Can Kiffin Make His Offense Click?

Lane kiffin takes over for the silver & black, to help this team get back to it's winning ways once again. In order for him to do that, that offensive line must come together. Last year they gave up 72 sacks, which ain't no picnic for the QB. Bringing in veterans Jeremy Newberry and Cooper Carlisle will really help out this offensive line which includes a shaken up Robert Gallery (T), Barry Sims (T), Jake Grove (C), Paul McQuistan (G) and the beast Kevin Boothe (G).

All of these linemen have a lot of potential, and with new offensive line coach Tom Cable to teach them the ZBS, they should do well. But one thing is for sure, this is Robert Gallery's year to prove himself or show the Raider Nation that he is coming into his own like he once did at Iowa. Also, this will be Barry Sims's last year as a Raider because there will be no plans to re-sign him after the season with 3rd round pick Mario Henderson (T) waiting to take his spot sooner or later. What is interesting, is that Jake Grove appears to be beating out Jeremy Newberry at center, although there is still a long way to go until pre-season.

With the additions of new Offensive Coordinator Greg Knapp along with a whole new offensive staff, the Raider Nation should be excited for new and GOOD things to come, in time. The defense is showing the offense up in practice and "gets the bigger, nicer, more comfortable meeting room," says safety Stuart Schweigert. But the offense is like a freshmen in high school, willing to learn (for the most part) and is ready to go to work. They are in for a big wave of learning before anyone see's some sparks flying out of Kiffin's offense.

Jamarcus Russell, 1st overall pick in the 2007 draft by the Raiders, may see some starting time this year. From what comes out of camp everyone is impressed with free agent aquisition QB Josh McCown, who looks to be the Raiders starter against the Lions (his former team) come September 9th. However, the last free agent quarterback's that the Raiders have reeled in (Kerry Collins, Aaron Brooks) have been unsuccessful and have not performed up to part. Although that's all in the past, there is a very good chance Josh McCown starts looking like another Kerry Collins. Don't be surprised to see JaMarcus Russell be handed over the reins sometime during the season. I'll say week 7 against the Chiefs at home, J-Rock could be running out of the tunnel the starter of the Oakland Raiders.

Dominic Rhodes and Travis Taylor join this rebuilding team to bring the best of their ability to Kiffin's offense. The starting WR (most likely) core consists of Jerry Porter, Ronald Curry, Travis Taylor, Mike Williams (if he can shake his injury and PLAY) and possibly Doug Gabriel. There is a lot of talent at the position, yet it is still a battle unsettled and I could be totally wrong in the long run. We could also see some glimpses here and there of Johnnie Morant and Johnnie Lee Higgins (mostly on special teams) if they both in fact make the roster. So, all of the bits & peices Lane Kiffin has added to this offense should click, and click well. Look for Jerry Porter to finally eclipse the 1,000 yard mark with Ronald Curry close behind. It's still a question mark in the backfield with Lamont Jordan, Dominic Rhodes, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush. Hopefully Rhodes can give Jordan some breathing time and come in off the bench fresh, and Fargas/Bush may get some reps as well. If all goes well, I would say with the defense keeping the silver & black in games and the offense being mediocre, the Raiders could go anywhere from 5-8 wins this year.

MY PREDICTIONS:
-Porter has 1,000 yards receiving
-D-Burg has another pro bowl year
-Bush see's a lot of reps towards the end of the season and looks GOOD
-Russell takes over the offense in week 7 against the Chiefs at home
-Defense is no.1 against the pass again
-Asomuguha & Washington become one of the leagues deadliest CB duo's to throw against
-Huff starts at Free Safety and gets 3+ Interceptions this year