Oakland Raiders 2012-2013 Season Preview

Raiders look for a fast start to a long grueling season with all that has happened in the past, poor drafts, questionable trades, or injuries. The Raiders past has to be a Taro card to their future. As my father used to say, “How you handle your past will determine your future.” The Raiders have struggled, floundered and laid an egg in the past.  Now the future is upon us like a duck on a June bug. The future is bright and positive for the Oakland Raiders and the Nation that proudly supports the Black and Silver, win or tie.

Head Coach Dennis Allen has displayed tremendous leadership by allow his assistants to coach. Micromanagement is out, accountability is in for coaches, and players-point in fact---from the outside looking in discipline is becoming the new word of choice with that word. It will invite more victories. Penalties have become a segment of the game, not the entire game for the Raiders. With Coach Allen’s influence on this part of the game, the revival of the Sliver and Black is taking positive strides towards a play-off run.

The front office has rediscovered an old dance step, one of finding players that can play and contribute to a team challenging to get to the play-offs. Can you remember when that is all the Raiders did was trade for so called wash outs and magically reincarnate them as all-pro players that participated in super-Bowls and conference titles year after year? Congrats to new GM Reggie Mackenzie. You’re doing a diligent job in the restructuring and rebuilding of one of the NFL’s treasured franchises.

Winning football games is a unique chemistry that Albert Einstein couldn’t solve but John Madden did. Having the best of the best on your team goes a long way in your quest for victory and conference titles, and possibly NFL championships. Yet in the long run you better have players that like each other and players that will stand up for one another, instead of taking pot shots at the team that they are a part of. It looks like the Raiders are getting along and egos have been put aside for the greater goal of winning.

Carson Palmer is a very good quarterback and with time, will get better. He has shown remarkable improvement since last year. He will throw interceptions and touchdowns. He will be accountable for his mistakes and praise others in times of victory. He is our leader.  I believe he can lead us to the play-offs. A young offensive line that in the past had five O-line coaches in 5 years is ready to open holes for one of the premier running backs in the NFL.  Darren McFadden is a threat to score 3 times a game, his smash and bash type of running style gives the Raiders some great ball control and clock management. It also sets the defense up for the long ball to Darrius Heyward-Bey, who can be a game breaker at anytime during the game.

The defense, I believe, with consistency in play, can fill the bill. I am so excited about the blitz package that has been unveiled.  It gives the Raiders a weapon they have not able to unleash on opponents in the past. We have a push up front that allows for linebackers  M. Burris, R. McClain, and P. Wheeler to run to the ball. Secondary will come under fire every game. That’s just what the NFL has become, a chuck and duck league. Shawntee Spencer and Ron Bartell will shore up one half of the secondary with 17 yrs of experience, as Michael Huff and Tyvon Branch add 12 total year of experience to the secondary.

I have saved the best for last---Special teams has been the strength of the Raiders for the past few seasons. Sebastian Janikowski and Shane Lechler have provided the one-two punch for the Raiders. A booming 45 yard punt with a hang time of 5.1 is not uncommon from Shane Lechler. He is a pivotal part of the defense, pining opponents against their goal line. Sebastian Janikowski---- just get it to the 45 and we’re good for 3. With Janikowski’s injury last year, it kept the Raiders from winning 3 more games. At least Janikowski and Lechler have proven to be the heart and soul of the special teams.

The Raiders look to improve on the 2012 campaign. Playing together, eliminating ridiculous penalties, using field position to our advantage, letting the offense score points, and letting the defense win games will be crucial.  It will be a year of ups and downs, the best of times and the worst of times, and time to cuss and discuss. But one thing will remain constant during the year. The Raider Nation will be loud, be proud and will LOVE the black and Silver-- Win or Tie.

Posted in: Oakland Raiders,Season Preview