Oakland Raiders Off Season 2009

Do the Oakland Raiders have talent? Yes they do. But why can't they just get it together, better yet JUST WIN.

The Oakland Raiders have many fans wondering when will they get back to the dominating franchise they once used to be. They finished the 2008 season strong with two straight victories over Houston and Tampa Bay giving them an overall record of 5-14. The leading wide receiver was Johnnie Lee Higgins with 22 receptions. Tight End Zach Miller (59 Rec.) and Rookie running back Darren McFadden (29 Rec.) topped the list for catches. The real issue does not begin just the wide receivers. Last off season the Oakland Raiders signed mega deals to mega busts one being Javon Walker, a wide receiver. Although he has been plagued with injuries, he did not meet up to the standards of a wide out with the type of contract he is received. This year in the draft with the 7th Pick overall the Raiders selected Darrius Heyward-bey. A big question mark about why they did not chose number one rated wide receiver Micheal Crabtree from Texas Tech (San Francisco) or even Jeremy Maclin from Missouri (Philadelphia Eagles). In recent drafts, the Raiders or may I say Mr. Al Davis has had a trend with picking pure speed over talent. From looking at the highlight videos, Heyward-Bey does have the break away speed that the Raiders need. But the question that remains is if he really is a number one wide out that the Raiders need.

Hopeful, second round draft pick (47 Overall) Michael Mitchell can provide some electrifying hits that can put the mean back into the Oakland Raiders defense. On the other side of the ball, the raiders have added veterans Lorenzo Neal and San Jose State Native and one time ex 49ers QB Jeff Garcia. The Raiders added a lot of depth to both the offense and defense but did not gain a lot of talent in perspective areas. Key losses for the raiders were: Justin Griffith (FB), Kalimba Edwards (LB), Ronald Curry (WR), and Gibril Wilson (S). The re-signing of lock down corner Nnamdi Asomugha and Pro bowl kicker Shane Lechler were smart moves.

Now, the question is...will the Raiders be the same three and out offense that we have been use to since reaching the super bowl in 2002 or will there be a resurgence in the up and coming stars in Jamarcus Russel, Darren Mcfadden, Zach Miller, and Darrius Heyward-Bey. If the Oakland Raiders can put good use to what they do in the off season and work extremely hard they will having nothing but successs and confidence for the new upcoming season.

Or...will the woes continue???