Can JaMarcus Russell Lead The Raiders Out Of The Wilderness In 2009?

Following a year in which no AFC West team really deserved to qualify for the NFL playoffs (cue Jim Mora: did you say PLAYOFFS?), the Oakland Raiders could be poised to make big strides in 2009—if the last two games of the 2008 regular season are any indication, anyway.

With the Kansas City chiefs coming off their worst season since the pre-Marty-Ball days, the San Diego Chargers appearing to slide further every year under Norv Turner, and the Denver Broncos in upheaval (isn't it nice to see the soap opera in the Mile High City for a change?), now would seem to be the time for the Raiders to reassert themselves if they're ever going to in the Al Davis regime.

It has been an uncharacteristically quiet offseason for the Raiders, at least compared to recent offseasons with the head-butting between former head coach Lane Kiffin and Davis now in the rear view mirror.

Rob Ryan is in Cleveland, Terrell Owens is thankfully not the Raiders' problem, stars Shane Lechler and Nnamdi Asomugha were re-signed; so where does that leave the Silver and Black in 2009?

With Erik Pears, Khalif Barnes and Samson Satele added to the offensive line and Jake Grove subtracted, how well will the O line gel? That seems to me to be the key to the Raiders' hopes to improve, along with the development of JaMarcus Russell.

With good targets in Zach Miller and Darren McFadden providing help in the short passing game, can the blockers give Russell enough protection to hit the downfield passes? If so can Javon Walker and the young wideouts catch the deep throws that have been the Raiders trademark for so long?

With Johnnie Lee Higgins leading the wide receivers with only 20-some catches in 2008, Chaz Schilens and some of the other youngsters must show improvement. Even if Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin are drafted, they will still be rookies.

Crabtree's speed has been questioned and what with his recent surgery, his selection at No. 7 would be dicey. Maclin did not run a blazing 40 time at the combine.

Second round possibility Hakeem Nicks reportedly scored an 11 on the Wonderlich test which would make one believe he might have problems learning an NFL offense.

Therefore, in my opinion, most of the added production will have to come from players already on the roster.

McFadden, if healthy, and Michael Bush can form a formidable one-two punch in the running game, making Russell's job much easier. Paul Hackett and Ted Tollner should give Russell the guidance he needs to step up his game. The rest is up to JaMarcus Russell.

Russell needs to demonstrate to his coaches and teammates that he has the dedication to excel in the NFL. The first way to do this is to work hard on conditioning and show up in shape for the mini-camps and training camp.

This could be a make or break year for JaMarcus Russell in Oakland. If he is to live up to his immense talent, Russell must show he has leadership qualities and the intangibles that have been lacking in his game thus far.