The Oakland Raiders head into their bye week with a 7-2 record and division lead in the AFC West. After their impressive nationally televised victory over the Denver Broncos, head coach Jack Del Rio now has a full week to regroup and rest his roster, before they embark for Mexico City in their Week 11 matchup against the Houston Texans.
During a rough period regarding the organization and their outlook on their future in Oakland, the roster has continued posting strong results. While the fans have continually put signs asking for the team to stay in Oakland, the ownership is still debating all their options.
However, the internal dilemma hasn’t affected the play on the field. Quarterback Derek Carr credited Del Rio for an ongoing culture change amongst the team, as their 7-2 start and 5-0 road record are marks that haven’t been achieved in over a decade.
With the team in the midst of their bye week, Del Rio stated the team must prepare for the travel to Mexico City to put on a show for the sold out atmosphere, via Kyle Martin of Raiders.com:
“It’s kind of a combination. We know we have to travel to play well regardless of the circumstances. We understand some of the issues that are there, potentially. That’s been addressed. We’ll put our plan together and go down and compete. I know it’s going to be a great atmosphere. It sold out quickly. People are going to be excited to put on a good show down there. It should be a heck of a game.”
The NFL usually schedules one game per season in international territories, with London holding three games this season. The Week 11 matchup will be the first this season in Mexico City, with the fans expecting a spectacle.
According to Del Rio, the team is now growing to expect success, as Raiders legend Charles Woodson stated the team has the talent and depth to finish off the close contests they have won this season.
Before the Raiders travel to Mexico City for their matchup against the Texans, they must make their final adjustments and scouting notes to finalize any decisions for their noteworthy matchup on Monday Night Football.
