The Raiders have now completed three of their eight scheduled "walk-through" style practices involving no hitting and plenty of instruction. I've been trying to piece together the puzzle via various sources, because I can't attend camp myself living in eastern Canada (sad as that is, considering the surroundings and team).

Here are some thoughts as to what has transpired through the three practices thus far:

Chaz Schilens Sidelined Again

I'm not getting pessimistic here, because nobody at this point knows if there is anything wrong with Schilens physically, since the Raiders aren't talking. Schilens left the late-session practice last night with no limp or visible sign of injury, which is encouraging. But he didn't participate in the morning session today and watched with helmet in hand, which is not encouraging.

The success of the decision to move forward with the young receivers we have is directly tied to the health and participation of Schilens, who has been our most productive wideout over the past two seasons when on the field. No doom and gloom here; I'm simply recognizing the importance of Schilens and hoping this is all benign.

Passes Are Getting Picked

I've read quite a few tweets where a pass has been intercepted. Once again, not getting pessimistic about this because it's walk-through drills with no hitting, and it seems to be Bruce Gradkowski, Kyle Boller, and Charlie Frye the majority of the time.

Also, the receivers are still young and this is a learning period, so it's better it happens now anyway. I've also read an equal or greater number of tweets about nice pass plays being completed; it seems that only in last night's late session did the passing offense not play particularly well.

McClain in Position

I've read various tweets that speak of Rolando McClain being around the ball often, which is exactly what we expected when we drafted him. Listening to him talk about football, one gets the sense that it is more instinct than feel. He equates hitting with walking and continually references football being a part of him since he was a little boy.

When Coach Cable talked of a culture change, he wanted players that were good people and good football players. But he also spoke of guys that love football, and McClain absolutely fits that mould. I'm loving this guy so far.

Asomugha's Having Fun

From the playful trash talk between he and offensive coordinator Hue Jackson to staying behind with Darius Heyward-Bey to work on jamming at the line and help the young receiver in his development, Nnamdi Asomugha seems to be enjoying himself. The good-natured competition between defense and offense led to Asomugha presenting Jackson with a freshly picked Boller pass, which Jackson not so politely declined to accept. It seems good times are afoot in Napa.

JaMarcus Russell Has Left The Building

I suppose playing for the Raiders and the subsequent interview limitations that go with it affords these guys more diplomacy than most, but they have been handling questions about JaMarcus Russell with grace and class. Rather than weigh in with their negative opinions about Russell and his contribution to the struggles of the team and the offense, players have instead morphed questions about Russell into praise for Jason Campbell and Hue Jackson.

There has been no direct insults or bad mouthing of Russell, despite the ammunition his teammates have to deride him. It's telling of the new culture of positivity and looking forward that instead of throwing Russell under the bus, they have chosen to take the high road and point out there's a new guy driving it that actually studied for his license exam.

Base Defense A Little Different Than Expected

Thus far, Richard Seymour has been lining up inside with John Henderson on the second unit. To me, this says that Lamarr Houston is further along than most expected. It was widely expected that the starting line would be defensive ends Seymour and Matt Shaughnessy with Tommy Kelly and Henderson inside, and Houston rotating in.

Instead, Houston's quick development has allowed them to shift Seymour inside and has Houston starting at end. Coach Cable even said it's conceivable Houston would be on the field as much as McClain. With his intensity and desire to win, that's a good sign.

Of course, Houston and Seymour both have the size and strength to play end and tackle, and Cable said not to read anything into this. But I choose to see it as an encouraging sign that Houston is ready for prime-time.

A Few Quick Points

Happy to hear the defense is trying very hard to strip the ball from Darren McFadden whenever they can; even more happy they haven't had any success as of this morning.

Cable continues to form a tight bond with his players in meaningful ways, with he and a few assistants running 100-yard jogs with the players. More than one Raider said they loved it, including Richard Seymour.

Jason Campbell's leadership has commanded the team right away, with receivers speaking in glowing terms of his command of the huddle, work ethic, and ability to put the ball where it needs to be.

All in all, things seem to be progressing nicely for the Raiders during the first few practices. By all accounts, they are more fundamentally solid and having a better grasp of football than in the past. No spectacular plays per se, but no really terrible ones either. Let's hope Schilens is fully healthy and back out there tonight.

I know I'm encouraged with what I've read thus far, Nation. How about you?

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Unfortunately, we are in the midst of the least celebratory stretch in the franchise's history. Although we all knew our impressive run of the late '90s—early 2000s wouldn't last with an aging roster of veteran talent, no one could have foreseen the epic collapse and subsequent struggles this franchise has endured since face-planting against Tampa Bay (and former coach John Gruden) in Super Bowl XXXVII.

The career-ending neck injury to Rich Gannon in the early 2003 season was the beginning of the end, and ever since, this team has been a rudderless ship looking to get back on course. The ship didn't just stray innocently off the path; it has been lost at sea for some time now.

I could spell out some of the reasons for the team's struggles and give a chronology, but I have already done that in the past, and at this point, most if not all, Raider fans know exactly what has transpired over the last seven forgettable seasons.

Let's just agree that poor player evaluation and development, poor coaching, and some bad luck, decisions, and karma have all conspired to make things unpleasant.

The heart of every sports fan beats with optimism during the offseason, the feeling that if only this were to happen, if only that were to happen, their team could turn it around and celebrations will again ensue.

Without this offseason hope, perennial losers like the Lions wouldn't have any fans. Hell, the Raiders probably wouldn't have any fans left after the last seven years. Loyalty notwithstanding, it's the hope of the offseason that brings the fans back to the fold.

Based on the chameleon-like landscape of the NFL playoffs, this hope is legitimate and realistic. Most of the time.

Fans also have to temper their optimism with realism, though.

I can say honestly that I have been hopeful yet realistic about the Raiders turning things around the last few seasons. Questionable personnel moves, draft choices, and coaching methods have at least laced that offseason enthusiasm with a heavy dose of temperance.

