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On the Raiders podcast with Joe Hawkes:

#1 The Oakland Raiders (3-4) have improved as the O-line had furnished good protection for quarterback Derek Carr. This year, Carr has been sacked eight times compared to 51 times last season.

#2 Last season after a game against the 49ers, Carr said the sacks were having an effect on him physically and mentally, but right now, he’s feeling great.

#3 Carr said he feels a difference this year. He says he feels fresh even after all the game they played and finishing up a long road trip in the last six weeks.

#4 Richie Incognito will start at center for the Raiders (3-4) as starting and backup centers Rodney Hudson and Andre James are out with ankle injuries.

#5 The Raiders host the Detroit Lions (3-3) this Sunday. The Raiders, who lost to Green Bay during the road trip, will face a team that nearly beat Green Bay in the Lions. Joe Hawkes sets this matchup for us at the Oakland Coliseum on Sunday.

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