However, preseason optimism is not new to Oakland. The Raiders as well as most analyst feel good this time of year, EVERY year. Last year it was the addition of Seymour, Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Darren McFadden's "breakout season." It was the year that Russell was going to put it together and finally had some weapons and a strong running game to support him.... right ???
We all know how that turned out.
This year Jason Campbell is their savior, Rolando McClain (a rookie) is going to SINGLE HANDEDLY put that defense on the map. Richard Seymour has all of the sudden become a difference maker, and the offensive line will be resurrected. All these changes will yield results in ONE YEAR. Why? Because the analysts and Oakland fans said so.
But there is a different opinion. One that is more grounded in realistic expectations and honest observation.
The truth is Oakland has a long way to go. Continuity does not and cannot exist until the whole structure is torn down and resurrected.
Tom Cable was a stop gap solution that's held onto his job too long. And last I checked, Al Davis is still calling the shots, which means no coach worth his salary will come to Oakland until that changes.
Al Davis owes coaches and players money. The worst of all is a whopping $30+ million to the biggest bust in Raiders, if not NFL, history, Mr. Russell.
There are a lot of wholesale changes (as there is every year with the Raiders) in the front seven. Therefore, every year seems like the first year. These players have no time to gel and become cohesive. And by the time they do, the season is over.
Ever wonder why this team starts slow and shows improvement late e...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
