The Raiders

[Blake]

Does this team scare anyone else?

Their O-line beefed up.

Their D-line beefed up.

Their secondary is a good tight group.

WR's could use some youth.

But if they get Collins, or Gannon steps back up to the plate, they could make a long run into winter.

[Grid]

nah i think they still have too many problems, both on and off the field. they did get some nice talent but they are still old.

Ted Washington was their best pickup.. but thats about all im worried about. I think Gallery will be adequate this year.. but will need another year or two to start dominating.

Oakland and KC as the only teams in their division that are worth a flip though.. so its possible they may take the division from KC this year.. but id put my money on KC hitting the playoffs again.

[rittenhouserobz]

Didn't Sapp do to them? I am pretty sure I would rather have Sapp than Washington. Age and weight being the primary reasons.

[Grid]

I just think sapp is overrated. i dont think sapp will flourish in Oakland like he did in Tampa. He could prove me wrong though.. we will see.

[TheOgre]

I think they should be significantly better but there are a few things that could hold them back:

1. Who is their featured back? If they can find one (Fargas?) then that will take pressure off of Gannon. Plus Norv Turner loves to run the ball.

2. Will Porter return to form? We saw last year what his absence did to the team. His speed keeps defenses honest, and opens the middle of the field for Rice and Brown. I'd also like to see if Jolley can return to the receiving TE he was 2 years ago.

3. Norv Turner. The guy doesn't have a good track record. That doesn't bode well for the Raiders.

I think they will be competitive. It is just a matter of how competitive. I hope they sign Collins BTW.

[Reddevil63]

Originally Posted by Grid

I just think sapp is overrated. i dont think sapp will flourish in Oakland like he did in Tampa. He could prove me wrong though.. we will see.

Actually with teams having to double big Ted he might have a very productive season. He hasnt seen a one-on-one match up in quite a while.

[Fiddy]

I dont think you are going to be able to run on them, but there offense lacks any type of speed (Except Francis from TT).

[texman8]

Raiders will be somewhat better next season; maybe 6 to 8 wins. They are still old and still have holes to fill ; for example, their running game. I guess they are hoping J. Fargas is going to step up. I think they did the right thing in drafting Gallery and Grove. With Kennedy's retirement and Robbins' injury, they had to upgrade the OL; otherwise QB will get killed again. I don't think Tuiasoupo(sp?) is the answer. I was surprised they chose Francis ahead of Wilford and Cotchery in 4th. Anyway, it should be fun when they come visiting us.

[HoustonTexansAreTheBest]

Gannon is still there, and they will probably most likely get a QB. I just don't see Tuiasoupo (Sp?) being the answer either. I read or heard somewhere that Raiders are waiting till June 1st to get a RB.

[CaptainPatriot]

Not at all they are OLD! Probably get tired towards the end of the season

[HoustonTexansAreTheBest]

Because they are old, does not mean they are not capable of still being one of the best at their positions. A great example is Jerry Rice.

[Scooter]

Originally Posted by CaptainPatriot

Not at all they are OLD! Probably get tired towards the end of the season

well ... last year in week 15 rice had 10 receptions for 159 yards. the year before in the superbowl he had i believe it said 9 catches for 73 yards (might've been 5 for 77, it seems to have changed on raider site) & a td. rice & brown are arguably the hardest workers in football ... being 40 doesnt make men like that senile and immobile.