Oakland Raiders: Why Jason Campbell Can Become Elite In Oakland

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Jason Campbell enters the 2011 season as the unquestioned starter for the Oakland Raiders, and he has persevered a lot in his football career after being a first-round pick in 2005. 

He's had to deal with a revolving door of head coaches and offensive coordinators. 

He played four years in college in the dominant SEC where he led the Auburn Tigers to a 13-0 record during his senior  year.

He was named the SEC offensive player of the year in 2004 and was ranked fourth in the nation in completion percentage.

Campbell is a good quarterback who still has plenty of football left to play, and he has a great opportunity to become an elite quarterback in Oakland.

Let's take a look at five reasons why Campbell can become elite in Oakland.

Al Davis

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Al Davis will be a major reason why Campbell will succeed in Oakland. He believes in him, and he publicly praises Campbell. Campbell never really felt the support of the owner or city in Washington, and Hearing what Davis has had to say about him, Campbell had this to say.

"It feels good just to see Mr. Davis go on TV and express how he feels about me as a quarterback," Campbell told the Post. "Just to have him in your corner, to have an owner in your corner, is just a great feeling. And to have guys embrace you and make you feel welcome ... and just the season we had. You know, Oakland has been through some rough times. And for us to go out this year and to become a team that's getting that respect again, a team that has young players with a bright future, it's an exciting time. It's an exciting time in my life, career-wise and off the field." 

Davis has done a great job at providing Campbell with the confidence and security he needs. He'll also provide him with the right coaches and players so his quarterback can succeed.

Hue Jackson

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Hue Jackson is one of the best coaches around the league. What he's done as a coordinator around the league is tremendous. He has a way of getting the most out of his players.

He challenges them to be great everyday. Players like Chad Ochocinco, Joe Flacco, Lorenzo Neal and Darren McFadden know first hand the type of coach he is.

Ochocinco has said he would jump in front of a bus for Jackson, and Jackson calls Chad his son.

This is the kind of relationship that is important to have with your head coach. There needs to be a respect factor first, and Jackson earns respect from the players.

He is a great leader and offensive mind. Jackson will be one of the major reasons Campbell will succeed in Oakland.

His offensive scheme will work with Campbell's strengths and Campbell is the prototypical Raiders quarterback. 

He has the strong arm, does well in play action and can make plays with his feet. Campbell will be much better in his second year in Oakland.

Talent Around Him

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The Raiders have a lot of talent around Campbell. They are very young players but are very explosive as well.

Zach Miller, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush all stepped up their game in 2010 and should continue to get better as their careers progress. They are all very talented players that will make it easy for Campbell to succeed.

The Raiders have a very young receiving group that needs to produce more. Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy will be entering their third year as receivers.

Look for both of these players to improve in 2011. Both guys are driven and hard working individuals who will work on getting better.

If Chaz Schilens can stay healthy and Jacoby Ford comes back with another play making season Campbell and the Raiders offense will see the most production from their receivers since the Tim Brown and Jerry Rice days.

Offensive Line

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The offensive line may look totally different in 2011. Tom Cable was a zone blocking guy, and Jackson is more of a power blocking scheme coach.

Cable was considered a Offensive line guru despite the Raiders horrendous offensive line play under his watch. 

The Raiders never had a Pro Bowl offensive linemen under Cable, and they struggled in pass protection.

In the last two years the Raiders have had six different quarterbacks drop back to pass the ball. Four of them have been knocked out of a game due to injury, and the other two were sacked or hit despite playing minimal snaps.

Last season Charlie Frye and JaMarcus Russell were both knocked out of a game due to injury. J.P. Losman came in for one snap and was drilled by a defender.

Jackson will bring in better protection and a better scheme that fits his offense. Davis mentioned during his press conference that Jackson was limited as the offensive coordinator. 

The Zone Blocking scheme could be a reason for that. Look for Campbell's protection to get better and that is always crucial to a quarterback's success.

Jason Campbell

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In 2011 Campbell could be surrounded by the best cast he's every had in his career. He has the owner on his side, a great coach, and he'll have enough talent around him to succeed.

The biggest factor in Campbell's success in Oakland is none other than Jason Campbell himself.

He enters the 2011 season with perhaps the most confidence he's ever had entering a season. The whole team is behind him and believes in him. 

He'll have another year under the same system which has been rare for him. He's comfortable as the Raiders quarterback and wants to succeed.

Campbell is a true professional, and he'll put in the hours during the off season to make sure he comes back better than last season.

The stars are aligning for Campbell and the whole Raiders organization. The Raiders have found their coach and their quarterback.

Now it's time to go get that Lombardi Trophy and bring it back to the dark side.

 

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