That temperance was earned by years of being burned, by putting faith in decisions to bring in guys like Aaron Brooks or Art Shell or Norv Turner or DeAngelo Hall or any other number of big ticket moves we thought might actually work.

But no. We were blinded only to find out we were becoming the "same old Raiders" season after season. (The"same old Raiders" being a phrase that went from meaning "winning at all costs" to "losing in a spectacularly self-immolating fashion to the delight of all non-Raider fans and NFL media members around the globe").

Well, this offseason has brought legitimate reasons to be excited.

Gone is JaMarcus Russell and his demotivating lack of leadership and professionalism.

In is Jason Campbell, a solid quarterback with a Herculean work ethic who has already commanded the attention and respect of his peers. The cause for most of the optimism in Raider Nation right now is his dedication and leadership.

Gone is coach Tom Cable's overindulgent responsibility of running the team, the offensive line, and calling all the plays.

In is Hue Jackson, a successful NCAA and NFL offensive coordinator who helped coach Joe Flacco into one of the better young passers in the NFL, not to mention a man with a no-nonsense philosophy who is, to the delight of the players, mercilessly working them and whipping them into shape.

Gone is the porous run defense, with little to no size in the front seven.

In are "Big" John Henderson, Lamarr Houston, Rolando McClain, Kamerion Wimbley, and Quentin Groves, all brought in to assist against the run.

Henderson is a known commodity in the twilight of his career, Houston was a steal in the second round, Rolando McClain has already assumed the role of defensive leader, and Wimbley and Groves add the speed and size to the OLB position that have been missing to hold the edge.

Gone is the losing mentality, replaced by proven winners like Jackson, Richard Seymour, defensive line coach Mike Waufle, McClain, Houston, and Campbell, who has lost more than he's won as an NFL QB but brings a true winning attitude to the fold. Locker room distractions and cancers are a thing of the past; team-first players who work hard and are accountable are the new order.

Coaching continuity. An offensive coordinator. A competent quarterback. Two running backs poised to break out. A young, fast, hungry, aggressive defense that has the potential to be special. A team that wants to play together, that enjoys each other, that acts and speaks like winners already. A transformation in both personnel and philosophy. Hope springs eternal in the hearts and minds of the Raider Nation, and for the first time in three years, it feels legitimate. Very legitimate.

That is why this is such an important season. Although most of the people who have abandoned the Raiders during this run of futility were on the periphery of Raider Nation or were simply bandwagon fans, there are some who, due to the ineptness of the organization over the past several seasons, had lost faith in Al Davis, the Raider philosophy, and the legitimacy of the franchise.

A lot of people have abandoned the Raiders' ship in recent years as anger and frustration over personnel moves and head-scratching decisions reached a boiling point.

Al Davis had gone from respected and feared to belittled and ridiculed. The Raider Nation became a punch line for other fans. Many people couldn't bear it. They couldn't bear losing not only the games but also their pride. Many people left.

This is the first time in years the Raiders have had a really good, really sound and logical offseason. There is nowhere you can point on this roster that is weaker than last year. The team has legitimately improved; it is not just us fans blinding ourselves with hope and faith. It is legitimate.

So if this season is another double-digit loss disaster, it will be the most difficult and most painful to swallow. 

Those other years, we all knew there were issues and that we weren't a great team, but we all lied to ourselves out of loyalty and necessity; however, we knew the possibility of disaster and unconsciously prepared ourselves so as not to be devastated when it happened.

We knew Brooks wasn't the answer, Randy Moss wouldn't work out, and our draft choices were questionable. We knew, but stayed faithful, loyal.

The hopes and dreams of Raider Nation this season are hefty, and based on the offseason, this is fair. However, expectations have been raised to a level we haven't seen in some years, as most of us feel improvement is simply not enough, that we should win nine to 12 games and make the playoffs. This is not hyperbole; this is the true belief of the Raider Nation right now.

Which means if there isn't significant improvement, if this team wins seven games, if this team improves but doesn't win enough, then due to expectations, this will be the biggest failure of the past seven years, hands down.

The disappointments of the past seven seasons have left us desperate for positives to grab at to the point where the expectations for the upcoming season have been increased due to the need to repair the damage done to our hearts and pride over the last seven years.

For most teams suffering through a stretch like this, improvement on the field would be enough to encourage the fans.

But with the offseason we've had, coupled with the suffering we've endured, means that improvement will not be enough.

Winning is the only thing that will heal this Nation, and we all feel we have the best chance to win that we've had in years. So if, for whatever reason, that doesn't happen, it will hurt more than the last seven years combined.

This team must face the pressure and bring winning back to Oakland because I just don't know if the heart and soul of Raider Nation can take another epic letdown.

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From the player in the photo to his hangdog expression, it is endemic of the Raiders' issues for the better part of this decade.

An underachieving player walking off the field after yet another disappointment, unable to hide his defeat; a scene all too familiar to Raider fans in recent times.

Since the beginning, Al Davis treated his stars like stars.

He has enabled them and entitled them to preferential treatment, inflated salaries, and a general all-around "do what you like as long as you perform on Sundays" attitude.

Back in the salad days of the '70s and '80s, Raider renegades wreaked havoc both on the field and off, gaining a hard-partying, no-nonsense type of reputation. They were great football players who occasionally toed the line of football ethics.

But they won, and won often. Thus, it was forgiven, and even largely ignored.

Couple this with the fact that until the mid-1990s the NFL was not as popular as it is today, the Internet was not as prevalent in reporting every single nuance of a player's life, and it was less dangerous to allow players to do whatever they wanted.

Society has changed in regards to how we view our athletes and celebrities, and a guy who parties hard in the offseason is no longer someone to be admired, but rather someone who isn't dedicated to his craft.

Although the Raiders have had few if any off-field issues during this run of futility, Davis continued to give his players more leeway than the average owner.

