Oakland Raiders Team Review
by Richard Stephenson on 2007-09-24The Oakland Raiders offensive line have received some major overhaul from last season’s lineup! Hopefully, these changes give the Raiders their much needed defense to run an offensive play. It’s an absolute win-win situation! The addition of Cooper Carlisle and Jeremy Newberry bring both brains and brawn to the Raider lineup.
Dominic Rhodes who also came over to the Silver and Black brings his proven pass catching skills to the Raider backfield. Assuming LaMont Jordan comes back in prime form – that will be 2 powerful speedfreaks playing the field. Justin Fargas adds both speed and muscle to the prior two and don’t forget the man mountain Zach Crockett at FB who will be the main muscle at the goal line.
The WR group has lost a great man in Randy Moss but it could perhaps be all for the best as it will give the others room to shine. Travis Taylor is in, as well as Mike Williams. Taylor is a proven wideout with excellent skills. Regarding Mike Williams, maybe the absence of Randy Moss and the reunion with his USC coach Kiffin will help Williams get back into the shape he was in during his USC heydays. The other members of the WR group: Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry, Doug Gabriel, Will Buchanon, Johnnie Morant, and Alvis Whitted are all towers of powers at, or above 6' and almost all weighing in at 200lbs. or more. Add to the mix, 6'5 230lbs. Williams and you have quite a WR lineup.
The QB position is still up for grabs as Josh McCown comes to camp as the most experienced field commander. Also vying for that position is the very capable Andrew Walter. Let’s not forget JaMarcus Russell of course! However, some believe that he may be spending his time on the bench learning the basics for a 2008 to 2009 debt at starting position. QB is still a big question mark though, as we wait till season start to find out the answer to who will fill in as quarterback for the Silver and Black.
Defense is looking good with all 11 starters still in. Derrick Burgess is in prime shape. Warren Sapp is back with some more speed in his step as he lost 50lbs off season. Kirk Morrison has youthful energy and strength going for him as he heads off the LB group. The LBs themselves are young, fast, no-nonsense go-getters who seem to take to the ball like fish to water. The Raider’s secondary is one of the finest in NFL with Stuart Schweigart and Michael Huff playing safety, and Nnamdi Asomugha and Fabian Washington at cornerback.
To say that it looks to be an interesting season for the Oakland Raiders is an understatement. The playoffs may still be a remote possibility but the team is looking in better shape than before, so expect a whole slew of good games. The games against the Bears and Colts this year are surefire edge-of-the-seat matches to watch out for. Get your oakland raiders tickets and season passes now to watch history in the making! Just win, baby!
About The Author: Rich Stephenson works as SEO for a sports ticket broker that carries oakland raiders tickets sports tickets.