He's coming off the best season of his career, earning his first Pro Bowl nod and first-team All Pro honors.
"It's pretty surreal. It's definitely not something I was expecting," Cole said on being voted a team captain. "It's a honor to be acknowledged by your teammates, by your peers as someone they look to as a leader. I think it's a really special moment for me in my career. I wasn't even a captain of my high school football team.
"For me, it's something to look back [on] and I'm excited to have this opportunity to be a voice and a leader of the special teams unit this year. It really does mean a lot to me."
3. Three's Company
Davante Adams brings a lot of hype to the this Raiders roster coming into this season. The receiver got a change of scenery this offseason, traded to the Silver and Black from the Green Bay Packers. This Sunday will be his first game as a Raider, reuniting with his college quarterback Derek Carr.
Entering his ninth season, Adams' career totals are 669 receptions, 8,121 receiving yards and 73 receiving TDs. That makes him one of only three players in NFL history to notch 650+ receptions, 8,000+ receiving yards and 70+ receiving TDs in his first eight seasons in the NFL. The other two are Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison and Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald.
4. The threat of Justin Herbert
Going into his third season, the Chargers QB has racked up 9,350 passing yards and 69 touchdown passes – which are both the most ever by a player in his first two seasons. In his four career games against the Raiders, he's thrown for 1,245 yards with a 10:1 touchdown to interception ratio.
"He's such an impressive quarterback back there in the pocket and then on top of that, having the athletic ability," Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham said. "And also have the athletic ability and be able to have the vision down the field. So, that's probably the first thing you talk about because there's explosive plays that are planned and explosive plays that are off-schedule."
5. Can the Raiders contain Austin Ekler?
Another threat to the Raiders defense in running back Austin Ekler, who like Herbert, has had great recent success against the Silver and Black.
The versatile back had nearly 1,600 total scrimmage yards last season with 20 total touchdowns. In his two encounters against the Raiders, he averaged a little over 90 rushing yards and two total touchdowns. According to Graham, Ekeler is someone the defense needs to know the whereabouts of at all times on the field.
"[Y]ou talk about the skill level, I mean, the guy can run, he can catch the ball, he's blocks in pass pro. He's really impressive," Graham said . "They move them all around, so obviously he has some football intelligence in terms of knowing the scheme. And he scores points. ... I mean, he's just a really impressive player that's definitely not under my radar because he's pretty dynamic and he can do everything right. He can do everything at a high level, which is impressive."
6. Health is wealth
The Raiders' injury report has been a beautiful sight, considering there's been no one on it this week. The Silver and Black look like they'll be going into the season opener at full strength.
"We've had enough periods of time where we've tried to gain some rest here and there," Josh McDaniels said Friday morning, "and then really obviously geared our treatment schedule and all the things we were trying to do to try to hopefully be as healthy as we can to start the season. You never know how that's going to go, but we have a healthy team right now. Knock on wood."
As for the health of the Chargers, Pro Bowl cornerback J.C. Jackson hasn't practiced this week and is day-by-day, per Coach Brandon Staley. Regardless of whether Davante Adams lines up against Jackson in Week 1 or not, he's prepared to give his best effort in SoFi Stadium.
"As far as talking about personnel, I don't really get into that stuff too much just because I like to focus on what it is that I'm doing," Adams said Wednesday. "I feel like if I can lock in on that, that gives me the best opportunity to be successful rather than worrying about who's in front of me. At the end of the day, no disrespect to anybody over there, but I'm not really too focused on that. I'm just kind of worried about making sure I lock in on what I got to do."
As the Raiders head to SoFi Stadium for their Week 1 matchup, take a look back at past matchups between the Silver and Black and the Los Angeles Chargers.
Raiders running back Pete Banaszak (40) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, October 10, 1976.
Raiders defensive back Odis McKinney (23) makes a catch during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders running back Kenny King (33) rushes as guard Gene Upshaw (63) blocks during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, January 2, 1982.
Raiders linebacker Ted Hendricks (83) make a tackle during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders running back Mark van Eeghen (30) rushes during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders quarterback Jim Plunkett(16) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the AFC Championship away game against the San Diego Chargers at San Diego Stadium, Sunday, January 11, 1981.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, January 2, 1982.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 15, 1987.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 6, 1988.
Raiders running back/tight end Todd Christensen (46) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders running back/tight end Todd Christensen (46) during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, Novermber 10, 1985.
Raiders linebacker Ted Hendricks (83) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Thursday, December 1, 1983.
Raiders wide receiver Malcolm Barnwell (80) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1984.