All Raider fans know about "scholarship" players, the pampering of superstars, and the overall lack of accountability for poor performance that suddenly pervaded our once-proud franchise.

This wasn't a problem in the past when the Raiders were winning and had uber-talented players. Now combined with an aging team that had just lost a Super Bowl in horrendous fashion and a lack of talent to replace said players, it only has proved to be a recipe for disaster.

The old school Raiders weren't the best behaved boys off the field, but they won on it because they cared about being the best, about winning for Al and Oakland, and, most importantly, about having their teammates' backs.

So even though they were renegades, they were still great teammates, leaders, and football players.

Recently, players who play in Oakland have shut their mouths and played football.

Playing for the Raiders is akin to having a muzzle on, and they know it.

Little to any leeway is afforded to Raider players in their communications with the media. However, numerous former players in recent memory have been all too candid the minute their feet leave Alameda.

Say what you want about them as football players and analysts, but Gibril Wilson, DeAngelo Hall and Warren Sapp are all on record regarding the lax attitude and lack of accountability surrounding the Raiders organization.

In fact, Sapp has on numerous occasions laughed out loud about the lack of discipline, accountability, and pride within the Raider organization while he played there. And though Sapp is a loud-mouthed, self-important windbag, the team's performance on the field reflected these ideas, to be sure.

The players of recent vintage all knew if you showed up, you'd get paid regardless of effort, so the majority of them began to play that way.

And previous regimes, like Bill Callahan, Art Shell, and Lane Kiffin (because he didn't want to be here anyway) enabled the players to get away with this attitude except for the Shell-Jerry Porter rift, which was the exception to the rule.

In short, there was a serious disconnect between the coaching staff and the players, one that began when Jon Gruden left and continued for years.

So why play with pride and put your life on the line if you know for a fact that the guy next to you isn't going to do the same?

It's no coincidence that Randy Moss had his worst on-field moments while playing for the Raiders.

Wilson showed up and collected a paycheck.

Hall didn't even show up.

The Raiders were throwing money at guys who were perceived as elite players. They didn't have the character to back up their talents, and thus the Raiders were fleeced repeatedly while desperately trying to regain some semblance of respect and success.

Something happened when Kiffin left the team.

Davis's now famous presser with the overhead projector ushered in a new era of accountability and responsibility. No longer was Davis going to allow his employees to undermine his team or his chances at success through his desperate need to return to glory.

He looked around for a replacement for the vitriolic and polarizing Kiffin, for someone the opposite, someone who would conform to the company line yet instill discipline and respect in his players.

And he found that in his offensive line coach, Tom Cable.

There is no denying the change in attitude surrounding the team since Cable took over.

After replacing Kiffin, the team's on-field fortunes didn't change all that much immediately, but, to a player, the team praised the way Cable handled them as players and men. They also were impressed that his practices were more intense and focused, and how he wouldn't tolerate idiocy on the field, in the locker room, or off the field.

Sure, the Raiders continued to play undisciplined football and sure, they continued to lose games, but there was a difference, a passion that we hadn't seen in a while, which culminated with a very successful end to the 2008 season and hopes for the future.

Cable's comments made it obvious that he was never sold on JaMarcus Russell, rarely praising him and often providing thinly veiled comments questioning his work ethic and desire.

After having an entire offseason to instill his values, the team jettisoned Wilson for a lack of production and a bad attitude, and Ronald Curry for attitude issues as well, marking the start of a run of addition by subtraction that has continued to this day.

In his first full season as head coach, the team struggled yet again, but you could see the team slowly becoming more disciplined, taking fewer penalties and executing a little better on the field.

Of course, the struggles of Russell at quarterback severely hampered the team's progress, but in other areas there was room for excitement.

The first game against San Diego showed the new Raider attitude, though it would be inconsistent throughout the season. But in that game, the team took on their coach's persona and went out and physically decimated the Chargers.

Although they lost the game, the new defense rolled out by John Marshall was encouraging, and the fire and passion the team showed was something that hadn't been seen since Chucky was stalking the sidelines and Rich Gannon was under center.

The attitude adjustment had not come full circle, however, as after an embarrassing loss to the New York Giants, the Raiders as a team had their manhood and professionalism questioned by Giants MLB Antonio Pierce.

Those of us who had seen the improvement in attitude and execution were appalled at the still remaining perception of our team as a bunch of guys collecting a paycheck.

Cable addressed the media and was very candid about the lack of discipline and accountability the team had reverted back to. He was as disappointed as the rest of us. Cable asserted his desire to improve the team's overall attitude by benching Russell a short while later.

Russell, despite being the highest paid player at the most important position of leadership on the team, was the least disciplined, least accountable, and least passionate player on the team.

The immediate change in attitude that followed was something to behold. 

When Bruce Gradkowski took over the quarterback job he instantly invigorated the team and the fans through his fiery attitude and play. Grad's popularity exploded, as he cast himself on and off the field as the anti-Russell.

But, of course, poor execution by the offensive line saw poor Grads tear both his knee ligaments in the second quarter of his third game. We're still the Raiders, after all, and lady luck isn't exactly our best friend.

When Russell returned to the game, there was a noticeable sag in attitude around the team, and the players basically packed it in.

What was a competitive game when Gradkowski left became another embarrassment, and though not all Russell's fault, the team and fans simply didn't have any faith in the beleaguered QB any longer.

His large contract, unwillingness to renegotiate, poor performance on the field, and lack of discipline and work ethic were grating on the fans and the players. As a result Russell was now the poster child for the attitude the Raiders were trying to shed.

The team would no longer play for him, and the fans would certainly no longer support him. The team continued to play with heart and passion whenever Russell was not on the field but when he was, they packed it in.

This comes back to going to war with your teammates, to being accountable, and to having each other's back.

This was the last step in changing the poisonous attitude: the team, as a whole, was showing they would bleed for someone who would bleed with them, but that they had no desire to bleed for someone who seemingly could care less.

