Don't Be Shocked if...

The Raiders finish 9-7 and make the playoffs.

The Oakland Raiders are not as far off from being a contender in the AFC West this season as people think they are. I know we are coming off another terrible season, and all of us Raiders fans always get hyped up every year during the offseason. 

This year, however, we have legit reasons to be optimistic. Don't forget that the Raiders held the lead in the fourth quarter of five games last year. A few lucky bounces, a well timed TO by Denver, and some fair officiating and the Raiders may very well have been a .500 team last season. That was last year.

Here are a few reasons why I think the Raiders can turn things around and make a serious run at the AFC West title this year. 

1.  Stability at QB

Last season, we played musical chairs with our QBs. Four different players saw action under center. JaMarcus Russell will be a lot better than "Andrew McRussellpepper" from last season.

With Russell being our full-time QB, he can develop chemistry with the play makers he has around him. I can see big plays down field coming off of play action. Speaking of PA. 

2.  Running game

The Raiders were the sixth-best team last season when it came to running the ball, and our stable of RBs has improved. We have a very scary three-headed monster in Fargas, McFadden, and Bush. These guys complement one another so well. They all bring something different to the table. These guys are going to make JaMarcus Russell's job so much easier. 

3.  Secondary

The trade for DeAngelo Hall and the signing of Gibril Wilson make the entire defense better. Hall and Nnamdi Asomugha are both lock-down man-to-man corners. Nnamdi will cover the opposing team's No. 1 guy, while Hall should have an easy day matching up against the team's No. 2 WR. They also give the D-line that extra second to get to the QB. 

Gibril Wilson can move down into the box and play the run. He gives us that intimidating presence in the secondary that we have missed for so long. I expect a lot of big plays from Mike Huff now that he can move to FS and roam the secondary.

4.  Speed on offense

That was something we missed last year. The Raiders got a whole lot faster this year. Darren McFadden is the type of player that can take it the distance anytime he touches the ball. We also brought in Javon Walker, who has left quite a few DBs in his dust, and Drew Carter from Carolina, a man who can flat-out fly. We also have Johnie Lee Higgins coming back, who is another sub-4.4 guy. 

Opposing defenses are going to have their hands full trying to match up against the speed we have on offense, as well as the potent rushing attack that we'll have. Having a pair of lock-down corners is going to do wonders for our D. We can put eight or nine in the box to stop the run with these two CBs. The season is around the corner and I can't wait!

RAIDERS FOR LIFE!!!!