2008 Oakland Raiders prospects

The Oakland Raiders were the best team in the NFL in 1976, 1980 and 1983. What happened and why did the team end seasons with abysmal scores like 4-12 (2007) and 2-12 (2006)? Now in their forty-ninth season, the team will try to avenge their loss. Much of the team’s failures have to be at least influenced, if not directly attributed, to Lane Kiffin’s coaching. Raiders owner Al Davis took a big risk by hiring Kiffin in 2007, officially making him the youngest coach to manage the Raiders and also in the entire modern NFL. Not much of a risk at the time, considering Kiffin would be pulling a team out of the dirt as 2006 brought a 2-12 plunder. Davis was known as a coach who liked to draft up-and-coming young football dynamos like Tom Flores, John Madden and Mike Shanahan. Youth isn’t necessarily a deciding factor as some of Davis’ best young minds have led the Raiders to a Super Bowl championship in the past.

However, a 4-12 record in 2007 didn’t do much to please owner Al Davis. Whether or not Davis took action against Kiffin, however, remains speculation. ESPN reported that Kiffin may have his sights set on coaching a college team. However, Kiffin denied this possibility and stated that he was going to return in 2008 and was already making plans to improve the team’s performance. It was later reported (again by ESPN, that he apparently hates Lane Kiffin) that Al Davis drafted a resignation letter for Kiffin to sign after becoming the laughing stock of many NFL fans. Supposedly, the story is that Kiffin refused to resign as ordered, as he would lose out on the remaining salary on his contract. At two million a year, Kiffin would be crazy to sign a release, whether some angry Oakland fans are looking for that angelic smile or not. Officially speaking, the Raiders have denied the story and Kiffin has declined to comment. Although he stopped short of saying that the rumors are absurd. Bottom line? Whether the Raiders dramatically improve this season or not, be surprised if Kiffin is still the youngest coach in the NFL after the third year.

For the most part, the Raiders have held their ground when it comes to talent deals. They have given up several of their best players including Jarrod Cooper, Josh Shaw, as well as many new signings like Marques Tuiasosopo, Greg Spiers, Edgerton Hartwell and Javon Walker. In the cutting department, the team lost some talent in cut players Dominic Rhodes, Akbar Gbaja-Biamila, Stuart Schweigert and Duane Starks.

Draft picks have to account for some of the team’s optimism. Arkansas running back Darren McFadden is a great all-around player, while Connecticut cornerback Tyvon Branch is a great special teams pick. Richmond wide receiver Armon Shields who has proven to be a fearless team player and Buffalo defensive end Trevor Scott who looks promising.

What are fans saying about the Raiders’ chances? Most fans agree that defense was the biggest problem. So Coach Kiffin watches warily as the world waits to see his much-hyped “changes” that will save the Raiders and possibly his job.