Raiders Outlook: A Tough Schedule Until Bye Week

The Raiders had a very good chance going into the year to finish their first four games with a 3-1 record.  They almost pulled an upset in Week 1 that would have had fans believing they could go 4-0.  Instead, the Raiders (barely) limped out of the first four games with one win. 

Many told themselves as ugly as it was, a win against the rivaled Chiefs was what the Raiders needed to rebuild their confidence. It wasn't.  What was supposed to be a fluke game with a complete lack of offense and a mediocre defense turned into a pattern.  JaMarcus' inconsistency is consistant, the running backs aren't running, and the rookie wide receivers are playing like, well, rookies.  I said at the beginning of the year that this was a young team who would make mistakes.  I didn't mean on seemingly every play.

No matter the reason, the Raiders are 1-3.  Their next four games before Week 8's Bye?  In New York vs. the Giants, home against the Eagles, home against the Jets, and in San Diego vs. the Chargers.  Believe in hope, Raider Nation, but the reality is staring us in the face; The Raiders could limp into the Bye Week with a 1-7 record.  JaMarcus would probably stay, but Tom Cable would likely be gone.

It's amazing to think, but look at the numbers since Week 2.  The offense has scored one touchdown in three games.  Somehow, amazingly, with a potential all-star cast of running backs, a load of raw talent at receiver, and a great up-and-coming tight end, the Raiders offense resembles the 2006 team of death led by Art Shell.  Raider Nation figured it could never get that bad again, but if the Raiders finish this stretch at 1-7, draft pick #1 or #2 may be a reality.

But hey, let's have some optimism, too; Janikowski hasn't missed a field goal yet!