Four Plays the Oakland Raiders Can Utilize for a More Exciting Offense in 2009

Last season, the Raiders' anemic offense ranked 29th in the league in scoring (16.4 points per game) and notched just 27 offensive touchdowns. Most importantly, Oakland's attack lacked big play ability.

However, Tom Cable comes in having coordinated potent offenses in college. Here is a list of potential plays that may be used more often this season to help alleviate the Raiders' scoring woes.  

1. The End Zone Fade

Why It's Available

Oakland has an inexperienced group of receivers, but they are wideouts with the size and athleticism to compete for jump balls in the end zone. Chaz Schilens (6'4", 225), Darrius Heyward-Bey (6'2", 210), and Louis Murphy (6'2", 205) should make for solid end zone targets. 

Keys to Execution

The receivers must develop reliable hands and solid footwork around the pylons. If JaMarcus Russell works on placing the ball perfectly (no simple task), a lot of would-be Raider field goals will become touchdowns.

2. The Long Bomb

Why It's Available

The Raiders have receivers (see above) that have the size to fight for balls in the air and plenty of speed to get down the field. This will allow JaMarcus Russell to effectively utilize his cannon arm. Oakland also has a solid running game to help soften the defense and set up play-action opportunities.

Keys to Execution

Improved accuracy by Russell is needed, but consistent pocket protection will be most important to give him time to throw. At the same time, the Raiders cannot afford dumb and costly penalties for holding or false starts.

If the line stays disciplined, Oakland can have what it hasn't possessed in years: a vertical passing attack.

3. The End-Around

Why It's Available

Al Davis loves speed and has drafted accordingly. Murphy, Heyward-Bey, and Johnnie Lee Higgins can be gone in an instant if a hole opens up. Darren McFadden's experience throwing on trick plays in college could open up a halfback pass option at the end of a double reverse.

Keys to Execution

Consistent and disciplined downfield blocking by the entire team. In particular, Schilens and tight end Zach Miller have the size to be effective blockers downfield. Killer holding penalties must obviously be avoided.

4. The Wild...Raider?

Why It's Available

Darren McFadden's experience running and throwing out of the "WildHog" at Arkansas makes this an option if the Raiders ever want to catch a team off guard. Admittedly, this will be harder to do after Miami's success with the formation last year.

Keys to Execution

With the rest of the NFL spending more time defending against this emerging trend, Oakland will have to select proper timing for running the "WildCat."  Avoiding penalties will help the Raiders face favorable downs and distances in order to open up the playbook and keep opposing defenses on their toes.

Oakland possesses a roster full of big play potential for Cable to work with. If all the players stay disciplined and contribute on the field, fans should see a more exciting (or at least watchable) offense in 2009.