Cable had changed the attitude on the whole, but there were still storm clouds hanging. This offseason, the attitude shift is complete.

Over the last few years the Cable regime has seen fit to jettison under performing black clouds like Wilson, Hall, Javon Walker, Gerard Warren, and the eye of the storm, Russell.

Not only did these players not perform on the field, they are, with the exception of Walker, distractions off the field and players with poor team attitudes.

The releasing of Russell showed the rest of the team that despite your pedigree, if you don't buy into the program here and work your tail off, you are entitled to nothing.

The players respected this immensely, and it represents a major shift in thinking for the franchise as a whole.

I truly believe if Russell remained on the roster, it would've counteracted every positive thing the team did this offseason as he was so negatively perceived by the franchise and fan base.

The loss of Justin Fargas and Kirk Morrison, two of the most loved and respected Raiders of recent vintage, do not fall into this category as they were wonderful team players with great attitudes and a passion for the game and the team. But they did underperform, and the team has improved by letting them go, despite how much we all love them and wish them the best.

The Raiders reached in the 2009 draft for Darrius Heyward-Bey, in part because he was a combine superstar which we all know Al loves, but largely for his humble attitude, giant heart, and incredible work ethic.

That can be the only logical reason to drafting him over Crabtree.

All signs point to the pick paying off this season after a terrible rookie campaign, but we must wait and see in actual game play.

The Raiders have stayed away from high-priced free agents and known locker-room headaches like Albert Haynesworth and Terrell Owens that in the past they would've jumped at, because Cable has made it clear; He cannot win without talent, but he also cannot win without passion, fire, and accountability.

Now, I personally want to sign T.O., but that's another story.

The team hired Hue Jackson, the Ravens' QB coach and a successful offensive coach at every stop in his career in both college and the NFL, largely because of his teaching ability, but also due to his reputation as a no-nonsense coach that gets the most out of his players and instills an attitude of team values and accountability.

Although Jackson is bafflingly still off-limits to the press, the praise of his coaching style from players, coaches, and colleagues is free flowing and effusive, and it mostly centers around playing hard, being disciplined, and being accountable.

For the first time in many years, Raider players are having fun playing football again.

Comments from Heyward-Bey about going for dinner with teammates show the camaraderie and bonding that is taking place on and off the field every day. The enjoyment of playing for Jackson and with his teammates are ones we as fans have not heard in years.

Jackson's cursing, prodding, in your face ways have been embraced by offensive and defensive players alike. Nnamdi Asomugha is on record as saying this is the most fun and most camaraderie the team has had since he's been here.

The lighthearted bet between Asomugha and Cable, and Cable's willingness to pony up during training camp, showed that this team cares for each other as people and showed that they enjoy each other's company. Most importantly, those factors wouldn't exist if the players didn't believe they were heading in the right direction as a franchise.  

The Oakland Raiders were a laughingstock for years, not only in the eyes of fans, but in the eyes of other teams, players, and league management. This was due to the lack of discipline and accountability that had become the franchise's calling card.

But this team understands that fact.

They have brought in high character players like Heyward-Bey and Richard Seymour, no-nonsense coaches like Cable, Marshall, Jackson, and Mike Waufle, and Davis now seems to have a willingness to listen to his staff and make decisions based solely on what's best for the team. Instead of making decisions driven by ego or a desire to make a big splash in the headlines.

The team finally recognized that things had become very dire, and something needed to be done.

The times they are a-changing.

Not a moment too soon for Raider Nation.

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With many pundits and fans alike are questioning the decision making, acumen, and general sanity of Al Davis in recent years, he rose from the ashes this offseason like Lazurus with a game plan: to improve the Raiders with sound drafting, solid roster moves, and consistency in the coaching ranks. You know, the general blueprint for NFL success that he seemed to have misplaced for a few years there.

Things are not all puppy dogs and ice cream in Alameda, but they are certainly sunnier than they have been in recent offseasons. First there is the addition by addition of new players in positions of importance and a new offesnsive cooridnator that was sorely needed. Then, there is the addition by subtraction, the cutting of the dead weight of perennial underachievers and underperformers.

As I can get it out of the way fairly quickly, I'll look at the negative things that have happened thus far for the Raiders this offseason and what they could mean going into the season, before moving on to the myriad of positive vibes that are flowing around the team.

THE BLACK

Chaz Schilens Can't Stay Healthy

Well, 'ol Chaz is in his customary position on the sidelines, observing in street clothes while his teammates play football. After breaking his foot during training camp last summer, Chaz missed the first eight games and never really got on track after he did come back. Obviously there were still issues with the foot, as he's since had offseason surgery and is now on the sidelines while he recovers.

People say he's our only proven wideout, but Murphy, in my eyes, has proven more than Chaz has on the actual playing field. Having said that, Chaz is our most polished route runner and has excellent hands, and we need him on the field desperately. Receiver depth has been lacking since Timmy Brown retired, and this season is no exception.

At this point it would appear the team is simply being cautious, which is prudent when dealing with an injury of this nature to a player who is seemingly more fragile than most. But a foot injury to a player who needs to be able to plant and cut quickly is a red flag, and if it remains an issue, our passing game could struggle again by fielding inexperienced and unreliable receivers on the field.

Randy Hanson Civil Suit

Though it's flown quietly under the radar, and though weasel face isn't with the team any longer, the Randy Hanson story isn't quite over. There is still a pending civil suit, although in April Tom Cable filed a request that the case be decided by Commissioner Roger Goodell via NFL arbitration, as spelled out in the NFL's constitution and bylaws. As the incident took place between coaches in a team setting, it is a feasable request. A hearing was scheduled for May 13, 2010, but I have been unable to find results of the hearing.

