2008 NFL Preview > Oakland Raiders Preview

2008 Oakland Raiders Football Preview

Head Coach: Lane Kiffin (for now)

2007 record: 4-12

Key Additions: OLB/S Adam Archuleta WR Drew Carter, CB DeAngelo Hall, OT Kwame Harris, RB Darren McFadden, C John Wade, WR Javon Walker, S Gibril Wilson

Key Losses: DE Tyler Brayton, RS Chris Carr, DE Chris Clemons, QB Daunte Culpepper, RB Lamont Jordan, QB Josh McCown, WR Jerry Porter, RB Dominic Rhodes, DT Warren Sapp, OT Barry Simms, CB Fabian Washington

The Raiders spent a boatload of cash in the offseason in an effort to turn around a team that has not won more than five games in a season since getting thrashed by the Tampa Bay Bucs in the Super Bowl a number of years ago. Al Davis became impatient with the Silver and Black’s losing ways and brought in high priced talent such as Javon Walker, DeAngelo Hall, Gibril Wilson, and Kwame Harris. Davis also reportedly typed a resignation letter for head coach Lane Kiffin to sign, but the second year coach refused and has lived to coach another day. Only the Raiders…

2008 Oakland Raiders Offense:

Last year’s top overall pick, JaMarcus Russell will start full time for the Raiders this season. A prolonged training camp holdout slowed the LSU quarterback’s growth last season and he did not see game action until the last month of the season. Expect a roller coaster season from the first year starter. The team drafted Arkansas running back Darren McFadden, despite recently re-signing Justin Fargas,who is fresh off his first 1000 yard season. However, McFadden is by far the superior talent of the two and should receive the lion’s share of touches as the season goes on (think Adrian Peterson/Chester Taylor). The team’s signing of free agent wide receiver Javon Walker has not been without controversy, as the wideout reportedly considered retiring after being robbed and beaten unconscious in Las Vegas this offseason. Coach Lane Kiffin hasn’t been too pleased with Walker’s performance in training camp either. Ronald Curry and free agent pick up Drew Carter will fight it out to start opposite Walker. Tight end Zach Miller quietly put up a solid rookie season, setting a new Raider rookie receiving record (try saying that out loud) with 44 catches last season. Oakland’s offensive line had difficulty protecting the quarterback last year but fared better in the running game. The team replaced longtime offensive tackle Barry Sims with former 49ers first round pick Kwame Harris. However, the team did not do much to upgrade the unit so expect to see Russell under pressure.

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2008 Oakland Raiders Defense:

Much like their rival in Denver, the Raiders could not stop the opponents on the ground last season. Oakland ranked 2 nd worst in run defense in the entire NFL, ahead of only Cam Cameron’s Dolphins. Incredibly, during their offseason binge, the Raiders did not see the need to improve their front seven. Apparently Al Davis feels the acquisitions of DeAngelo Hall and Gibril Wilson will be enough to turn around the Raiders woes against the run. In Davis’ defense, the pass coverage should be excellent, as cornerbacks Hall and Nnamdi Asomugha both possess Pro Bowl caliber talent and should allow the Raiders to get away with stacking the box if their front seven cannot stop the run. Also, defensive end Derrick Burgess brings the team a legitimate pass rushing presence at end.

2008 Oakland Raiders Special Teams:

Shane Lechler is one of the best punters in the league. Sebastian Janikowski has a strong leg but has been one of the most inaccurate kickers in the league each of the past three seasons. Johnnie Lee Higgins is handling the return duties because Hall and rookie Tyvon Branch both suffered hand injuries during training camp.

2008 Oakland Raiders Expectations:

A full training camp for Russell and the addition of McFadden should help the Raiders offense. However, it appears the defense will again have difficulty stopping the run. The Raiders success will largely depend on how efficient their offense can play. If they turn the ball over frequently, as young quarterbacks with rocket arms tend to do, the team will have serious issues. However, look for Kiffin to emphasize the ground attack with both McFadden and Fargas, in an attempt to alleviate the pressure on Russell and keep the Raider’s defense fresh.

2008 Oakland Raiders Prediction: 3rd place in the AFC West

By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer

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