Raiders Preview

This dejected Raiders fan should have
something to cheer about this season

The Oakland Raiders are a new team this year. Despite playing many close games last year, they hobbled to a 5-11 season behind 300 lb QB JaMarcus Russel. This year, the Raiders have a new and improved look through trading and the draft.

Offense
The Raiders offense has struggled mightily for the past seven years because of a lack of a capable quarterback. Many quarterbacks have come and gone through Oakland and there has never been any stability at this position since Rich Gannon left. Jason Campbell brings a new attitude to this Raiders offense and is coming off a career best season.

The running game has not been nearly as bad but has struggled as well. Darren McFadden will look to stay healthy and play like a first round draft pick. Michael Bush has been solid for the Raiders and will continue to play well. Rock Cartwright will also help their running game as well.

Defense
The Raiders defense has always been the best part of their team. Their pass defense is perennially strong, but vice versa for their run defense. Having Richard Seymour back is bound to help and Matt Shaughnessy, Trevor Scott, and Tommy Kelly all have shown that they are capable of starting. The secondary, led by all-pro CB Nnamdi Asomougha, has gotten better with the emergence of Tyon Branch as one of the top tackling safeties in the NFL. Rolando McClain was a great pick in the draft and he is sure to help this defense become one of the better defenses in the league.

Special Teams
The Raiders return units have not been up to par in the NFL for the last couple of years. They lack a solid kick and punt returner though Johnny Lee Higgins is back from injury. Rock Cartwright returned kicks in Washington, and speedy WR Jacoby Ford, who had the top 40 time in the combine this year, can be used as well. The Raiders also have the top P in the NFL in Shane Lechler and one of the best K in Sebastian Janikowski, whose highlight last year was a 61 yaard kick in Cleveland, and has also had a 64 yarder miss off the left upright. One thing is for sure, the Raiders offense does not have to drive too far into opponents' territory to get points with Janikowksi's leg.

Here is the Raider's schedule this year and my predictions
@ TEN (L), vs STL (W), @ARI (L), vs HOU (L), vs SD (L), @ SF (L), @ DEN (W), vs SEA (W), vs KC (W), BYE, @ PIT (L), vs MIA (W), @ SD (L), @ JAC (W), vs DEN (W), vs IND (L), @ KC (W)

Projected Record: 8-8, 2nd in AFC West