If it does go to arbitration then that's a positive thing, as it will be handled "in-house" so to speak and a lengthy legal battle will be avoided. However, it is still a black cloud hanging over this team and will be until it's all decided. Cable can play it off all he wants, but we saw the effect that the distraction had on him last fall when he was making mental errors all over the place. Until it is settled completely, there is a sense, no matter how small, of waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Okay, well that's about it, and the Hanson thing was really a reach. Now, onto the goodness.

THE SILVER

Hiring Hue Jackson as O-Coordinator

The guy is exactly what this team needed, and his presence is a multi-pronged positive with what he brings to the table. His hiring means that Cable can concentrate on being a head coach without worrying about calling plays, which helps the team immensely. This means Cable can devote the full attention needed to any problem areas that may arise throughout the season; it also means he can spend more time working with the young talent we've acquired on the offensive line.

Jackson has shown that he's a creative playcaller, that he can succeed with a thin wideout corps, and that he knows how to use a multi-headed running back attack with great effectiveness, all problem areas for the Raiders in recent years.

Jackson has also brought an attitude of accountability, motivation, and winning with him from Baltimore. He's very vocal and animated and gets on his players with conviction, but he's also quick to praise them and encourage them when they do well.

Trading for Jason Campbell

Though I don't think he'll set the world on fire in Oakland, I do feel Jason Campbell is a better player than many think. It's well documented how many different offenses and coaches he's had to deal with since his early days at Auburn, and this season represents yet another learning process from scratch.

However, the Campbell I've observed since he was at Auburn is athletic, intelligent, and makes good decisions. He's more mobile than people give him credit for, he's got a strong arm, and he's accurate. He also works very hard, is humble, and is a great teammate and leader in the locker room. I truly believe that if our wideouts can perform, then Campbell will exceed any realistic expectations that are out there. If you're expecting 4,000+ yards and 30 TDs, well, maybe not. But if you're expecting 3,500+ yds with 20+ TDs and more wins and less yelling at the television, I think that's possible.

The Draft....Yes, that's right, I said the Draft

For the first decade of the 2000s, the Raiders were the draft whipping boys of hair and mouthpieces like Todd McShay, Mel Kiper, Tom Jackson, and pretty much anyone else with an opinion. People would point to Robert Gallery as an example, even though he was considered the safest pick in the draft. People point to JaMarcus Russell, despite the fact that experts were drooling over him and Cleveland would've picked him if we didn't. But this isn't a manifesto on defending our earlier draft decisions. This is a happy fan discussing a solid draft that addressed needs and brought in football players instead of athletes that look good getting off the bus.

First, we took a run-stuffing machine of a MLB in Rolando McClain. This meant jettisoning fan favourite (and personal favourite) Kirk Morrison, but no matter how much we love Kirk, we know it was for the best.

Then, in the second round we continued to address our lack of run defense and took DT Lamarr Houston from Texas. Everything I've read about this kid and quotes from this kid make him instantly one of my favorite players. He plays with an edge, is a bit mean and nasty, and is athletic enough that he was a successful running back in high school despite his massive size. We need these two to be stout up the middle.

Then, the next two rounds brought offensive lineman that are both raw but very, very promising. Jared Veldheer played in Division II and some question his ability to play against NFL-caliber competition, but his size, speed, strength, and athleticism, coupled with his significant intelligence say that he has all the tools to succeed.

Experts widely expected the Raiders to reach with their No. 8 overall pick for yet another exceptional athlete who had myriad questions about his playing ability. The Raiders, unlike in years past, waited until the fourth round to pick Bruce Campbell, the kid with the best combination of size and athletic measurables of any offensive line prospect. The bonus to drafting him in the fourth round is that by all accounts it somewhat deflated his massive ego, and Campbell is coming in here with a goal to prove he's more than just an athlete. A massive, strong, and athletic kid with a chip on his shoulder? Nice.

Cutting Dead Weight

Although I feel that Cable could discuss JaMarcus Russell a little when asked about him, it's pretty obvious the team wants to put the debacle of J-Rock's career in the rearview and move forward. Honestly, I was going to write a big article about Russell and the Raiders, but I kind of feel the same way. I like him as a kid, thought he was always polite, respectful, and even mostly humble, but I am very glad, for the morale of the team and the Raider Nation, that he is no longer on the roster.

The same can definitely be said for Cornell "Turnstile" Green. That guy was an eyesore every time he took a step forward, and I'm just glad I won't have to yell at him five times a game for a holding/false start/I'm an idiot who doesn't know how to play football penalty.

With our lack of depth at DT, I don't understand releasing Gerard Warren, and wouldn't mind re-signing him, but I think I'm alone in that boat. He's certainly not a run-stuffing DT, which is what we need.

Kirk Morrison is not dead weight, and I think he'll succeed in Jacksonville. But we couldn't keep him after we picked up Quentin Groves, Kamerion Wimbley, and then drafted McClain to shore up the run defense. We now have enough linebackers on roster to field an entire other NFL team, and there was simply no room for Kirk any longer. Jacksonville got good value for him though, and he'll play over a fifth round pick.

To keep our sanity, we Raider fans have remained positive and optimistic each and every offseason despite the feeling in our guts that things might not be great. This offseason, though, I think we all say without hyperbole or wishful thinking that the team has improved, and we're very excited for the season to start.

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The only logical conclusion to be drawn is that the Raiders wanted to give Russell one last-gasp chance to turn his career in Oakland around by having him work at mini-camp. Obviously, though improved, Russell's performance wasn't enough to keep him around.

You can hear a collective sigh of relief from Raider Nation, as one of the team's greatest mistakes is now in the rear-view, and although I have been very critical of Russell, I am not one of those people.

While I feel that Russell mostly did this to himself, with his sense of entitlement and lack of effort, I also feel that this kid has a ton of talent, and it makes me very sad that it will never be realized in a Raider uniform, if at all.

Another team may pick up Russell, and he may succeed, but not if he continues on his current path toward self-destruction and apathy toward the sport that made him a multi-millionaire.

