Oakland Raiders 2011 Playoff Push: Predicting an AFC West Takeover

For those who are following the NFL lockout, you know that a sense of optimism is now in our midst. It seems we very well could have a full NFL season heading into 2011, as the Oakland Raiders look to improve on their 8-8 record in 2010.

As fans, we have all expressed our belief that the Raiders are primed for a playoff push. It would be the first time the Raiders have made the playoffs in almost a full decade. The era of embarrassing losses and mainstream media jokes is now over, and it is time to show the NFL that the Oakland Raiders are ready to become contenders once again.

In order for the Raiders to make this statement, multiple things must go right. The core of this team has to be hungry for victory. The Raiders finally have that kind of team with young players coming from winning college programs. Add that element with veterans who have had success and also have something to prove and you have a more focused and disciplined football team.

The Raiders are headed in the right direction, there are some bright days to come for this franchise.

Darren McFadden Proves 2010 Was Not a Fluke

Prior to the 2010 season, Darren McFadden had a lot to prove. With the bust label vastly approaching, McFadden found himself in a "make or break" situation. Even fans felt like back-up Michael Bush gave the Raiders a better opportunity to win than did McFadden. Due to a preseason injury, Bush was sidelined and McFadden took advantage of his opportunity.

It is pointless to bring up his stats. We all know what McFadden did and what he can do. In fact, his 2010 season lobbied him to be one the NFL's top 100 players according to his peers. The question is, can he do it again and again?

This offensive line is young, but I think with the addition of their new position coaches, McFadden will again rush for more than 1,000 yards and put up respectable receiving yards as well.

Keeping Bush and the emergence of rookie running back Taiwan Jones will help McFadden stay healthy and fresh.

Matt Shaughnessy Leads This Team in Sacks

I remember when Matt Shaugnhessy was drafted in 2009—a draft where it seemed every pick was a reach. The Raiders selected Shaugnhessy in the third round, when many had him as a fifth-round talent.

Fast forward two years and Shaugnhessy finds himself in quite a good situation. He has learned and developed into a consistent player. He has been undoubtedly mentored by Richard Seymour. Most importantly, he has one of the best coaches at his position, Mike Waufle. Shaugnhessy even has the praise and respect of his new head coach.

In his rookie year, he recorded five sacks and a forced fumble in only four starts. In year No. 2 he recorded seven sacks, two forced fumbles and 56 total tackles in only seven starts.

Imagine what he can do in an entire 16-game season.

With his partner Lamarr Houston, this defensive line can emerge as one of the best.

Chaz Schilens Will Stay Healthy

A receiver that hasn't been talked about lately is Chaz Schilens. Why? Because he just hasn't stayed healthy. If you can't stay on the field, a 6'4" and 225-pound body and 4.38 speed doesn't mean much.

I have had faith in Schilens in the past and still do. But the fact is, this is it. It's now or never.

The fact that he has no offseason surgeries scheduled this year is a vote of confidence for me. It's going to be a big deal for his health in 2011.

I would love to say Schilens will be our No. 1 receiver, but I think that will go to Louis Murphy. Murphy has the work ethic and overall chemistry with quarterback Jason Campbell, but the battle for the No. 1 spot is a wide open competition.

I have heard mixed reports regarding Schilens' attendance during the Raiders "players only" workouts, but hopefully whatever he is doing is preparing him to be a legitimate contributor heading into 2011.

The biggest reason why I am pulling for Schilens is because he just has a knack for making big plays even with limited playing time. He is the only receiver on our roster who makes the WR position look natural and easy.

That is a big deal.

Rolando McClain Becomes the Leader of This Defense

We all know that the heart and soul of this defense goes through Richard Seymour. He lifts this defense up to greatness. But the fact is, the future of this defense is not invested in Seymour, it is invested in Rolando McClain.

What separates McClain's rookie year from past first-round Raiders rookies is that it was productive. McClain didn't hit the ground running, but he did get a whole lot better as the year went on, which is exactly what you want from your rookie.

McClain's rookie year was productive. But it wasn't stellar. In year two, I expect McClain to continue to be extremely productive, but he will take it a step further. McClain now has to make the people around him better in order to be considered one of the elite middle linebackers in the game today.

Because McClain is a student of the game, it is only a matter of time before he takes control of this defensive unit and becomes a "coach" on the field.

Speculation: I know Chuck Bresnahan is our defensive coordinator now, but what if the Raiders got a chance at Marvin Lewis after his contract with the Bengals is up? Lewis has been an average head coach, but he was quite a good defensive coordinator when he was in Baltimore with Ray Lewis. Just something to think about.

This Offensive Line Begins to Take Shape

The offensive line has been a huge issue for the Oakland Raiders for a long time now. Head coach Hue Jackson has talked about building a bully. Well, that starts with the line of scrimmage.

