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NFL Preseason Week 1 Storylines

By Jon Dove

Jul 31, 2016; Irvine, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass at training camp at UC Irvine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; Irvine, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass at training camp at UC Irvine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) drops back to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) drops back to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Statement year for the Oakland Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders have made significant upgrades to their roster and appear ready to compete for a playoff spot. There are some big expectations on both teams which hasn’t been present for a long time.

Jacksonville is hoping that they added enough high-impact talent on defense for that unit to show major improvement. The defensive line could be one of the more disruptive units in the NFL with Malik Jackson, Donte Fowler Jr., Jared Odrick and Sen’Derrick Marks.

Fowler has the makings of a star and could make an immediate impact. He’s not only a quick-twitch athlete put he plays with a nasty streak.

Offensively, the Jaguars are looking to build off last year’s success. The key is the development of Blake Bortles who showed promising signs in his second season.

Oakland is in a similar situation and feel they’ve added enough talent to push the Denver Broncos. Derek Carr is becoming one of the better young quarterbacks in the league and is surrounded by some real talent.

Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are strong playmakers who provide Carr with different type of weapons. However, the most talented part of the offensive is the offensive line. The Raiders spent some big bucks to bring in the likes of Kelechi Osemele, Rodney Hudson and Austin Howard.

This group not only keeps Carr upright, but also opens room for the running game.

Next: Jimmy Garoppolo

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