I still think he's young, talented, and could develop, but the relationship between him, the Raiders, and Raider Nation was so fractured that he'll need a new start both profesionally and personally if he's to realize any success in the NFL.

Now, we can move on and stop talking about Russell. I will be writing a longer memorial to Russell's Raiders career later on, and my take on his stint with our beloved Silver & Black.

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What a long, strange trip it's been with JaMarcus Russell. As of right now, he's still on the roster, for what it's worth. But rampant speculation has him being cut any time now, and it's hard to see any valid reason to keep him around any longer.

The end of the Russell era has occurred in the hearts and minds of Raider Nation already. We moved on long ago and now enter our first mini-camp with more reasons for optimism than we've had in a long time.

The draft this year was excellent. Rather than reaching for guys with raw talent and athletic ability early in the draft, the Raiders chose to go with excellent football players that should be able to jump in and contribute heavily to a resurgence right away.

The Raiders then snagged their raw, talented, and athletic players like Jacoby Ford and Bruce Campbell further down the line, at appropriate junctures in the draft.

But the thing that has Raider Nation so stoked: picking up starting QB Jason Campbell from the Washington Redskins for a conditional fourth round pick in 2012. Little-to-no risk involved in the trade, with the potential for a huge return.

Coach Tom Cable was vocal in his belief that if the Raiders had solid QB play from jump last season, they would have had a great shot at playoff contention. While that may have been overstating the case a little, we all saw how the Raiders responded to the fiery passion and leadership of Bruce Gradkowski when he was handed the reins. That alone was enough to elicit some "what ifs."

Now the Raiders have a quarterback that has struggled at times, but has been far more consistent and explosive than anyone behind center for the Silver & Black since Rich Gannon (and Kerry Collins, to a lesser extent).

The moves this offseason have shown that the Raiders are once again committed to putting an excellent team on the field and not just looking good with their shirts off.

I'm not fully convinced that Russell will be cut, but if he is, it will be a case of addition by subtraction. This team may like Russell personally (I don't know one way or the other), but their mood and demeanour in the locker room and on the field when Russell plays or is discussed is palpable disgust.

Getting rid of a kid who has the respect of nobody in the building, yet is paid more than most of them put together, can only help boost morale on this team.

But, morale is at an all-time high, and it should be. The Raiders finally paid attention to team needs in the offseason and got some very solid players on board to help their biggest weakness—stopping the run. It only took seven years, but hey—better late than never. It's been a very, very long seven years, though.

By adding new Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson and Campbell, the Raiders passing game should easily eclipse the dismal state of recent affairs, and Jackson has the acumen to properly use multiple backs out of the backfield.

I truly believe this is the year Darren McFadden breaks out, either as a full time RB or as a hybrid RB/slot receiver. He has great hands and runs great routes, and Jackson will not hesitate to get creative, as we've seen in the past with the Ravens.

Exciting times in Oakland. With Jackson calling plays, Cable can concentrate on coaching the whole team fully and still be able to coddle his babies on the offensive line without worrying about the offense. That's one of the best possible options for this upcoming season with the new lineman needing seasoning.

Jackson allows Cable to coach, gives Campbell a mentor proven at helping QBs succeed, provides instant credibility to the running game through his accomplishments in Baltimore, and brings a winning attitude to Oakland.

McClain gives us the big, strong, run-stuffing MLB we've needed for a long time. We all love Kirk Morrison, but I won't miss seeing him easily blocked by guards and tight ends during running plays.

I'm very excited about Lamarr Houston. The kid talks nonstop about football, his energy level, and his excitement at playing for the Raiders. He's stout at the point of attack and could provide the run stopper at DE that we need.

Our pass rush should be phenomenal this year with Shaughnessy, Seymour, Tommy Kelly, Trevor Scott, Kamerion Wimbley (who I really like), and the speed out of our defensive backfield.

We've added a potential game-breaker on special teams in Jacoby Ford, and I'm very excited to see our talented, but raw, OTs Jared Veldheer and Campbell get their shot on the line.

Bottom line: Raider Nation is excited again, and I mean TRULY excited—not just paying lip service because we love our Silver & Black. And we have many reasons to be so.

Can't wait for camp to start. Usually I'm cringing, awaiting the next bit of ugly news. Not this time.

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I wanted to touch base with my awesome Raiders community and weigh in on a few things that have happened thus far this offseason. Although we've been relatively quiet, there are a few things worth mentioning.

The Hiring of Hue Jackson

Ecstatitc. Couldn't be happier to have a play caller come in to relieve some pressure from Coach Cable, and Jackson is a no-nonsense guy that will hold Russell and the receivers accountable for their effort and performance. We needed an offensive coordinator, and with Jackson's ability to bring the best out in Joe Flacco and use the multi-pronged running attack in Baltimore, we picked the absolute perfect man for our current situation

The Releasing of Justin Fargas

Horrified. Disillusioned. Upset. Couldn't be angrier with the team for letting go our heart and soul. He may not score touchdowns, but the energy and fire he gives not only his teammates but the fans as well is worth the roster bonus he was owed. My Edmonton Oilers got rid of their heart and soul when they traded Ryan Smyth for a bag of pucks over a silly contract squabble. How did that work out for us? Since most of you are American and probably have little idea of what I'm talking about (no offense, you just don't like hockey very much on average) I'll tell you: Not well. Not well at all.

The Releasing of Javon Walker

Relieved. A little baffled as to why he was on the roster anyway. Now we can see if he really is healthy and leaves us to make the Pro Bowl somewhere else. Man, wouldn't that be a nut slap worthy of Steve-O.

The Releasing of Gerard Warren and Greg Ellis

Okay, I understand the need to clear dead weight, and I may be the only Raider fan that actually LIKES Gerard Warren, but was this really necessary? Ellis comes cheap and his leadership and experience have already paid dividends. Just witness the improvement of Trevor Scott and the emergence of Matt Shaughnessy last season.

