10 Questions for Johnnie Lee Higgins

It's easy to overlook the accomplishments of Raiders wide receiver Johnnie Lee Higgins. In 2008, Higgins led all Raider wide receivers in receptions (22), receiving yards (366), and touchdowns (4).

While those numbers are certainly paltry when compared to the league's other team receiving leaders, Higgins achieved those numbers while playing in an offense that was near last in most major passing statistical categories.

What's more, Higgins' 1,412 combined kick/punt return yards and three punt return touchdowns were lost amidst the tumult of a 5-11 season that was marked by the volatile firing of head coach Lane Kiffin.

Now entering his third year in the league, the former UTEP standout has already established himself as one of the league's most explosive return men, and is poised to have a breakout 2009 season at wide receiver. Here are a set of 10 questions worth asking the talented Johnnie Lee Higgins:

1. In only two seasons, you've established yourself as one of the league's most explosive return men, but what kind of work have you done in the offseason to improve your skills in the receiving game?

2. Tedd Tollner was hired this offseason as the new Passing Game Coordinator. What changes have you noticed thus far in his approach to the passing game compared to that of former coordinator Greg Knapp? How do you think these changes will improve a passing offense thank ranked near last in most major passing statistical categories?

3. Heading into his third season and second as a full time starter, what improvements have you observed in quarterback JaMarcus Russell and what are your expectations of him in the 2009 season?

4. What kind of attitude has Head Coach Tom Cable brought to the organization? Has his approach changed since losing the "interim" title?

5. A lot has been made of the team's first round draft pick Derrius Heyward-Bay and the choice to select him ahead of more heralded prospects Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin. What was your initial reaction to the pick, and do you think it was the right choice?

6. The team ended the 2008 season on a high note with two consecutive victories, including a Week 17 win that spoiled the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' playoff hopes. How has the team been able to carry that momentum into the offseason? What will it take to carry that momentum into the upcoming regular season?

7. Although it's early, which teammate has impressed you the most so far? Which rookie has stood out in camp? Who looks like they are in position to have a breakout 2009 season?

8. What are your expectations for this team for the upcoming season? What obstacles do you foresee that might impede this team from a successful 2009 campaign?

9. Is this a make-or-break year for JaMarcus Russell?

10. Finally, your cartwheel-to-back flip touchdown celebration has become somewhat of a signature move for you. First of all, when you first showcased it, was it a spur of the moment thing or was it something that was planned? Second, do you consider yourself an entertainer in this league (along the lines of a Chad Johnson or Joe Horn)?