The 2010-11 Oakland Raiders are looking to improve on a disastrous 2009-10 campaign. For this to happen, the Raiders need improvements from every position on their team. After a great draft and some stellar off-season acquisitions, the Raiders are poised to not only improve, but compete for the AFC Title. Below is a ranking and analysis.
Ranking System
1= Push-overs
2= Bottom of the barrel
3= Decent
4= Pro-bowl potential
5- Dominate against all competition
1: Running back: 3.5/ 5
Michael Bush averaged 4.8 yards a carry last year in his limited role in the Raiders backfield. Look for Bush to be more of a feature back this year even though he will share carries with Darren McFadden.
With adjustments to McFadden's running style to a lower, more balanced posture, look for McFadden to improve and limit injuries that have plagued him over the last few years.
Veterans Rock Cartwright and Michael Bennett add depth.
Manese Tonga and Marcel Reece are the leading candidate for the starting full-back position. Tonga, the more powerful run blocker, should take over the position if the Raiders are sincere about power-rushing this season. Chane Molin and Cartwright will compete, but I don't believe they will see much playing time at the full back position.
2: Defensive Line: 4/ 5
Richard Seymour leads a defensive-line that should be much better with the additions of two time pro-bowler John Henderson and rookie Lamarr Houston.
Mike Waufle, the defensive line coach, is trying out different formations and shifting players into different positions to analyze the effectiven...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders