(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
2008 W/L Record (Division): 5-11 (2-4)
Key Additions: FB Lorenzo Neal, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, S Michael Mitchell, C Samson Satele, OT Khalif Barnes, QB Jeff Garcia
Key Losses: S Gibril Wilson, C Jake Grove
Oddly enough, last season could actually be considered a success for Oakland. The Raiders’ five wins in 2008 hasn’t been topped since their Super Bowl XXXVII appearance during the 2002 season, when they won 11 games during the regular season.
Despite this apparent step in the right direction, Oakland’s offseason has been filled with questionable moves.
In February, the Raiders released safety Gibril Wilson, just one season after signing him to a six-year $39 million contract.
In April’s draft, Al Davis shocked the football world, selecting wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey with the No. 7 overall pick, instead of Michael Crabtree.
Davis didn’t disappoint in the second round either, drafting safety Michael Mitchell, a player who was generally believed to be a seventh round pick.
In free agency, the Raiders added players such as fullback Lorenzo Neal, offensive tackle Khalif Barnes, and quarterback Jeff Garcia.
Lorenzo Neal is considered one of the best fullbacks in league history. He once had a streak of 221 consecutive games played, and has served as the lead blocker for a 1,000-yard rusher in 11 straight seasons. His presence will help pave the way to success for Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and Justin Fargas.
The signing of Khalif Barnes wasn’t exactly earth-shattering. While it’s important to keep JaMarcus Russell’s blind side protected, the Raiders already have Mario Henderson in place at left tackle. However, the two are expected to battle for the starting job in training camp.
The acquisition of Jeff Garcia is a head-scratcher. At 39 years of age, Garcia is out to prove he’s still got something left in the tank. Oakland, however, has no plans of starting him in favor of the 24-year-old Russell.
What’s most unsettling about the Raiders’ offseason is their lack of effort to improve upon a rush defense that finished No. 31 last season, allowing 159 yards per game.
One could argue that Heyward-Bey will help improve the Raiders’ No. 32-ranked passing offense from 2008, even though Michael Crabtree would have been the better pick. Beyond that, Oakland also failed to add help to the young and inexperienced offense.
One of the few areas in which the Raiders had success in 2008, their rushing offense, is the one they improved the most, with the signing of the aforementioned Lorenzo Neal.
Oakland’s pass defense was strong in 2008 as well, ranking in the top ten. Two-time Pro-Bowler Nnamdi Asomugha will continue to shut down opposing teams’ No. 1 receiver. The loss of Gibril Wilson, however, will prevent the Raiders from replicating the success they had with their pass defense last season.
Every year, I hear the Raiders’ youth and talent is sure to break out and push for a playoff berth, and every year I laugh.
2009 will be no different.
The running game will be good, the passing game will be bad, while the defense won’t be good enough to keep them in games. While the Raiders finished 2008 strong (by their own standards), Al Davis failed to do enough this offseason to put his team in position to be successful in 2009. Because of this, the Raiders will struggle to improve on last season’s five wins.
We're going to send you the most entertaining Kansas City Chiefs articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
138 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete