The Oakland Raiders bye week is over, as they face the San Diego Chargers this week.

Moving forward, what starter will improve the most?

The young Raiders team features many players who need improvement. However, what players’ development benefited the most from the week off?

Notable candidates could be players who are already playing well. Pass rushers Aldon Smith and Khalil Mack are the center of the defense already. That will continue for the entire season.

The same goes for the offensive side of the ball. It goes without saying that the offense revolves around Amari Cooper and Derek Carr.

Smith, Mack, Carr and Cooper already play at a high level, but can they elevate their game further after the bye?

Either way, the Raiders will need development from their non key players to take the next step in 2015.

The Raiders played the undefeated Denver Broncos tight two weeks ago. Hence, they can build on it and continue making news in the division.

Cornerback D.J. Hayden played inconsistent through five games. Hayden will have competition for his position once Nate Allen returns as the starting safety in a few weeks. T.J. Carrie will return to the No. 1 corner roll, and David Amerson looked good as a starting corner the past few games. However, Ken Norton Jr. praised him earlier this week. This is the first season Hayden has stayed healthy. Maybe he can finally pick-up some rythme after the bye week.

Defensive end Mario Edwards shocked a lot of people when he was selected in the second round of this years draft, despite only 8 sacks in three years at Florida State. Edwards steps into the starting role for veteran Justin Tuck who was placed on Injured Reserve this week. It is very possible a fresh Edwards absorbed enough from backing-up Tuck, that he electrifies the defense. Edwards has all the tools, but needs to put it together.

The Raiders offensive line has also been inconsistent. They are one of the best units at pass blocking, but there run blocking leaves much to be desired. Most of that comes from the right side of the line. J’Marcus Webb and Austin Howard are among the league’s worst starters at their position. However, the Raiders do not have much behind them, so they must improve too. It is possible considering Webb sat out last season, and Howard played guard last season

Then there is running back Latavius Murray. Against the Cleveland Browns, Murray looked poised for a breakout season. Then he cost the Raiders the Chicago Bears games. Worse, he played mediocre against the Denver Broncos and the team basically benched him in the second half. Which Latavius Murray will we get after the bye? Remember, it is only Murray’s first season as the starter.

Check out the game against the Chargers to see which Oakland Raider will improve the most after the bye week.

Which player will improve the most after the bye week? D.J. Hayden

Mario Edwards Jr.

J'Marcus Webb or Austin Howard

Latavius Murray

Someone else View Results