I somehow have a renewed feeling of confidence and faith in Al Davis, Hue Jackson, Jason Campbell and the whole Oakland Raider squad for the 2011 NFL season.
Really, what's not to like?
But seriously, this isn't one of my motivational articles where I somehow make a loss seem like a lopsided victory, so let me cut to the chase.
Most of you have probably noticed (hopefully, because if not, that means I'm not doing my job) these past two weeks I've been publishing articles answering questions I think need to be answered for the Raiders.
Don't forget, I always welcome questions you may have. Send them via personal message or comment below.
This series has been doing pretty well, so let's get down to the third installment.
What are your thoughts on rumors that the Raiders are interested in former New York Jet Vernon Gholston?
Raiders owner Al Davis loves former first round picks, and with Gholston on the open market, many are naming Oakland as the DE/LB's next landing spot.
My Take: The Raiders are stacked at defensive end, yet significantly thin at the outside linebacker position. I say take a shot at him and put the kid at linebacker.
He's an undersized defensive end but a perfect outside linebacker in the 4-3, if he can drop five pounds (6'3, 260 pounds). Many thought the Raiders were going to take Gholston with the fourth overall selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, but they opted for Darren McFadden instead.
What's Oakland going to run on defense?
Rumors continue to circulate that the Raiders are internally discussing running a 3-4 defense this year.
My Take: We will definitely see more 3-4 sets this year. However, the Raiders will remain a 4-3 team. It'll be much more hybrid in year's past, but Chuck Breshnahan is a typical 4-3 man.
