Working in the Raiders favor are some of the most passionate and flamboyant fans around, but even the most optimistic of the team's followers have faltered somewhat from the repeated blows dealt them by the front office's poor decision-making.
When looking at the current state of the Raiders I see a team that resembles a struggling franchise that's very near and dear to my own heart.
The 2008 Detroit Lions.
Coming off an 0-16 season, the Lions were very much the laughingstock of the NFL, and much in need of change—which they luckily got when they decided to pair head coach Jim Schwartz and general manager Martin Mayhew.
In what was probably the most important offseason in franchise history, the new regime was able to strip some of the fat by bringing in cheap competition and building through the draft—decisions that ultimately allowed the team to slowly rebuild and revamp a roster that was nearly completely void of any quality talent.
Detroit went to the playoffs in just three short seasons.
Now, certainly the situation of the 2008 Detroit Lions was even more dire than that which currently confronts Oakland, however it does make for an interesting case study and blue print for head coach Dennis Allen and general manger Reggie McKenzie to look into.
It is one in which they seem to have already studied, judging by the high-priced veteran contracts they dumped and low-impact free agent contract signings they made on players who can come in and compete right away so far this offseason.
Ultimately, however, this is a team that must be built through the draft, and with a limited number of picks, the Raiders are very much up agains...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
