When the 2009 season came to a close, the Oakland Raiders found themselves lost in NFL limbo with a abysmal close to their season. The run defense was atrocious down the stretch, with the Ravens and Browns exposing them for nearly 600 yards rushing. Tom Cable found himself facing heat from his apparent beating of a assistant coach and quarterback Jamarcus Russell continued to eat himself into oblivion. When the season ended, Raiders' fans had little to be optimistic about.
The 2010 offseason has brought a sense of hope to the organization with ths signs pointing towards progress and improvement. The acquisition of quarterback Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins finally gives the Raiders a legitimate passer with a strong arm and ability to maneuver in the pocket. The addition of Campbell and signing of Kyle Boller indicated that Jamarcus Russell had worn out his welcome with management and teammates. Russell was released shortly after the draft, which proved that the Raiders were willing to cut their losses and move forward.
The move to bring in quarterback and offensive guru, Hue Jackson, to assume the play calling duties should help put more points on the board. Jackson has been known for his work with quarterbacks, Joe Flacco and Ben Rothlisberger, and his expertise cannot be downplayed. Jackson has the tough task of developing receiver, Darius Heyward-Bey and tailback, Darren McFadden, who have both fallen short of expectations. The offensive line is everything short of spectacular but having a seasoned veteran, like Campbell, with his ability to get rid of the football, should help improve those numbers. Robert Gallery has been the only standout player on the line, but the additions of Bruce Campbell and Jared Veldheer at tackle, and speedster Jacoby Ford, out of Clemson, should make the competition harder on the holdovers from 2009.
On defense the Raiders are loaded with talent and promise, led by veterans, Nmandi Asomugha(CB) and Richard Seymour(DL). The Raiders weakness during the 2009 season was their inability to stop the run, but the additions of draft picks,Rolando McClain(MLB) and Lamar Houston (DT)bring toughness and run stopping ability that the Raiders desperately need. Veteran lineman, John Henderson was brought in to compete at tackle, with both his size and strength needed to clog up running lanes. Al Davis traded for former FSU standout linebacker, Kamerion Wimbley to take over on the strongside. Wimbley adds size, speed, and a pass rushing threat to help improve the defense. If McClain lives up to expectations and Henderson brings consistency to the defensive line, expect the Raiders to make a considerable step forward.
The additions made through free agency and the draft look great on paper, but only time will tell if the Raiders are close to contention. Jason Campbell gives the Raiders a true passer, one they sorely lacked since Rich Gannon's retirement. Look for Jackson and Campbell to work hard to improve the passing game, while the running game attempts to take charge. Tight End, Zack Miller has been consistent in his receiving and blocking abilities and should develop a strong chemistry with Campbell.
Should the run defense improve and the offense put up the points needed to compete against pass heavy teams such as San Diego and Denver, the Raiders have a legitimate shot at competing for a playoff run, and a possible division title. San Diego finds itself transitioning at key positions while Pro Bowlers, Vincent Jackson and Marcus McNeil threaten to hold out if contract negotiations do not progress. Denver is rebuilding and still has questions marks on both sides of the ball, with the departures of Brandon Marshall taking away a huge component of the Broncos offensive success. Kansas City has as many, if not more questions marks coming into the season ,than their division rival, Oakland Raiders. A division in flux, solid draft, free agency, and another year with Tom Cable leave Raider fans with a little more to be optimistic about than past offseasons. Time will tell, but be on the lookout for Silver and Black to be the subject of conversation around the league in 2010.
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