Raider Nation: Five Things To Watch for in 2009

As OTAs fill our weeks and training camps are still over a month away, what sort of things can the Raider Nation look forward to? Featured for your enjoyment, are five events that I look forward to seeing the Raiders accomplish this season.

I own no crystal ball and offer no investment advice...but being a Raider fan, it is the kool-aid I've been drinking since 1976. Take a little trip, and have a look....no pushing, stepping, or fighting....but kindly leave the effigy of Rivers in the parking lot.

Darren McFadden at full power

Darren McFadden. You gave us a small glimpse of what you could do, then were limited by injury. If you can remain healthy, you could give us a 1,000-yard season, with about 5 TDs....more, if Bush isn't used as a goal-line weapon.

But the second turn of this, is that he'll be looking at about 50 catches, acting as the second go-to if the WR's are covered.

Zach Miller earns a Pro Bowl berth

Tight Ends have always been a useful staple to every Raider team, and Zach seems to be fitting the bill perfectly. Like Todd Christensen and Dave Casper, Zach has increased his numbers from a great rookie season.

It seems only a matter of time before a trip to the Pro Bowl is in the works. I figure 75 catches and 7 Touchdown should get him a ticket.

JaMarcus Russell starts to earn the paycheck

From the OTAs, they have been running JaMarcus hard on red-zone actions. Last season, this was a major weak point, forcing the team to kick field goals early and often.

If he can get the red zone down pat, we could see Russell throw for 30 TDs...and fewer needs for scrambling, a major source of his fumbles. A good investment, from Russell? Would be a nice change of pace....

Michael Mitchell dropping players

Still early, as I'm writing this, Mitchell is finishing up at college....then it's time to see him in action. From the time we drafted him, people want to compare him to Jack Tatum, a truly fun player to watch.

I'm banking on him knocking at least three players out this season, plus getting rid of the bad memories of Michael Huff.

Tom Cable is the coach at the end of the season

Since the majority of this offseason was spent building the team to Cable's comfort zone, Al is happy with it and Cable is in his dream job, all Tom has to do is win. If he does well, 8-8, Cable will be the Coach for 2010.