The defensive side of the ball, although experiencing some periods of inconsistency, seems to be on the right track. Adding a few pieces to both the defensive front and back end this offseason could easily vault this unit into a top-10 defense.
The offense on the other hand, aside from a few big plays that have helped keep the team competitive, has been incredibly inconsistent.
All too often the group will get off to a hot start, flash some playmaking ability, only to sputter in the second half. Whether that comes down to players not executing for four quarters, opposing defenses figuring out the Raiders' offensive game plans or a combination of the two, improvements need to be made.
As a result, the Raiders have plenty of decisions to make on this side of the ball. Fortunately, due to a full slate of draft selections in 2014, as well as an increase in salary cap space set to take effect this offseason, they will have plenty of options from which to choose.
The most important of these upcoming decisions surround the offense's two best playmakers, Darren McFadden and Terrelle Pryor.
In the final year of his rookie contract, McFadden is set to become a free agent at the end of this season.
If the decision to re-sign him were based on talent alone, it would be an easy one. When healthy, and in the right system, McFadden has proven to be an every-down back that an offense can build around.
The problem exists with McFadden's durability, and as a direct result of which, his reliability.
One cannot question his toughness as a runner, as he seemingly dishes out as many hits as he takes, but at the end of the day, fluke injuries or not, NFL teams need to de...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