They both credit Ellis with helping them develop. We need big bodies in the middle. Both of these releases made financial sense, and from an age-to-production ratio as well, but the intangible qualities of both players (amazing teammates from all accounts) cannot be discounted. Unless you're the Raiders and you owe the guys money.

JaMarcus Russell Being In Shape

This is a seeing is believing type thing. Russell took such a beating in the media and amongst fans last season that the team is going to say everything but he showed up out of shape again, even if it's the truth. So grab your ocean full of salt and keep it handy for anything Russell-related. Most Raider fans will have to see Russell before we believe he's in shape and working hard. I don't fully discount it, I just want concrete visual evidence. He's made it that way with his past transgressions. We simply can't trust him or team spokespeople when it comes to this kid.

Re-Signing Bruce Gradkowski, Charlie Frye, Khalif Barnes

Love it, love it, wait and see. Barnes was supposed to be our left tackle, but big M-Hendo played pretty well over there. Rumour has it Barnes has relaxed his protests regarding playing right tackle, so if he reverts back to form and stays healthy he could really bolster the line. I love that Gradkowski wants to play right now. He was saying his knee feels so good he could roll out there tomorrow. That's terrific. Now if Russell IS in shape, we may actually have a good QB competition this offseason instead of going through the motions to appease the fans and handing the reins to Gradkowski.

It's been a busy offseason for both the Raiders and myself, and I'll be honest. I wouldn't expect much writing from me until minicamp and training camp starts. I just need a break from football for a while every season. So much media saturation (he says ironically while writing a football article).

Cheers all!!

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We have one more game left against the playoff-hopeful Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. It's a bit of a catch-22, if we win the game it helps the hated Denver donkeys playoff chances that much more. However, this team will not lie down and go quietly, at least I hope, so we should see a solid effort on the field on Sunday.

It's been an enjoyable season writing all things Raiders, meeting some excellent and informative fellow fans, and having some great debates about our beloved Silver & Black. Although this season didn't turn out as we'd hoped, there are bright spots for the future to look forward to, and another batch of draft picks to add to the mix.

The Raiders really aren't playing for anything this weekend other than pride, so nobody is really under any pressure. But having said that....

PRESSURES

Tom Cable

The Cable Guy has made things interesting both on and off the field this season. His struggles with violence and allegations stemming from said struggles are well documented, but to his credit he did an excellent job of plugging the distractions and making them more minute than they could've been.

His play calling and logic has been called into question many times and, although he's had his moments, I truly think he's not a very good offensive coordinator. He abandons the run far too quickly and calls inexplicable pass plays on the wrong downs and distance. I'm sure part of it is scheming to fool the other team, but more often than not he fools himself, his players, and the fans.

He's under pressure to keep his job. Nobody knows at this point whether he will or not, and the overall take seems to be split 50-50. It's possible he stays on, it's possible he goes. Al Davis has every reason to fire him, but the team seems to like him and we keep reloading our coaches ever couple of years.

It's my guess that Cable is gone. Why keep him? He hasn't gotten this team ready to play for two weeks in a row all season, and that is a very, very disturbing trend. He's also blindly optimistic and unrealistic. He gave himself a fantastic to above average rating on his play calling, and has basically said that JaMarcus Russell is the reason we have the record we do.

While it's hard to refute the Russell claims, Cable has not taken responsibility for his own shortcomings and that is a big time failure for anyone in leadership. If we filleted Russell for his lack of personal awareness and myopic viewpoint of his performance, why does Cable get a pass? Even from me? I don't know. But not anymore.

Charlie Frye

Charlie is under pressure to show another team he's an NFL quarterback, because he won't be back here next year. I think it'll be Bruce, J-Rock, and Losman as our QB's next year, and Frye will be let go.

Charlie put up nice stats last week, but his performance was not good. In fact, I'd go so far to say that he was the biggest contributor to our losing that game. Russell, for all his faults, has rarely thrown interceptions as costly as two of Charlie's were this past Sunday.

Charlie is a well-known workaholic gym rat who will make an excellent coach someday, probably someday soon. But can he still call signals in this league? He has one more game to find out.

HURRIES

—I love Trevor Scott and want to see him play more LB next season. He did a great job rushing the passer as a standup LB.

—Tyvon Branch will be one of the top five safeties in the AFC next season, and possibly go to the Pro Bowl. He just needs to improve his coverage skills a little bit first.

—I like what I've seen from Mike Mitchell the last few weeks. He's very quick to the ball, makes sure tackles, and has blazing speed rushing the passer. With some more seasoning and hopefully a full, healthy offseason, I expect big things from him next year.

—I know we're all disappointed with DHB, but I honestly thought he was improving quite a bit until his injury. He was beginning to gain separation and get open, and making the occasional play. If he can get his hands in order, I think he'll be a good player next season.

—The Bush-McFadden tandem has to be used early and often next year. Those guys have shown what they can do when given the chance to be Bash and Dash. I really like McFadden as a receiver.

—Our special teams play, with the exception of our kickers, was anything but special this season. I don't know if we let Fassell go, but this squad didn't have the swagger they did last season. Something has to change, and it can't all be blamed on a hard hit by Eric Weddle in the friggin first game of the season.

—If Russell comes to camp in shape and focused, let's see what he can do. If he comes in fat, lazy, and unfocused, cut him on the spot. He can still be a player in this league, but that's only if he really, really wants to be one.

KNOCKDOWNS

The Raiders Will Contend This Season

As much as it pains me to write this, as I thought so as well, we didn't contend for anything this year. Too many missed opportunities against beatable opponents saw to that.

Have we seen a more schizo team in recent history? We can beat the Eagles, Bengals, Steelers, Broncos, and give San Diego two tough games, yet we lose to the Chiefs, the Browns, and the Redskins? Come on, man!

That alarming lack of consistency and focus is what I think spells doom for Cable. Off field issues and play calling aside, it's really Cable's inability to get this team believing in itself and playing to win each game that is his biggest negative factor as a coach.

