Kennedy thinks Raiders have foundation for ‘legitimate wild-card team’

Lincoln Kennedy

Lincoln Kennedy will only go so far in buying into the hype that the Oakland Raiders are a postseason contender.

The former Raiders offensive lineman, now an analyst for the team’s radio network, said he sees the makings of a club that can qualify for the playoffs … but not as the winner of the AFC West.

High expectations

“The expectations are high and I certainly think that they’ve got the foundation that’s built to make a wild-card team,” Kennedy told Jeff Rickard and Kirk Morrison on Movin’ The Chains. “I’m not going to be so forward to think that they’re going to win the division, but I do think they are a legitimate wild-card contender.”

With a legitimate quarterback in Derek Carr.

Likes Carr’s ‘discipline’

“I do believe he’s a franchise-caliber quarterback, so I think that the Raiders are happy to say that he’s their quarterback now and in the future,” Kennedy said. … I like his leadership, I like his arm, I like his creativity when he’s out there on the field. More importantly, I like his discipline and I think that’s good for the Raiders’ offense.

“I do believe he’s finally got some weapons around him. Of course, drafting (wide receiver) Amari Cooper helped and, of course, having (wide receiver) Michael Crabtree sort of come into his own again with some of the best hands in the business definitely helps, (along with wide receiver) Seth Roberts. Clive Walford, they’re developing him as a tight end, and (running back) Latavius Murray, then this offensive line.”