No, I'm not kidding. Seriously.
I loved J-Marc in college and I honestly think this kid is poised to take the Raiders to the playoffs in the AFC this season. But hey, you don't have to take my word for it. Listen to my reasoning.
1) He's fully loaded at WR
Russell is working with an offense that's absolutely loaded. I wouldn't be exaggerating if I said it might be the most skilled young offense in the league. He's working with a talented WR corps that includes Javon Walker (1,064 yards and eight TD in 2006), Ronald Curry (717 yards and four TD in 2007), and Ashley Lelie (1,084 yards and seven TD in 2004). Al Davis has quietly assembled one of the best threesomes in the league at WR.
2) He's got backfield help
Without an injury in the first game of his senior campaign, Louisville running back Michael Bush is a first-round pick. No doubt. And the thing is, he's the third-string back on the Raiders.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Darren McFadden is going to be straight nasty even as a rookie. We all know that. Especially in an offense that made Justin Fargas (the current second stringer) a respectable player. So with D-Mac, Fargas, and Bush there's no shortage of talent to hand off to.
3) The line will turn the corner
Yes the Raiders gave up 41 total sacks last year, but they have two first-rounders on the line and they also have fantastic size. It's all about giving these guys a consistent position and letting them learn on the job. I really think that they will do a decent job protecting J-Marc and blocking for D-Mac.
4) The defense will give the offense a learning curve
No, it's not exactly an amazing unit, but the Raiders defense is quietly pretty darn good, especially in the secondary. Count on players like Nnamdi Asomugha, DeAngelo Hall, Gibril Wilson, and Michael Huff to cause turnovers and get the offense a short field to score on.
5) The schedule is weak
Especially in the AFC, this list looks like a cakewalk. I can see potential wins in these weeks:
-Week One: VS Denver
-Week Two: @ KC
-Week Three: @ Buffalo
-Week Seven: VS NYJ
-Week Eight: @ Baltimore
-Week Nine: VS Atlanta
-Week 10: VS Carolina
-Week 11: @ Miami
-Week 12: @ Denver
-Week 13: VS KC
-Week 14: VS Houston
-Week 17: @ Tampa Bay
That would leave the Raiders with 12 potential wins. Even if we're negative, that looks like ten almost positive chances at wins. I'm not even a Raiders' fan, but J-Marc is gonna turn a corner this year. And the Raiders might just too.
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2 months ago
It's not out of the question but a real stretch.
from 2 months ago
Thanks Al's. I'm glad you thought it was an interesting piece.
2 months ago
His nickname is J-Rock, not J-Mark.
Other than that I liked your article. I agree that JaMarcus is going to establish himself as one of the better QBs in the league this year. As soon as teams start stacking the box to stop the run, Russell is going to find somebody deep downfield. The Raiders are loaded, as you said, with weapons on offense. We have a lot of speed this year.
I can't wait for Monday to get here. I'll be in Oakland to watch the Raiders put the smash on the Broncos. I was there last year when Fargas ran wild on them and racked up over 140 yards. Now Fargas and McFadden are going to be taking turns ripping off big chunks of yardage all day. I'd love to see Waker and/or Lelie catch a deep pass against their former team.
RAIDERS4LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
from 2 months ago
Rock, I will call him what I please!! Lol, but honestly I'm glad you enjoyed the read. I like Russell, whatever you want to call him, and I was surprised after I noticed the considerable weapons he has to work with.
Thanks for reading.
2 months ago
I can see this happening if the raiders score points often and early and make the opposing team play catch up football. With that said, opposing teams will be forced to throw the football, and that my friends will result in turnovers. If they do not score often and early, teams will try to run the ball on the raiders wearing down the defence. So the best run defence would be a good offence scoring points.
from 2 months ago
I see your point Philip, and totally agree. Thanks for reading.
2 months ago
With all the new toys on the offence and once they start clicking together, they should be the best offence we have seen since Gruden. It may be a little rough at first, but the schedule is kind to the raiders in the first half, so the defence should play well enough to win. In the second half of the season, they will need a high powered offence to contend with the AFC elite for a playoff run. I feel the same way you do about this team Peter.
2 months ago
An interesting article Peter. While I hope your projections come true, I do not have the same faith you do when it comes to our receivers and offensive tackles.
I have liked Walker going back to his Packer days, but he does have physical issues as well as - shall I say - a wandering head. Lelie needs to show a lot before I believe he is capable of producing on a NFL field.
