Following a disappointing 2017 campaign, the Oakland Raiders have made a concerted effort to shake things up a bit this NFL offseason to both their coaching staff and roster personnel this offseason. This has seen the team bring aboard plenty of proven talent to help shift things back in the right direction.

However, there has continued to remain some doubt that the Raiders can break through once again and become a legitimate playoff contender. During a recent interview on the Jim Rome show, Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Carr has voiced that he likes when there are people that doubt that his team. (h/t Silver and Black Pride)

“There’s nothing that we can go through now that will affect me, one game is not going to derail the whole season, one thing is not going to change our whole mindset, and things like that. I’ve learned that now, its been hard but at the same time I wouldn’t have traded last year for anything because honestly we’re right back where I want to be. I like when people doubt us, I like that side of things a little bit better.”

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The Raiders had struggled for much of the 2017 season to find any level of consistency but were able to be in a tie for the top mark in the AFC West through the first 12 games played that saw Carr struggle with his play at times. It was that final stretch where they dropped their final four games that pushed him out of the playoff picture.

Oakland has made moves this offseason to address their issues centered on strengthening their secondary, which has been an issue over the last couple of years. Meanwhile, the team has added more offensive firepower with the additions of wide receiver Jordy Nelson and Martavis Bryant along with running back Doug Martin.

It is simply on the Raiders to showcase that on the field competing in a tough AFC West race in what could be one of the toughest divisions next season. At the same time, there is clearly no lack of motivation from within to help them break through.