10 things that need to happen if the Raiders want to make the playoffs

This year the Raiders have an opportunity to not only be a respectable team again, but they can also put themselves in a position to make a run at the division title. Many things need to happen, but these next 10 items will make the Raiders life a lot easier if they plan on making a playoff run this year.

Heyward-Bey

The Raiders do not need him to step right up and catch 100 balls or catch 15 touchdowns. The Raiders brought him in to give them that vertical threat, his speed is 2nd to none. It is his speed that will give the Raiders the edge they need and the respect they need from other defenses. Teams will no longer be able to put eight in the box, his speed will open up the middle for players like Miller, Higgins and Mcfadden. Watch for him to catch 60+ balls and 6+ Td's with a couple more rushing.

Chris Johnson

It is no surprise that Chris Johnson will be tested many times this year. If he can live up to the challenge that Deangelo Hall couldn't do, then the Raiders will have the best Cornerback tandem in the League. Watch for Johnson to be one of the league leaders in interceptions this season, he will have many opportunities to do so.

The Law Offices of Morrison & Howard

The Law Firm has been the strength of the Raiders Defense for years, but this year its time to take the next step and make the Raiders D one of the best in the NFL. Its time to make tackles that matter. They need to plug up the running lanes and get to the QB more than ever. These guys have the ability to be great, and they will be essential to the Raiders success this season.

Tommy Kelly

Tommy Kelly has to live up to the Contract that he signed. He is a special player with plenty of talent. If he plays up to the Level of his contract, watch for the Raiders D to be in the top 5 once again. Stopping the run and getting to the QB will be key to the Raiders success.

Chaz Schilens

He sounds like he is having a very good offseason and impressing the coaches as well as the media. If he works out and becomes our leading receiver in catches, the Raiders will have four solid young receivers for Russell to grow with. He needs to have over 10 TD's this year if the Raiders want to make some noise.

Michael Bush

For the Raiders to have a successful season I believe they need to give Bush over 40% of the Carries. He needs to be our Ground and Pound Back that gets most of the carries especially late in the game. With Mcfadden getting more playing time in the slot, and being our home run hitter, Bush makes the most sense as our guy to get the majority of our carries. Watch for bush to rush for over 1,000 yards and lead our team in TD's.

Darren Mcfadden

Darren Mcfadden needs the ball in his hands. He needs carries, he needs catches and he need to be throwing the ball some too. He is the ultimate weapon, and if he stays healthy and is used correctly the Raiders offense will be fun to watch. He needs to get cover 1500 yards in total offense and get in the endzone 10 times for the Raiders to be successful.

Zach Miller

Zach Miller is going to have a big year this year. With a little more help from the WR's he should make the probowl now that Tony G is gone. Watch for him to be the primary target in the red zone, and to cause havoc in the middle of the field. He needs to have a probowl type season for the Raiders to win.

Jamarcus Russell

Jamarcus Russell may be the youngest QB to start in the NFL this year, unless Stafford or Sanchez start, he is only 23 years old, but he needs to play like he is 28. In only his 2nd season as the full time starter he will need to lead his team, and make the plays he was drafted to make. The Raiders need to trust him more this season. He has a stable of running backs that will help take the pressure off of him. He needs to have a 65% completion ratio and has to double his touchdown numbers from last year for the Raiders to compete for a playoff spot.

Offensive Line

Tom Cable needs to make sure that the team is under control mentally this season. They cannot make the mental mistakes and penalties that set them back. His offensive line is the most important piece of the puzzle. No more False starts, no more holding. They need to make sure their QB is upright and that the offense moves forward not backward. If this happens, the Raiders will be in the hunt come January. Tom Cable knows that if his team wants a chance to win, there needs to be discipline in the offensive line. If they produce, it will make all of the other things easier to accomplish. 3 and outs make it harder on the defense, and no discipline from the line make it harder for anyone else on the offense to do their jobs.