The Oakland Raiders are 6-6, and tied for second in the AFC West, behind 2 games to the Kansas City Chiefs. Coming off a big upset win in San Diego against the Chargers, the Raiders are looking for more AFC West domination since going 4-0 in the division for the first time since 2002. It's seems so long ago since the Raiders have shown some life in the race for the playoffs. After the horrible loss to the Buccaneers in the Super Bowl in 2002, the Raiders have not been able to win more than 4 games in each of the following seasons. The situation with Jamarcus Russell did not make the Raider's situation any better as well. I would go into more information on Russell, but he is literally not even worth talking about. Worst overall pick ever in NFL history.
However, all that has changed for the Raiders going into the 2010-2011 NFL season. On offense, with the acquisition of Jason Campbell, the Silver and Black have improved tremendously in putting more points up on the board. Although the Raiders do not have the most dynamic receiving core, with tight end Zach Miller being the most productive receiver on the team, it has been the one-two running back threat of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush carrying the load for the Raiders. For the first half of the NFL season, the running game for the Raiders was leading the league on yards gained averaging nearly 150 yards a game. In week 13, Oakland is 3rd in the league in rushing yards, and if the Raiders can stay away from injuries, we will see plenty more productivity from these outstanding running backs.
On defense, the Raiders have made some exceptional strides in solidifying the defensive line and the linebacker core. With Nnamdi Asomugha leading a young core of defensive backs, the Raiders have been in the top ten of the NFL in pass yards allowed for the past few years. Some key draft picks and free agent acquisitions have been promising for this Raider defense, such as Richard Seymour from the Patriots and Kameron Wimbley from the Browns. First round draft picks Rolando McClain and Lamar Houston have been huge for this team, providing a solid inside and outside presence for the defense.
It will truly be interesting to see how the season will play out. With Jacksonville this coming Sunday, the Raiders defense have a real challenge ahead of them in dealing with the unstoppable Maurice Jones-Drew and the rest of the Jaguars. Once the season is complete, it would not be a surprise to see the Raiders finish with a .500 record, which could be considered an accomplishment. As of this point, the Oakland Raiders can only grow into a more mature and physical team with more hard fought wins. WE SHALL SEE. Until then, stay faithful.