Raiders running back/tight end Todd Christensen (46) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 15, 1987.
Raiders defensive tackle/defensive end Bill Pickel (71) and defensive back Vann McElroy (26) makesa tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 15, 1987.
Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the preseason away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Friday, August 23, 1991.
Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 1997.
Raiders guard Bruce Wilkerson (68) blocks during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, November 6, 1988.
Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 26, 1999.
Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon (12), center Barret Robbins (63) and guard Steve Wisniewski (76) line up before the snap during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 26, 1999.
Raiders Raiders guard/tackle Darryl Ashmore (73) blocks during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 20, 1998.
Raiders linebacker Greg Biekert (54) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 26, 1999.
Raiders running back Wes Bener (49) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Monday, December 25, 1994.
The Raiders try to block a kick during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium, Sunday, October 21, 1990.
Raiders defensive tackle Chris Cooper (75) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders defensive tackle Roderick Coleman (57) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 15, 2001.
Raiders running back Zack Crockett (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders quarterback Tee Martin (17) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders linebacker Eric Barton (50) and defensive back Anthony Newman (30) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 26, 1999.
Raiders defensive back Phillip Buchanon (31) returns a punt 80-yard for a touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins (5) passes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 31, 2004.
Raiders cornerback Chris Carr (23) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 4, 2005.
Raiders running back Tyrone Wheatley (47) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 31, 2004.
Raiders defensive tackle Terdell Sands (90) rushes the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 4, 2005.
Raiders linebacker Danny Clark (55) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 31, 2004.
Raiders defensive tackle Roderick Coleman (57) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 8, 2002.
Raiders wide receiver Doug Gabriel (85) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Saturday, December 28, 2003.
Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 2014.
Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 2014.
Raiders defensive back Mike Jenkins (21) intercepts a pass during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) passes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders tight end Mychal Rivera (18) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, November 10, 2011.
Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes for a 5-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders defensive end Jason Hunter (93) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2013.
Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, November 10, 2011.
Raiders linebacker Kamerion Wimbley (96) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, November 10, 2011.
Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) makes a 26-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, November 10, 2011.
Raiders wide receiver Louis Murphy (18) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders running back Marcel Reece (45) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) rushes for a 7-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford (12) makes a 4-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders defensive back Mike Mitchell (34) and linebacker Ricky Brown (57) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 5, 2010.
Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) hands the ball off to running back Justin Fargas (25) during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2009.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 1, 2009.
Raiders quarterback Andrew Walter (16) passes as guard Robert Gallery (76) blocks during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders defensive end Justin Miller (22) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders tight end Tony Stewart (85) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders linebacker Jon Alston (55) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders running back LaMont Jordan (34) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 4, 2005.
Raiders defensive end Justin Miller (22) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Thursday, December 4, 2008.
Raiders linebacker Napoleon Harris (58) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 31, 2004.
Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter (84) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders running back Justin Fargas (25) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) celebrates as he returns an interception 66-yards for a touchdown during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders defensive back Stanford Routt (27) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders tight end John Madsen (85) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders defensive back Chris Carr (23) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders quarterback Aaron Brooks (2) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders running back ReShard Lee (42) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders running back Zack Crockett (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 4, 2005.
Raiders defensive back Stanford Routt (26) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 26, 2006.
Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 14, 2007.
Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) blocks for wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Sio Moore (55) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 2014.
Raiders tight end Clive Walford (88) makes a 23-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Malcolm Smith (53) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Raiders linebacker Miles Burris (55) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, November 16, 2014.
Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 25-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, October 25, 2015.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2016.
Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 13-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2016.
Raiders running back DeAndre Washington (33) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Raiders defensive end Denico Autry (96) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2016.
Raiders linebacker Perry Riley Jr. (54) forces a fumble during the regular season away game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium, Sunday, December 18, 2016.
Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes as guard Gabe Jackson (66) blocks during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, October 7, 2018.
Raiders linebacker NaVorro Bowman (53) and defensive back Sean Smith (21) make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch (24) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, October 7, 2018.
Raiders defensive back T.J. Carrie (38) breaks up a pass during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center, Sunday, December 31, 2017.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) sacks the quarterback during the regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019. The Raiders won 24-17.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at ROKiT Field at Dignity Health Sports Park, Sunday, December 22, 2019.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, November 8, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, November 8, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) celebrates after making a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Sunday, November 8, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) pressures the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Monday, October 4, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) lines up to kick a PAT during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Monday, October 4, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) makes a 3-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Monday, October 4, 2021, in Inglewood, Calif.
