Things are on the Up and Up! The 2009 Oakland Raiders!

Even though the 2009 Oakland Raiders only have 4 wins on the year doesn’t mean that it is has been a completely lost season. In fact, things are starting to turn around for them and apparently all it took was a QB change. On the surface, it seems simple but in reality there is nothing simple about benching the guy that you took 1st in the Draft just two seasons ago. Let’s take a look at the Raiders and their journey to respectability, one that starts with heart.

The first thing that jumps out to many NFL fans across the league is the recent history of the Oakland Raiders. They have, as a franchise, seen players and coaches come and go with results that weren’t changing. Over the last 6 seasons the Raiders have averaged only 4 wins per season and have selected at the top or near the top of the Draft often. Some people feel that there is disfunction within the organization that all starts with Al Davis who, as an owner, has his hands in on many of the personnel decisions. Al isn’t going anywhere so it’s up to the players to change the culture.

The second issue was off the field distractions. Early in the 2009 season rumors were swirling that Head Coach Tom Cable had assaulted an assistant coach during a staff meeting. It’s not our style to call anyone out on their own issues or indiscretions so we won’t start now. The only reason we mention it is due to the fact that it definitely was a distraction for the coaches and players within the organization. It was the first hurdle that the team had to overcome and they did. The Raiders banded together and put all the hoopla over the event in the rearview mirror and focused on what they do…play ball.

The third issue has been suspect draft and personnel decisions. Many people feel that the high 1st Round selection of Darius Hayward-Bey was a big mistake. We think it’s too early to tell. You simply can not judge a draft pick for at least 3 years as it takes time to learn the nuances of the NFL game. One thing we all know for certain is that Al Davis loves speed and Hayward-Bey has just that, he was the fasted WR in the combine and that’s all it takes to get Davis’ attention. The Raiders also paid a huge contract for Javon Walker in the not too distant future that many claimed was a huge head scratcher. Walker, while very talented, was coming off of a major knee injury that continued to bother him years later. Now we look at the biggest issue that was plaguing the Raiders. The QB position.

In the 2007 NFL Draft, the Raiders had the #1 overall pick and selected the big QB with the big arm from LSU, JaMarcus Russell. It was thought at the time that paired with Arkansas Razorback standout Darren McFadden that Oakland would have a talented backfield that would be set for years to come but so far it hasn’t turned out that way.
JaMarcus Russell is a man who is loaded with talent and potential but as of yet he hasn’t reached it. Many news outlets claimed that Russell had digressed in his Sophomore season. His footwork and mechanics were regressing and it showed in his accuracy. While Russell is still very young, some people close to the Raiders have questioned his work ethic and drive needed to compete at the highest level.

So after a few very bad offensive weeks the change was made to bench Russell and start Bruce Gradkowski who came over from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Oakland has a shining young star in Louis Murphy and a nice combination at Running Back with a 3 headed attack of Justin Fargas, McFadden and occasionally Michael Bush. The defense is loaded with stars! The unit has big names like Richard Seymour, Nnamdi Asomugha and Kirk Morrison. They have solid starters in Michael Huff, Gerard Warren, Thomas Howard and Tommie Kelly. Oakland also boasts two young players that are up and comers in Tyvon Branch and Chris Johnson. With a solid defense, a little offense can go a long way towards winning and it has!

Over the last 3 weeks the Raiders have faced the AFC North leading Cincinnati Bengals, the NFC East leading Dallas Cowboys and the reigning SuperBowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Over that span, Oakland can boast a 2-3 record with the loss to the Cowboys on Thanksgiving the only blemish. Add in a win against the Philadelphia Eagles earlier in the season and it’s apparent that they can run with anyone.

Through all the issues, all the drama and all the changes one thing that hasn’t changed is the heart and determination that the Raiders show. They play hard and get after it for 60 minutes. The talent level is there, the heart and fire to win is evident and now they have some pieces in place to get the train back on track. The Oakland Raiders are a franchise rich in football history and it may not be too long before history is repeated!