The Raiders did not contend this season, but they did show flashes that they could do so next season. There are promising young players on both sides of the ball, but our old nemeses, discipline, and focus, need to be addressed and preached constantly for this team to succeed.

The Raiders Can't Draft

With the obvious exception of Darrius Heyward-Bey, every player drafted in last season's draft either contributed positively to the team or showed potential that they could be a player.

Mike Mitchell, derided as a huge reach by pundits and experts, has shown burst and tackling ability necessary to be a great safety. He leaves a lot to be desired in coverage, but that will come with experience. If he remains healthy, he will be an excellent safety that other teams will grow to fear.

Matt Shaughnessy has taken lessons given by veteran leaders Greg Ellis and Richard Seymour and applied them quite nicely on the field. He's stout against the run and has shown excellent pass-rushing ability. Shaughnessy looks like a potential starter at DE for years to come.

Louis Murphy is the gem of this draft class. If he had a QB to get him the ball more consistently, I truly believe he could've been one of the top rookie receivers in this class.

His greatest moment came not on a catch, but on a block in which he selflessly led Zach Miller down the field against the Eagles and took on all comers, helping Miller score a touchdown and the Raiders win the game. In each Raider win this season Murphy made at least one play that was instrumental in getting the victory. A great pick.

Slade Norris has done little of consequence, but is still on the roster and could make an impact next season.

Stryker Sulak was a throw-away pick who is no longer on the team.

Brandon Myers showed some flashes as a pass-catching tight end, but excelled in blocking and on special teams as expected. His strip and recovery of the kick return against the Bengals sealed the victory, and it's great to know we've got someone other than Tony Stewart who is skilled to back up the very important Zach Miller.

So the Raiders seem to struggle drafting in the first round recently (Gallery, Gibson, Russell, DHB, even McFadden thus far) but unearth some gems in the later rounds. Mitchell, Shaugnessy, and Murphy are all going to be players, and Brandon Myers has the versatility to be a great blocking and pass catching end.

If we can get it right in the first round this season, I think we have a great young nucleus to build on. But it's IMPERATIVE that the draft this year focus on the offensive line. Absolutely imperative. Or else all else is for naught.

I'll still be writing in the offseason, but obviously there isn't as much going on. I want to thank all my readers for their support and commentary, and for speaking their minds. I love the differences of opinion we in the Nation have, and I love we have a forum to share them.

Cheers to all, Happy New Year, and we'll see you in 2010!

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The Raider Nation has been clamoring all year for more Michael Bush. We got it on Sunday, and it served us well. We were the power-running, hit-you-in-the-mouth defensive team we were supposed to be all season long.

We won. And I will not discount JaMarcus Russell's poise and leadership at the end of the game. The kid came in and, after an unspectacular start, got it done when it counted in the clutch. Good for him. It was nice to see after all the crap heaped on him lately (by myself as much as anyone).

But we won by playing smash-mouth football.

With Charlie Frye dinged up and woozy and Bruce most likely not ready to play this weekend, Russell could very well see the field again.

This should not change our strategy. We need to hand the ball to Michael Bush repeatedly to keep a recently-improved Browns defense off-balance.

Furthermore, we need to counter with Darren McFadden on outside runs and speed plays to keep them off-balance. Bring in Justin Fargas to slam into the defense and wear them down with his non-stop motor.

Just don't regress back into a pass-happy attack. Not with our running game doing so well with our newly rebuilt line (Langston Walker made some great blocks at LG on Sunday) and our defense playing well (when they aren't on the field every three minutes).

Russell looked sharper and more confident Sunday, but that by no means indicates that he's ready to come in on what will most likely be a very, very cold and windy day in Cleveland.

Frye is the likely starter, which, as Cable showed on Sunday, probably means a heavy dose of the run. This is a good thing, as we saw.

I thought Cable called a good game Sunday, his head-scratching fourth down attempt notwithstanding. I didn't hate the call too much. Our defense, Cable rightly reasoned, was playing so well that it would simply cost us field position. Which it did. The points would've been great, but we ultimately didn't need them. I liked the call, even though it didn't work out. If we had lost, I'd probably be singing a different tune (hey, all sports fans are fickle; I'm just willing to admit it).

Now we need to put together back-to-back wins. This team is still searching for an identity, which is one of my biggest beefs with Cable's coaching philosophy (or lack thereof). Decide who you want to be, and play accordingly.

When this team runs the ball and sticks with the run, we play much better as a team. As long as we stick to our game plan, we'll have two or three breakout runs in a game. With Bush and McFadden back there, it's bound to happen.

But Cable has to commit to Bush. The guy has earned his keep through making the very most of his chances when he gets them. It's time for Cable to see what we all see: a dangerous, big, fast back with great vision and a thirst for running hard. If we let Michael Bush leave this team, I will lose my frigging mind.

We have not had a better opportunity than this for back-to-back wins all season. Granted, it's on the road in a cold-weather climate, but Brady Quinn was just placed on IR, which means Derek Anderson (the only QB in the league who qualifies that is statistically worse than Russell) gets the start.

I expect both teams to run the ball a ton. Jerome Harrison just shredded the Chiefs for the third-highest single-game rushing total in NFL history. We have to be disciplined and make sound tackles to ensure Harrison is shut down.

This game will come down to running the ball and playing tough defense. I'd say that should play into the Raiders favor. Now that Cable is done with on-the-job training (see Russell, JaMarcus and Heyward-Bey, Darrius), we may be able to reclaim our early season identity as a tough defensive team that runs the ball well.

But if Cable continues to try and outsmart himself, call trick plays and too many passes, then we'll be in trouble.

This Raider team has shown more heart at the end of the season than most of recent vintage, but it will be all for naught if we cannot post back-to-back wins in the most favorable matchup of our season.

They face-plant against Cleveland, and we'll still be searching for an identity.

They run hard, tackle well, and win the game, then we should know who we are and accept ourselves for who we are.

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