With the Jets set to visit Oakland on Sunday afternoon, we decided to catch up with someone who knows the Raiders quite well: Vic Tafur, who covers them for the San Francisco Chronicle.

PLUS: Jets report card, as they come up short once again vs. New England Patriots

You can find Vic on Twitter right here. And you can find his stories right here.

Now on to our questions about the Raiders, and his answers.

Second-year quarterback Derek Carr is off to a strong start this season (11 touchdowns, three interceptions). What particular adjustments or improvements, coming off his rookie season, have resulted in what he's done so far in 2015?

"The biggest thing is the improved supporting cast. James Jones and Andre Holmes were the leading receivers a year ago, and one was cut [Jones] and the other barely sees the field. Running the ball also helps. The Raiders couldn't a year ago. Finally, Carr is smart and has a good arm, and has made the second-year jump many coaches talk about."

What is it about wide receiver Amari Cooper's skill set and approach that has made him so impressive as a rookie?

"The word you always heard about with Cooper was 'polished,' and he has been that. Great route runner already as a rookie. He was so open in college that I don't think his explosiveness got enough attention. It does now."

What are some of the most noticeable changes you've seen around the Raiders with new coach Jack Del Rio's arrival?

"He is not afraid to change something quickly, whether it's been personnel or scheme. I was joking with one exec about old coaches hitting their head against the wall repeatedly -- and wondering if the wall was still there. Players have bought in and love that he is a former player." [Del Rio was an NFL linebacker from 1985-95.]

How do you think the Raiders will approach covering receiver Brandon Marshall? Lots of double teaming, like the Patriots did? If cornerback D.J. Hayden has to handle Marshall in one-on-one coverage, how has Hayden typically fared against bigger-bodied receivers?

"I think David Amerson, the Raiders' other cornerback, will get first crack at Marshall, and they will double some. With T.J. Carrie's move from corner to safety [after Nate Allen's knee injury], Amerson has emerged as the Raiders' best guy -- and is starting just weeks after coming in off the street. He's bigger than Hayden, who has improved but still forgets to turn his head when the ball is in the air."

What is the feeling around the Raiders organization and locker room regarding the potential move to Los Angeles?

"None. Players know it's out of their hands and few have any real ties to Oakland, with all the roster makeover under fourth-year general manager Reggie McKenzie."

Darryl Slater may be reached at dslater@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @DarrylSlater. Find NJ.com Jets on Facebook.