All Eyez on Me

New Raider QB Jason Campbell

Sports in the Bay

by

Eddrick

Another NFL season is upon us and training camp is well underway. While observing a Raider's practice today I reflected upon the ten questions I came up with at the end of last season. I felt that the questions were at the core of restoring the Silver and Black to the upper tier of the NFL. Let's review those questions and take a look at how the Organization addressed them:

1. What to do with Jamarcus Russell?

They had no choice but to cut him. Let’s hope things work out in the end and the young man gets himself together. Their decision was made easier with the acquisition of Jason Campbell. Props to the Organization for making the tough, but necessary, choice.

2. Will Richard Seymour return?

Yes. Another good decision by the Organization. Veteran presence, championship caliber intangibles, and he can put the QB on his back. Next question.

3. How can they generate enough fan interest/ticket sales to lift the TV blackouts?

Discounts, discounts, and ticket giveaways! Lots of them! Get tickets into peoples hands and point them towards the Coliseum. This team is talented and with the right mix of deafening noise from Raider Nation they could win seven or eight home games. Fans in the seats matter when its 3^rd and 1 on your own goal line in late season games. It’s the difference between scoring a field goal or six points. Find a way to lift the blackout! Then again, this one can be solved by Just Winning Baby. We’ll have to wait and see.

4. Will Al Davis retain Coach Tom Cable?

Yes. Another good move by the Organization.

5. Who will they draft, and why?

The Organization went heavy on defensive players and offensive linemen. The team is talented at the skill positions and the addition of Jason Campbell upgraded a vulnerable spot. They drafted wisely and purposely. Well done.

6. Will they hire a General Manager?

Next question.

7. Can they keep their most talented players?

Yes. Nnamdi, Seymour, and what could be a very talented linebacking core.

8. What to do with Darrius Heyward Bey?

Stability at the QB position could unleash his potential. There is stiff competition at the WR position, so things won’t be easy. This will be a fun question to explore throughout the season. Again, we’ll have to wait and see.

9. Will a talented free agent want to sign with the Raiders?

They re-signed quite a few of their own free agents and kept up their overall level of talent. So the answer to this question is yes.

10. Will they be able to truly restore the greatness of this historic franchise?

I’m laying this one squarely on the offensive line. If they can protect Jason Campbell and block for the running backs, things can turn around quickly. Jason Campbell’s numbers have improved each year of his career. His passer rating of 86.4 last year was higher than the ratings for Carson Palmer, Vince Young, Matt Ryan, Jay Cutler, Matt Hasselbeck, Matt Cassel, Mark Sanchez, etc. His 64.4 completion percentage was higher than Tony Romo’s and Eli Manning’s (look it up). In other words, he’s a bona fide NFL QB. The Raiders need excellent play from the QB position and positive production from the running game in order to win. If the offensive line performs the Raiders will score 22 points per game, more than enough to be a playoff contender. However…

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Greatness is earned and the Raiders have an opportunity to restore the luster of Silver and Black. The 2010 NFL season is upon us. Let the games begin!