Oakland Raiders: What They Need to Do To Win The AFC West

It has been a long time since the Raiders have won the AFC West division. The last division title came in 2002 when Rich Gannon was enjoying his veteran company in Tim Brown and Jerry Rice. Charlie Garner's slick speed and Rod Woodson's ball hawk abilities allowed the Raiders to dominate the AFC West.

Those days and players are long gone, and it is time for the new breed of Raiders to step up and bring the AFC West back to Oakland.

Coach Tom Cable has the Raiders believing in themselves and believing that they can win. This past Sunday they took out the top dogs in the division, the San Diego Chargers. Beating the Chargers is the first step in making a run at the division.

Here is what the Oakland Raiders need to do to win the AFC West.

Get After The Quarterback

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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 19: Lamarr Houston #99 is congratulated by Kamerion Wimbley #96 of the Oakland Raiders after Houston sacked Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 19, 2010 in Oakland, California.

The Raiders pass rush has shown its potential in the 2010 season, but they need to get better. The Raiders rank 13th in the league with 10 sacks.

The Raiders pass rush has been led by the second-year man from Wisconsin, Matt Shaughnessy. Shaughnessy has three sacks on the year and behind him is linebacker Kamerion Wimbley with two. The Raider defense needs to improve on its pass rush even though it has done a decent job so far this season.

Commit to a One Quarterback

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OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 10: Jason Campbell #8 of the Oakland Raiders passes the ball against the San Diego Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 10, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Both Bruce Gradkowski and Jason Campbell have had their moments in the 2010 season, but the Raiders have to stick with one guy. Campbell got benched in Week 2 but came off the bench in Week 5 to lead the Raiders to victory.

So now the only question is, who is the guy?

Whoever the starting quarterback is, the Raiders need to make a decision and stick with it. Gradkowski and Campbell are both good quarterbacks and both have qualities that contribute to the team. Gradkowski's ability to make plays outside of the pocket, and Campbell's strong arm can both help the Raiders.

Coach Tom Cable must commit to one guy and stick with it.

The Young Wide Receivers Need to Step Up

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PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 06: Louis Murphy #18 of the Oakland Raiders runs for a third quarter touchdown while playing the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 6, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Oakland won the game 27-24. (Photo by Gregory Sham

The Raiders' wide receivers have a lot of talent. but there is a lack of production.

Second year man Darrius Heyward-Bey has exceeded his totals from 2009, but he has plenty of work to do. The 2009 first-round pick has 11 catches for 142 yards on the season and has been held without a touchdown. Heyward-Bey has the size and speed but his hands have always been a concern. There has definitely been improvement, but the Raiders need to see more production.

Louis Murphy, also a second year man, has been a nice surprise for the Raiders. The fourth-round pick out of Florida has played well in his young career. Murphy has produced more than Heyward-Bey and perhaps has shown that he is the better receiver.

Heyward-Bey and Murphy definitely have the talent, and are dangerous weapons for Gradkowski or Campbell.

Stick to Your Strength, The Running Game

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: Runningback Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders rushes the football past Paris Lenon #51 of the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 26, 2010 in G

The Raiders will go into week six seventh in the NFL in rushing. Running backs Darren McFadden and Michael Bush are one of the best duos in the league. Michael Bush has power back, while McFadden has the the break away speed.

McFadden has finally played well in the 2010 season after two injury plagued seasons. Unfortunately for the former Razorback, he injured his hamstring in week four and was sidelined in week five. Bush is always prepared to step in for McFadden and he proved that once more in week five against San Diego.

When both healthy, these two are lethal together, and are one of the keys for the Raiders to be successful.

Less Penalties

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GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 26: Head coach Tom Cable of the Oakland Raiders stands on the sidelines during the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated th

The Raiders have been one of the highest penalized teams over the past few seasons. Penalties can kill drives and give opposing offenses great field position.

If the Raiders want to contend in the AFC West, and the top teams in the AFC, they must work on making less mistakes. If the Raiders continue to be penalized, they will lose close games that they could have potentially won.

Protect The Quarterback

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 03: Robert Gallery #76 of the Oakland Raiders stands on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks on September 3, 2009 at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

The Raiders offensive line has been dreadful in recent years, but with some solid draft picks, maybe things are starting to look up.

Robert Gallery has not been what the Raiders have hoped for, but he has turned into a solid player. In order for the Raiders to have any success on offense, they must protect the quarterback. No matter how good the quarterback, they are only as good as their offensive line will let them be.

With the draft picks of Jared Veldheer and Bruce Campbell, hopefully these two rookies can contribute down the stretch.