Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) talks with offensive coordinator Todd Downing before an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Oakland, Calif. Downing has spent the past two years building up a relationship with Carr as his quarterbacks coach. The two play golf, talk current events and most importantly immerse themselves in all aspects of football. With Downing heading into his first game as NFL play-caller following an offseason promotion to coordinator, the hope is the strength of that relationship will pay big dividends on the field. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File)

On the Raiders Podcast with J Hawkes:

The Oakland Raiders open up the regular season on Sunday in Tennessee. What’s been impressive about the Raiders is how their offense has come together . Their receivers are coming together with Cordarelle Patterson and Michael Crabtree. They’re solid with running backs Marshawn Lynch and Jalen Richard they’ve improved their running game before they get started. They also have an arsenal of wide receivers Amari Cooper and Seth Roberts.

Marcus Mariota will get the start for the Titans and hopes to start his career as successfully as the Oakland Raiders Derek Carr did with the likes of a start that Carr had going 12-3 before getting injured. During that 15 game period Carr threw for 28 touchdowns and six interceptions. Carr is favored to lead the AFC is passing. The Titans will most likely run the ball and Mariota has a lot of confidence in running backs DeMarco Muarry and Derrick Henry. This one Joe predict will be a shootout.

Joe Hawkes Beamon does the Raiders podcast each week at http://www.sportsradioservice.com