The Raiders Who Are Going To Have To Shine In 09'

Tom Cable now has his teams full attention and is getting them "Game Ready".He has implemented his training camp,brought in his coaches,and signed and drafted his players who he thought could make this team better as a whole.It is up to his coaches and him what they are teaching his team to translate that on the field.If they don't,The team could see there coaching favorite being shown an early exit.By early exit,I'm saying in the second year,because even Al Davis said that he doesn't see this team being a contender until the second year.With that said from Davis,that is telling me Davis is being more patient than from prior years.That in it's self is a change us Raiders fans are not used to from Davis.

It's Up To JaMarcus To "Earn" His Paycheck

JaMarcus has recently shown a little maturity by having his own little training camp and working with some of his receivers on his own time.This is a good sign,but in recent training camp,he is still not getting his timing right or getting the right touch on the ball.In order for Russell to be in command of this team,he is going to have to improve those areas.In order for our receivers to be great,again Russell will have too be also.So much has been said of Russell by the media and many are eager to label him a "bust".I'm not.This IS the year that will be a "Make Or Break" season for the 3rd year player.The team is his,now he has to prove it.

Darren McFadden Is Going To Have To Stay Healthy

Darren had an up and down season last year with his troubles having Turf toe.This is a painful injury and he managed to get it twice in one season.It did slow him down,but he did what he could to still play and show his toughness.This is going to be a big year for the second year player and Tom Cable has him getting more carries by adding plays to compliment him in the open field.I totally agree with this move,because I myself really don't see him as a between the tackles type running back.I see him as an around the edge/screen pass type running back.When Darren gets past the D line,Watch out!

The Offense Line Will Have To Protect

Mario Henderson and the rest of the offensive line is going to have to "step up" there game this year.Mario did a great job taking over for the terrible Kwame Harris last year who had me so mad for continually causing false starts and letting his man kill JaMarcus every play.Mario handled some great talent such as Houston's Mario Williams,New England's Richard Seymour,and Tampa Bay's Gaines Adams.He did not allow one sack and didn't commit one penalty in those games.Let's hope Mario and the rest of the offensive line can begin were they left off last year in the final games.

The Defense Is Going To Have To be Agressive With The Blitz

Last year under Rob Ryan,The defense was on the field way to much.Many times there was times that the defense would have the opponents 3rd and long only to see the team pass and convert to a first down.Rob Ryan never brought pressure or blitzed the opposing team.This year,That is all going to change for the good.Marshall is known for bringing the blitz and pressure to the opposing offensive.This is huge for the defense and the offense.I am tired of being out played on fourth quarters,only to end up losing after being ahead in the game.Like Davis said,The Quarterback has to go down and go down hard"!

The 2009 Draft Class Is Going To Have To Prove All The Doubters Wrong.

With the media and the doubters watching closely,the 09 Raider draft class is under the microscope 24/7.They have been putting in extra time not required and staying later in practice getting all the extra time they need to be an istant impact player they want to be.Tom Cable did good on his picks in getting all players with "Hard Work ethics" and that will only end up translating on the field.It might on all the players,but you can bet it will for some.The players have some good motivation with "The Experts" already labeling them "Busts".Heck,with DHB already in camp and Micheal Crabtree holding out,that in it's self is a great start!Now the rest of the unsigned picks are holding out for the big payday and Davis set the bar with DHB contract.Watch them all want what DHB has if not more.Who will play in 09?You make the call.

Time To Play As A Team

This year,It's not about any one player,It's about the Team.Now if they can pull it all together and improve in these areas,I think the sky's the limit.I'm not going to predict they are going to the big show,but I will say that the playoffs are not out of reach.It's now up to this young,fast,and smart team to put it all out there and shut all those doubters up.It's time Raider Nation to back your team and cheer them on.We are the 12th man and they are going to give it all they have,for you.