Wide Receiver Seth Roberts
2016 was an exciting year for the Oakland Raiders, as the team secured its first winning season since 2002. While there were certainly some lows, it was an overall positive season that featured several highlights, and revealed that the future is bright for the Silver and Black.
Let's take a look back at five of the best moments from this season.
Michael Crabtree's Two-Point Conversion Week 1 against the New Orleans Saints
The moment Derek Carr lofted a well-placed pass to wide receiver Michael Crabtree, you could tell something special was about to transpire. No. 15 hauled in the tightly-contested pass from No. 4, thus solidifying the go-ahead score against the New Orleans Saints in the process. The decision to go for two instead of kick the PAT could be considered bold by some, but in that moment Head Coach Jack Del Rio conveyed his faith and trust in the team, which would set the tone for the rest of the year.
The Week 8 Overtime Win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Raiders signal-caller has established himself as one of the most clutch players in game and his performance against the Bucs just adds to that narrative. In overtime, both teams were at a stalemate offensively, but then it happened. Carr delivered a strike over the middle of the field to wide receiver Seth Roberts who broke a pair of tackles prior to taking off towards the end zone. On the day, the Fresno State-product finished with 40 of 59 d en route to 513 passing yards and four touchdowns. To get the win on the road and in overtime was a significant moment for the Silver and Black.
Khalil Mack's Dominant Performance in Week 12
Heading into the matchup with the Carolina Panthers, the Raiders defensive end had recorded a sack in five straight games, but little did spectators know what was about to take place that Sunday at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. No. 52 put on a clinic against the Panthers, totaling six tackles, a strip-sack, a fumble recovery, and a pick-six (the first of his career). Mack's strip-sack put an end to the Panthers attempt at a comeback, and notched another noteworthy performance on his résumé. The league certainly took notice of what Mack did that afternoon, as he was named the NFL's Defensive Player of the Week following his impressive performance.
The Raiders Clinching the Playoffs
As stated previously, 2016 was the team's first winning season since 2002, which coincidentally was also the last time the Silver and Black were in the postseason. For the first time in 14 years, the organization, players, and fans were able to celebrate their success, earning a spot in the postseason tournament The Raiders traveled south to Qualcomm Stadium, and triumphed over their AFC West rival, the San Diego Chargers, 19-16 to complete the season sweep of the divisional opponent.
Pro Bowl Selections
To further exemplify the team's 2016 success, a league-leading seven Raiders were selected to participate in the Pro Bowl. Wide receiver Amari Cooper was selected for his second time, although he elected to skip the game in 2016. Unfortunately due to injury, Derek Carr was unable to attend the event, but was also chosen for the second season in a row. Along with the offensive duo, Mack and offensive lineman Donald Penn opted not to participate in the event as well. With so much talent on the roster, it'll be exciting to witness the team's growth going forward.