If I was coaching against the Raiders, I would stack the box and dare Russell to be me downfield. He might get the ball out (if given the time) but will anyone hold on to the rock? We need more than just Curry and Zach Miller.
I really think Chaz Schilens and Todd Watkins may develop into an extremely talented duo. They need to get on the field - and not just special teams - so the process may start. Lelie will take away snaps from that project.
I think they will be a .500 team +/- 2. They may squeak in, but I can't say it's likely at this point.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for reading J.C.!
2 months ago
He is not had enough experience. Maybe two years down the road, there WR's aren't that great too
from 2 months ago
Thanks for reading Jake. The WR group definitely hasn't been consistent lately, but as you can see by the stats I put up, they're all capable of good things.
2 months ago
You're dreaming man; they'll be 8-8 if they're lucky. 8-8 is actually a good recovery from a dismal season last year, so take what you can get raider fans. To call a team like this a playoff contender is way off base. Their offense is not loaded, it's one dimentional, and that's not going to win 10 games in the NFL.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for reading Michael. How is their offense not loaded though? I gave you three guys at WR that are talented players who have been No. 1s on other teams, and three players at RB that everyone agrees are respectable backs, two of which have huge potential. I think if all the players were to actually play to their potential they'd have some huge weapons.
2 months ago
Great Read, Peter!
I loved the reasons u provided to assist in making your point.
I am absolutely thrilled for this upcoming season. Yes the Line did give up 41 sacks last year but hey, these were the SAME GROUP OF GUYS that blessed D-lines and LBs with 72 SACK in 2006. Cable did an excellent job in making not only this line look better but also the running game as well.
Our Wr corps needed some veteran presence and it got it in Walker and hopefully, in lelie as well.
Our secondary is an absolutre monster, no doubt about that.
With a running game like Oakland's, Russell can ease into the game and hoepfully get better matchup by matchup!
from 2 months ago
Thanks for reading Umer, glad you liked what I wrote!
2 months ago
Best wide receivers in the league??? Please send me some of what you re smoking. I love the Raiders, but we have MAJOR qustions at WR and on the OL.
from 2 months ago
Gaius, read more carefully. I wrote that they could be one of the best WR threesomes, which I think is true. Each of those players have been No. 1 receivers on teams. Not many other clubs can boast that kind of depth.
2 months ago
Hey, loved your article and I couldn't agree with you more. The whole key to this year is can the Raiders stop teams from running the ball down our throat. Jamarcus will have up and down games like any rookie although I feel that he will do better than 90% of rookie starters. The running game should wear defenses down and the deep threat is always there. Last year we lost 6 games by 7 points or less and I feel that our defense is improved enough to shave at least three points off of opposing teams scores. Given that our offense has improved those six games could easily be in the win column this year which adds up to ten and six. We really do have a chance to make the playoffs this year!
Go Raiders! Raider fan for life! Jeff
from 2 months ago
Thanks for reading Jeff. Glad you enjoyed it.
2 months ago
Great read Peter.
The fact of the matter is that with the additons the Raiders have made going into this season, the O-Line will ultimately determine our success this year. I have no question about Russell's poise or talent. It's nice to know Curry has some help this year and that the D is still solid. As goes the O-line, so goes the Raiders.
Personally, I feel Kiff and the team are going into this Monday night game with a chip on their shoulders. This game will set the tone for the season.
GOOOOOOOOOO RAIDERS!
from 2 months ago
Thanks for reading Corey. I agree that the offensive line will be the biggest piece to the puzzle for the Raiders team.
2 months ago
Not a Raider's Fan and you post a positive article... Does the rest of the NFL and Sportwriters know your home address? I would be worry Peter. Just keep the Glock cocked and by the bedside. Thanks for an unbiased opinion and looking at the Raider's from a different view. Please remember you can always come to the Darkside.... we'll be here waiting for ya in the Raider Nation. Raider Cool!
2 months ago
I see an 8-8 year with 4 or 5 coulda/shoulda games. The AFC is poised for a power shift with the Raiders & the Jags moving into the places of the Pats & the Colts in the next 2 to 3 seasons. I also think that befor all is said & done EVERY team in the NFL will wish they would have rolled the dice on Bush, with JRock & Bush becoming the Manning & James of the next decade. Not to take anything away from DMac, hes an athletic freak of nature, but the only thing he has on Bush is speed. I think the Raiders go to the playoffs next year & stay there for years to come.
2 months ago
Good article, but just so your aware... Justin Fargas will be starting Monday night, not Darren McFadden.
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