1. Darren McFadden Running Wild
When we last saw Run DMC playing in a real game, he was putting the finishing touches on his best season to date. With new head coach Hue Jackson still guiding the reins of the offense, DMC is ready to pick up right where he left off. He’s now the featured runner in the backfield, and he will get ample help this year from the rough & rugged Michael Bush, and fleet footed newcomer Taiwan Jones. Expect bigger and much better things from this former #1 draft pick this season.
2. Speed, speed, and more speed.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, Denarius Moore, Jacoby Ford,Taiwan Jones, Darren McFadden, the list goes on and on. What list you ask? The list of Raiders who have a 40 yard dash time of under 4.40. These guys have speed to burn, and that’s just how Mr. Davis likes it. The difference with these speed guys from the ones he’s employed in the past is that these guys can actually play. Say what you will about Heyward-Bey’s hands, but he is said by the staff to be improving. Keep your eyes open, or you might miss one of these guys taking it to the house.
3. A Legitimate Quarterback
Jason Campbell is coming off what most would say was just an average season. The Raiders got a new offensive coordinator again, and now your asking how can that be good for the QB. Well, Campbell has a relationship with new O.C. Al Saunders dating back to their time in D.C. This year actually marks the first time in his career where he’ll have the same guy calling the plays as the year before. He’s got a great running game behind him, speedy receivers to throw to, and a revamped offensive line that is young but getting better, and can hopefully gel quickly.
4. Life Without Namdi
You could tell the Raiders where already bowing out of the Namdi sweepstakes when they used part of his money to lockup Stanford Routt prior to the lockout. They also drafted two new CB’s who are ultra quick in DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Checkwa. They might have an easier time adjusting to life having to defend both sides of the field a bit easier if they get the pass rush that they are expecting from the young ends Matt Shaughnessy and LeMarr Houston. Also MLB Rolando McClain is more comfortable in his second year and many think he is ready to break out behind the tough interior of Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly.
5. A Record may be broken
Lane Kiffin once trotted out Sebastian Janokowski to attempt a 76 yard field goal. He was outted via the overhead projector not soon afterward. While a 76 yard moonshot shouldn’t be expected, you just might get to see new coach Hue Jackson let “SeaBass” go for some extra long tries this year. He routinely kicks field goals in practice that would break the record. It’s just a matter of timing and situation. He will get his chances this year, now it will be up to him to become the new record holder.