The first mini-camp for the Oakland Raiders is right around the corner. Speaking with fans throughout the Bay Area, they are very excited about the upcoming season.
This is a four-part series about the 2010 Oakland Raiders. It will focus on the following:
1. Offense
2. Defense
3. Special Teams
4. Coaching
There will be a follow-up four-part series once the final 53-man roster has been determined.
The Oakland Raiders offense was not very good in 2009. They finished 31st in points scored (12.3 per game), 31st in yards per game (266.1), 29th in passing yards per game (159.8), and 21st in rushing yards per game ...
I know what you are thinking. "Here we go again Elias, let it go."
Let me start off by saying that I believe JaMarcus Russell will not be the Raiders' starter in 2010. To clarify any confusion, I am an Oakland Raider fan first, before any player in the league.
I love Nnamdi Asomugha, but if he went to the Broncos next year, it'd be over between us. As I mentioned, I think Russell could be cut because most of the reports going around are saying it's not of matter of if, but when.
As a Raider fan I am fine with that, though I would ...
It can't be a good feeling, knowing your career with a team is almost over.
Then again, if being blissfully ignorant is a skill, this may be the greatest master of all time.
As rumors swirl around the Internet about the impending demise of JaMarcus Russell, many contemplate his place in history.
Top draft pick? Check.
Cannon of an arm? Check.
Childish behavior? Check.
Acts like an overweight, lazy millionaire? Nailed.
Russell's biography can not be looked at in a good light; consider that for three years excuses were made to try and prop up a player who has only won seven games in three years. ...
There has been a lot of talk about "JRuss" or "JBust" lately and I think a lot of things need to be put in perspective. I, like many of Raider Nation, was excited when we drafted him 200,7 but, again like most of you, have been disappointed with the results.
But we must clear the air on what is really going on, especially as the question on keep or cut him lingers after the recent signing of QB Jason Campbell.
Myth - Oakland Raiders owe Jamarcus Russell $9.5 million dollars if we keep him.
FACT - The Raiders do have him under contract and will owe him $3 ...
This offseason for the Oakland Raiders has been applauded even by their critics (well, apart from Mel Kiper) as taking this franchise in the right direction after seven years in the wilderness.
Trades, free agent signings, and an excellent draft have combined to make the Raiders look like a much improved football team this year.
At last they have begun to solve the problems that have haunted this team since its last Super Bowl appearance in 2003. Quarterback, offensive line, and run defense problems have all been addressed in some way.
They have the continuity of head coach Tom Cable going into ...
The draft has come and gone and for first the first time in a while Raider Nation has a good feeling after draft weekend. The Raiders will hold their first mini camp this weekend and there will be a lot of things to watch for.
So far the offseason has been very good for the Raiders and the mini camp will give the fans a sneak peak at what the Raiders will look like in 2010.Begin Slideshow
During draft weekend the Raiders were undoubtedly able to improve their team on both sides of the ball.
They drafted two offensive tackles, a defensive linemen, a linebacker and were able to add a veteran QB to the roster. All obvious needs.
But unfortunately they weren't able to address all of their problems and still have a few glaring weaknesses.
Here is a look at some positions the Raiders should still be concerned about.Begin Slideshow
The Oakland Raiders acquired quarterback Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins on Saturday, during the draft weekend, for a 4th round draft pick in 2012.
Jason Campbell may be an upgrade for the struggling Raiders franchise, but the expectations and hopes should be kept under control in Oakland because Jason Campbell is far from the savior that will save the bay area franchise.
Although Campbell is definitely serviceable and is clearly a big step up from draft bust Jamarcus Russell, he in no way is going to be the leader or difference maker on the offensive side of the ball for the Raiders.
In ...
As I stated in my previous article, "Oakland Raiders 2010 Draft: Analyzing and Grading each pick," the Oakland Raiders did a great job in the draft, but didn't address all the team needs.
Al Davis and Tom Cable did not address the offensive guard or fullback positions. This oversight has been remedied to a certain extent with undrafted free agents.
There were some other players from different positions invited to rookie camp as well.
This slide show will introduce you to each of them and provide some insight as to the reason they were asked to participate in camp.
Here we go...Begin Slideshow
Seven months ago I posed the question, Are You A JaMarcus Russell Hater, Or Are You A JaMarcus Russell Supporter?
Go back and read the comments.
In the article, I tried my best not to sway the vote one way or the other. I attempted to be fair and see what the Raider Nation felt about him, at the time Oakland Raiders were 1-1, fresh off an ugly 13-10 win vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.
At that time there was a slim hope for JaMarcus Russell to have a good season, even though he hadn't played well thus far.
What happened over the next three weeks ...