Anatomy of your 2009 Oakland Raiders offense

I(AP Photo/John Froschauer)

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After today's move to bolster the Oakland Raiders defensive line, the 2009 roster has taken shape. Like all teams, the Raiders have positions of strength and weakness. Each of these units, whether strong or weak will have to play together in order for the Raiders to have a winning season.

Here is a look at each offensive position group that remains, and their apparent strength as a unit through preseason.

QUARTERBACKS:

On the roster: JaMarcus Russell, Bruce Gradkowski, and Charlie Frye

Strength: Questionable

This is Russell's show completely. With the departure of Jeff Garcia, there will be no hint of the quarterback controversy that seemed to have the potential to brew. Russell had his highlights in the preseason, and looks to be on the right track. Head Coach Tom Cable wouldn't name a second string out of Gradkowski and Frye, and if all goes well for the Raiders that would be no more than a clerical decision.

This is Russell's third year in the leage and second as a starter. Russell has to make his third year leap this year, and find his consistency. The Raiders have invested a lot in his development over the offseason, and he has to show dividends.

RUNNING BACKS:

On the roster: Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, Louis Rankin, Oren O'Neal, Luke Lawton

Strength: Strong

Through the preseason, the Raiders focused on developing their passing game. Due to this, the offensive running game was mostly an afterthought. Despite the lack of rushing attempts, Cable is confident that the Raiders will be able to resume their rushing game with no issues, because "that is who we are."

The combination of Fargas, McFadden, and Bush make for a deadly trio. In two preseasons, Rankin has shown immense potential. Unless, one of the big three go down to injury, Rankin will likely be a bit performer at best. Oren O'Neal will have to return to the form he had before his knee injury. Luke Lawton is on the margin of the team, and has his best moments as a special teams player.

WIDE RECEIVERS:

On the roster: Chaz Schilens, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Louis Murphy, Johnnie Lee Higgins, Javon Walker, Nick Miller, Todd Watkins

Strength: Questionable

Going back to the end of the 2008 season, through the offseason workouts, and into the preseason game Chaz Schilens was head and shoulders the best player at that position. However, he will be missing at least the first two weeks of the season with a broken foot. Johnnie Lee Higgins also seemed to be emerging at the end of '08, but seems to have been surpassed on the depth chart by the rookies DHB and Louis Murphy. To add to the unproven nature of this position, Javon Walker is back after a mysterious offseason knee surgery. Second year player Todd Watkins and undrafted rookie Nick Miller provide depth.

There is the potential for this unit to be explosive and dangerous. However, with the questions surrounding Walker's knee, this unit is completely unproven. Three rookies in DHB, Murphy, and Miller. There are two second year players in Watkins and Schilens, and JLH is a third year player. That is seven years experience from all of the receivers not named Javon Walker, which is less than his length of service. The rookies will be counted on to make plays. If they live up to their potential, this can be an explosive unit.

TIGHT ENDS:

On the roster: Zach Miller, Tony Stewart, Brandon Myers

Strength: Strong

Zach Miller is nearly a Pro Bowl performer. Brandon Myers had an outstanding preseason both as a receiver and a blocker.  Tony Stewart is a solid blocker/receiver as well as a key player on special teams.

OFFENSIVE LINE:

Strength: Questionable

Mario Henderson is entering his first year as a starter. Cornell Green is the weak link along the line at right tackle. Khalif Barnes could supplant Green when he returns from injury. Erik Pears is the currently healthy reserve. Green has a propensity for penalties and giving up sacks. He had the same problems in '08, but they were overshadowed by Kwame Harris's play on the other side.

Robert Gallery has found his home at left guard, and is the Raiders best offensive lineman. Cooper Carlisle on the other side is a veteran of the zone blocking system, and played well in 07. His production slid in 08, and it would seem like the Raiders should have brought in someone to push him. Veteran guard Paul McQuistan will be the depth.

At center, Samson Satele had been brought in to replace the departed Jake Grove. However, as of Saturday, he had been beaten out by Chris Morris for the starting center position.

This position is better suited for run blocking, and still looks to have breakdowns in pass protection. Third year offensive tackle Mario Henderson will be the man under the microscope.

Tomorrow, the defense!

For more info: Check out  RaiderNews.com for the latest on the Oakland Raiders.

You can also find Patrick Patterson on Thoughts from the Dark Side.

Thank you to Cal Bears Examiner, Rob Calonge, for his excellent team coverage of Training Camp.