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5 key issues facing the Raiders going into camp

More than seven months have passed since the Raiders concluded their 2008 season with the look of an improving team and not one stuck in reverse.

Victories in their final two games had the Raiders lamenting the end of last season and salivating at the prospect of the upcoming season.

Now it's time to find out if the Raiders are on to something and primed to break from their six-year malaise or whether their impressive 2008 finish was an anomaly.

The discovery phase continues with the start of training camp in Napa today, when players will convene for 31 days of practices, meetings and bonding. The first two practices are Thursday.

A lot has happened since last season. Owner Al Davis settled on Tom Cable as the full-time coach. Cable hired Ted Tollner as passing-game coordinator and John Marshall to replace defensive coordinator Rob Ryan.

Cable also trimmed, tweaked and bolstered his roster in preparation for a playoff run.

That's right, folks, playoffs. Cable said so in February when his interim tag was removed. For emphasis, he asked if everyone could "hear me." And added: "I'm not afraid to say that."

"We think this team is ready to be competitive and compete in this division," Cable said. "Our only goal is to get to the tournament, get to the playoffs. You get to the playoffs, you have a chance to win the ring."

To do so, Cable needs to determine which players on the roster are best suited to take the field for the season opener against the San Diego Chargers on Sept. 14.

Cable also has numerous on-field issues to resolve between now and the opener. With that in mind, here is a look at five of the most pressing issues facing the Raiders during training camp:

1. Fix the run defense

The Raiders were worse against the run than all but one team last season and haven't had much success overall the past six seasons.

Cable is convinced that the lingering issue stems more from coaching than a lack of talent. He will find out soon enough because the Raiders' biggest move on defense was hiring Marshall.

2. Improve the pass

The Raiders were last in the NFL in passing yards and first downs passing, as well as near the bottom in touchdown passes, completion percentage and passer rating.

Their leading wide receiver, Johnnie Lee Higgins, caught only 22 passes for 366 yards and four touchdowns.

It is incumbent upon Tollner, quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett and play-caller Cable to get quarterback JaMarcus Russell to become more efficient and consistent.

The addition of rookie receivers Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy figures to give Russell more reliable options, especially on the deep routes preferred by the Raiders.

3. Sort out the running backs

Justin Fargas held the lead role last season. He rushed for a respectable 853 yards but averaged a pedestrian 3.9 yards and scored only one touchdown.

That's not the kind of production Cable is counting on in an offense built around the run. Therefore, the Raiders need to decide whether Darren McFadden or Michael Bush (both averaged 4.4 yards) is a better option as the primary back and how to distribute the workload.

4. Barnes or Henderson

The Raiders cut their losses with left offensive tackle Kwame Harris after a one-year experiment. They will find out if Mario Henderson or Khalif Barnes is the best replacement at one of the most important positions.

Barnes is more experienced. Henderson showed flashes of talent in relief of Harris last season. Cable and offensive- line coach Jim Michalczik need to get this sorted out in a hurry so the winner has ample time to get in sync with his linemates and Russell.

5. Generate pressure

No Raider recorded more than five sacks last season. The Raiders added pass-rush demon Greg Ellis and drafted Matt Shaughnessy in hopes of adding some juice to a punchless pass-rush.

Marshall needs to gauge whether the addition of Ellis and Shaughnessy, and the return to health of end Derrick Burgess, are enough for the team to play a base defense. If not, he needs to add an array of blitzes to his scheme.

# Raiders strong safety Mike Mitchell signed a four-year contract that will enable him to report to training camp on time, a person close to Mitchell said.

Three of the seven players the Raiders selected in the 2009 draft still are unsigned — Heyward-Bey, Murphy and linebacker Slade Norris.

By Steve Corkran
scorkran@bayareanewsgroup.com
Posted: 07/27/2009 06:14:13 PM PDT
Updated: 07/28/2009 11:51:28 AM PDT
5 key issues facing the Raiders going into camp - San Jose Mercury News

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DHB gives Russel a more reliable target? WTF?

I know right, fuckin' blasphmy.

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DHB does give Russell a solid target


Geaux Raiders



X

Not according to football experts such as 790 and DD.

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Dude we are fucking set!!!
We have jamarcus he is gonna throw for 4000 yards about 35 TD's, about 5 picks, and run for another 5 TD's, DHB is gonna get about 1200 yards receiving about 90 catch's, and 14 TD's....!
Our fucking run defense is gonna be sick!!!
Terdell sands should plug up the hole in the middle that's been there the last 6 years!!! Fuck yeah baby, if we don't smash New England by atleast 21 points in the playoffs at McAfee stadium in the playoffs, I will be fucking stunned!!!
With Fargas starting at tailback, he should get about 250 carrys for about 1500 yards and about 18 TD's!!!
We are gonna be fucking lights out!!!
What's there to worry about????

What's wrong with this story????

It's still going to be sad times for all the Raider fans. Damn it!!!

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PEACE RAIDER NATION!