The good news: it”s almost football season.
The bad news: fans are going to have to watch the Oakland Raiders play this year.
The revamped Raiders, coming off a difficult and disappointing 2011, struggled in their first two preseason games, and the regular season looks even less promising.
This offseason marked a turning point for the franchise. Team executives selected Reggie McKenzie as the team”s new general manager to fill one pair of shoes left by longtime owner Al Davis, who died in October.
Dennis Allen, Denver”s defensive coordinator last year, was named head coach, taking over for his one-and-done predecessor, Hue Jackson.
The Jackson-led Raiders blew a great opportunity in 2011. They were one win away from a long-elusive playoff berth but laid an egg in the final game, losing 38-26 at home to the San Diego Chargers.
Injuries were an important factor last season, especially on offense. Star running back Darren McFadden played only seven games, wide receivers Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore missed time and then-quarterback Jason Campbell got hurt early in the season.
Of course, the latter injury led to Oakland trading for Carson Palmer, who looked confused and unconfident in silver and black, playing like a quarterback well past his prime.
The Raiders have a lot riding on Palmer”s right arm — mostly because nobody wants to see Matt Leinart or Terrelle Pryor starting — but the 32-year-old has played ineffectively thus far in the preseason.
Palmer appears headed for a season similar to 2011, when he threw 13 touchdowns and 16 interceptions with a 60.7 completion percentage in 10 games.
Oakland”s offense ranked ninth in yards but 16th in points, and the inability to get across the goal line often falls on the quarterback.
Palmer will have to play much more consistently this regular season for the Raiders to have any shot at contending.
A little more health would go a long way too.
McFadden has to find a way to stay on the field; unfortunately, he”s never played more than 13 games in any of his first four seasons. He”s the backbone of the offense, and Oakland doesn”t have a backup like Michael Bush this year.
Ford, Moore and Darrius Heyward-Bey — who all showed promise in 2011 — need to assert themselves into every game, give Palmer a wealth of options and hang onto the ball. There”s not much receiving depth beyond those three.
The offensive line must step up and provide consistent protection (which is essential for every successful team).
But let”s not forget, Allen was brought in to enhance the defense.
The Raiders ranked 29th in yards allowed and points yielded last season, and were middle of the road in sacks.
Returning defenders such as Tommy Kelly, Richard Seymour, Aaron Curry, Rolando McClain and Tyvon Branch need to play hard and smart throughout every game – make big stops but avoid giving up large gains and committing dumb penalties.
For the defense to have any real success, the new-look cornerback corps has to exceed notably low expectations. None of the guys have stood out in the preseason thus far.
Much like the offense, Oakland”s defensive roster lacks true depth and is littered with players who have not proved their consistency.
Then again, perhaps the clearest indication of the Raiders” chances this year comes with a quick glance at the schedule.
The rest of the AFC West appeared to improve in the offseason, with the Denver Broncos making the biggest move by acquiring future hall of famer Peyton Manning.
The Raiders also play the NFC South and AFC North — divisions consisting of mostly strong teams. The remaining two games are against the lowly Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Just judging the matchups on paper, the Raiders would be lucky to come away with eight wins as they did last year.
Add in the depth concerns, health issues and new decision-makers, and Oakland seems destined for a lackluster 6-10 season. Even with a record like that, a team can show signs that it”s heading in the right direction — and that”s what Raider fans should watch for.