The Raiders addressed the middle of that line with the second-round pick of 2011 with Stefan Wisniewski. He will lead this offensive line for 10-plus years. Now it's time to address the rest.

The tackle positions are extremely young and unproven. Jared Veldheer showed promise, yet did nothing to show he can put the left tackle spot on lock down. On the right side there is a bit of uncertainty.

Langston Walker is flirting with the idea of retirement. Mario Henderson has not worked out for the Raiders and his only chance of staying may only be for depth.

Enter Bruce Campbell.

I know some have him penciled in for one of the guard spots, but I think tackle is overall a better fit for his athleticism. The physical "freak" is finally going to get his opportunity to show what he can do.

With all this young talent and uncertainty, why am I so confident in this O-line?

Coaching.

The addition of Bob Wylie is overall going to help this running game. He has produced offensive lines that excel in that department. Pass blocking still may be a concern, but that's why you have assistants.

Enter Steve Wisniewski.

The uncle of the Raiders 2011 second-round pick is going to get this unit in a more disciplined state of mind. More discipline turns into smart play. Smart play turns into wins.

Rod Woodson Displays His Coaching Skills

The second Rod Woodson was announced to be the cornerbacks coach of the Oakland Raiders, I think we were all juiced up. The former Raider safety already had a strong influence on Nnamdi Asomugha even if it was only for a short period of time. Still, Asomugha credits Woodson for his progression and maturation.

Now the Raiders have Woodson full time as a position coach. You have to imagine what that could produce.

I've said it before and I will say it again. Woodson's legacy as a position coach will not be defined by what he can do with Nnamdi Asomugha on the roster, but instead by what he can do without him.

As much as I would love to keep Asomugha—and I still have hope we will—the fact is we need to realize that it is possible that No. 21 will no longer be wearing the silver and black.

But still we should be in solid shape.

I want to see what Stanford Routt will be able to do under Woodson's wing. He had a very strong 2010 and eventually got paid for it.

I haven't been a huge Chris Johnson fan, but the guy has some talent. I wonder if Woodson's knowledge can help Johnson become a more complete corner.

These new rookie corners have a lot of potential. DeMarcus Van Dyke may have been a reach, but I understand why the Raiders took the chance. If he reaches the peak of his potential, I think he could be the best corner in this draft. If you want to know why I believe that, please comment and I will explain.

Fourth-round pick Chimdi Chekwa brings versatility to the corner position. He can play outside the numbers, nickel, or possibly even safety.

You would think these corners on our roster would reap much benefit from Rod Woodson's coaching.

Darrius Heyward-Bey Shows Up

Now, bear with me a bit. I'm not saying Darrius Heyward-Bey is suddenly going to emerge into this team's No. 1 receiver. I mentioned that spot is a wide open competition, but let's be honest: The chances of DHB winning that battle is slim to say the least.

But I do believe that this is the year he shows the NFL why the Raiders took the chance that they did. The first two seasons have not gone to DHB's liking. Going into year three for any wide receiver is a big deal, but maybe for Heyward-Bey this might be critical for more than one reason.

Obviously, most wide receivers take about three years to truly mature. Heyward-Bey finds himself trying to rid himself of the bust label that most put on him the second the commissioner announced his name. Two years removed from that moment is going to relax his mind. Let him focus primarily on football, rather than just proving a point.

Another reason is Hue Jackson and Al Saunders. Many have mentioned their assumed positive impact on quarterback Jason Campbell, but Heyward-Bey should reap some benefits of his own, as both coaches have respected histories with wide receivers.

Last but not least is overall work ethic.

No one has ever questioned DHB's work ethic. But now it's time for that hard work to turn into on-field production. Otherwise, what's the point? The fact that we see DHB being such a team player and willing run blocker is something we can all support. But as a top 10 draft pick, it is time to see more. I think Heyward-Bey has to ask himself one question:

"Do I really want the world to see me as a bust, when I work as hard as I do?"

I think we will see his answer in 2011.

Jason Campbell Proves Himself "The Man"

This is it. If the Raiders are going to make the playoffs, Jason Campbell is going to have a huge part in that.

Some share different opinions of Campbell's capabilities. 2011 and beyond is where Campbell puts an end to those debates—hopefully to his favor. Jason Campbell had his ups and downs his first year donning the silver and black. However, after his moments of adversity, you cannot deny his accomplishments.

Finally, Campbell finds himself in the same offensive system in consecutive years. This being the first time in his career that has ever happened. Not only will you see a rise in his statistics, but you will see a rise in his leadership as well.

It is a lot easier to lead when you know exactly what you are doing.

Whether or not Campbell's improvement gets him a Pro Bowl selection or not is uncertain. But that is not important. The important thing is that the Raiders find a quarterback they can finally rely on to keep them in games and not give them away.

I think that is Jason Campbell.

The team Campbell has around him is a quarterback away from shocking the AFC West and the NFL. There is no reason at all that can't be Jason Campbell.