Tom Cable believes. He ordered T-shirts for the team that proclaim that the Raiders will win the AFC West and fight for the Super Bowl. Taken against the backdrop of their seven years of sub-mediocrity, it can be excused if the casual observer would see that belief as akin to Manbearpig.
These are not the "same old" Raiders that have meandered to consecutive double-digit losses. The changes have come about as a conscious long-term plan that Cable began implementing from the time he was named interim head coach in 1998. This plan has taken time to germinate, as the culture of losing had deeply infected the team by that point.
The Raiders have eliminated the dead weight that dragged down the rest of the team, most notably former first overall pick JaMarcus Russell.
Cable has focused on building a team around the young core, and playing the right way. Flashes of the results of this philosophy were seen when Russell was benched in the ninth game of the season and Bruce Gradskowski led the team to two wins in the three games he started and finished.
Over the offseason, the Raiders have focused on bringing in football players who will buy into the program. This led to the drafting of linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive end Lamarr Houston, both of whom have shown early flashes. They also added veterans like Quentin Groves and Kamerion Wimbley, whilst avoiding headcases like TO.
This is not the same old Oakland Raiders. This is a team that is chock full of talent and a new attitude. Come December 24th a man in a red suit may or may not be delivering presents to the children of Oakland, but the Raiders will be in the hunt for the AFC West.
Check out NFL Examiner Danny Cox's breakdown of the entire AFC West, and don't miss Examiner.com's complete NFL Season Preview with preseason power rankings, fantasy football advice and more!
Comments
fix the o line.. then we talk..
I'm not too impressed after this weekend tbh. Dallas and Chicago have proven they can't play, which negates our first two victories. . . Darren Mcfadden is awful, Bush wasn't much better, our offensive line sucked and the defense FAILED horribly in the 4th quarter. This looks like the same old Raiders.
its PRESEASON.
Got gutted again by the run. We will never compete for any title if we cant slow down these teams ground attacks. Grads was nice! I alway felt that we loved him because he was not Russell, but I felt really comfortable with him in there. Campbell looked good too. Now that we have the QB position somewhat figured out we need to catch the ball better. Out of all the balls that hit the ground, I would say at least half should have been caught.
Schillens is getting to be a waste of roster spot. Word is that we are not interested in Bryant or Coles...why? Schillens hasn't proven that he is a # 1 receiver, even when he his on the field in very short stints. I feel we are putting too much stock in him.
wow that's interesting that Cable has been implementing his plan since 1998, 12 years? An interim head coach who wasn't even with the team, that makes it more amazing.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!