Do The Raiders Finally Escape The Black Hole?

This next AFC West team finished 5-11 in 2008, the Oakland Raiders.

The Raiders struggled last year like every previous year since Rich Gannon retired. Inconsistent quarterback play and an overpaid defense brought down the team. The silver lining is Michael Bush emerged as a power running back.

The Good: The Raiders offense improved with the additions of Lorenzo Neal, Darrius Hayward-Bey, and Jeff Garcia. Neal still has one good year left in him and he will open up the holes for the Raiders’ three headed monster that includes Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden, and the newly emerged Michael Bush. The running game is without a doubt the strong point of the Raiders team. Hayward-Bey is a 6’3 speedster who ran a 4.2 40 at the NFL Combine. If he proves he can catch, he will improve a passing game that includes a good tight end Zach Miller and an injury prone Javon Walker. Last but not least, Jeff Garcia might end up being the biggest offseason acquisition. If Jamarcus Russell cannot handle the job, Garcia will step in and the team might be better for it. The last two teams Garcia signed with went to the playoffs in his first season there. The Raiders’ defense is highlighted by Nnamdi Asomugha and punter Shane Lechler.

The Bad: The Raiders have a new Head Coach in Tom Cable (interim coach last season) for the fourth time in four years. Also, the defense lost its other good player in safety Gibril Wilson and the offensive line lost center Jake Grove who anchored the Raider line.

The Ugly: The Raiders face the NFC East and AFC North plus the New York Jets. Also, Al Davis is still owner, so the Raiders will be watching the playoffs at home and Cable should have his resume ready.

Fantasy: McFadden should emerge as the #1 back in the Raider system and would make a solid #2 back on your roster. Zach Miller will have another good year, especially if Hayward-Bey comes through and draws the attention away. Hayward-Bey is good for very, very deep leagues.

5-11

3^rd place