With all of the offensive struggles the Oakland Raiders had during the 2008 season, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that they have a promising young group of offensive players who will be developing together over the next several years. They have players at each of the skill positions who will be in their third or less year when camp breaks in September. This bodes well for the long term health of the Raiders.
The unquestioned starter will be former first overall pick JaMarcus Russell. He will be in his third year in the league. He had a rough start to 2008, which was his first season as a starter. In the latter part of the season, Russell showed improvement, as he was able to eliminate many of the mistakes that had haunted him early in the season. With another year of OTAs and training camp, he should show even further development.
2008 first round pick Darren McFadden had a disappointing year due to injury, but at times he showed the explosion that the Raiders were counting on when they picked him up in the opening round of the draft. In limited duty, second year back Michael Bush showed flashes of the back he was at Louisville before his injury. If they are used correctly, these two young backs will be a thunder and lightning rushing attack for the Raiders for years to come. Fullback Oren O'Neal who broke out as a rookie in 2007 as a blocker, but lost the 08 campaign to injury will be back to open holes for McFadden and Bush in 09.
Zach Miller who will be in his third year is emerging as one of the best young tight ends in the game. He and Russell have displayed a strong chemistry since Russell's first start where Miller had six catches. Miller led all Raiders in both catches and yards in '08, and promises to only get better.
The numbers on the Raiders wide receiving corps were not good for 2008. However, second year player Johnnie Lee Higgins and rookie Chaz Schilens both came on strong at the end of the season. Schilens was a late round pick in the 2008 draft, who played his way into the starting lineup only to get injured. When he returned from injury, he was able to show glimpses of a bright future. Higgins started the year in the doghouse due to mistakes in the return game, but was able to turn it around both as a returner and receiver. Higgins led the team in touchdowns. It appeared that both of them were beginning to develop the needed chemistry with Russell to be a successful offense.
The key piece that is missing to the Raiders offense is a solid offensive line. Mario Henderson emerged towards the end of the season when he replaced a benched Kwame Harris at left tackle. Robert Gallery shed his bust label by becoming a very good left guard. It is realistic that the Raiders offense is not as far as it would seem at first glance. If the new coaching staff can bring out the best in these young players, the Raiders offense is soon to be feared again.
SEE ALSO:
- Beyond Russell quarterback position shaky
- Miller heir to Raiders tradition of great tight ends
- Raiders future: JaMarcus Russell
- WR a position of concern
- Redemption of Robert Gallery
- Hope for the future
- Oakland needs that Raider attitude
- Raiders need to build a team on offense
- Not rushing success
- Incorrectly using talent
- Receivers not catching on
- A question of talent
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Comments
How about signing 3 time Pro-Bowler Chris McCallister as a free safety / signed Rod Woodson as FS from Ravens ex-teamate of C.Mc; C.Mc can bring leadership raised by Ray Lew, Ed Reed & Rod Woodson. Can cut M. Huff pay C.Mc less money with experience. Will posess potent secodary man to man Coverage Al likes. C. Mc was shut down CB just like Rod Woodson in prime converted to FS now in Hall Of Fame. Has a Super Bowl ring just like G. Wilson SS. Sign him up InstAnt upgrade on D. Diehard Raider fan since 1972.
A WR would complete the skill position package. If Crabtree is gone, then it's the DT from BC or the OT from VA. We can go WR in the second round, it's a great draft this year. We nee to lay off the FA WR's. Russell needs to build some chemisrty with someone who will be around for a while. Take the loss and cut Walker, it will be addition by subtraction. You don't need a player like that in your locker room. DO NOT EVER DRAFT ANOTHER SAFETY, EVER. Other than the DT from BC, there is no other defender that rates the #7 pick. I can't say I would be shocked if Davis took a CB at#7.
I sincerely hope we lay off a corner until the later rounds. I realize that Jenkins from Ohio State will be availabe at our pick, but we should be addressing some other glaring needs; such as Offensive tackle or defensive line. Couple that with signing Chris Johnson to a deal last week, why are we so quick to replace him as a starter? And how about this one for the Raiders, how about we trade down in the draft so we can pick up an additional one or two picks. Year after year, we invest so much money into our first round picks (Russel, McFadden, Gallery), it ends up strapping us down the road.
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