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In the first game of 2009, the Oakland Raiders played tough against their heavily favored foe, the San Diego Chargers, but unfortunately still fell short of victory. When they followed that performance with a win over Kansas City, it looked as though it might be the year that the Raiders turned the corner. As things turned out, a turnaround was not to be as Oakland ended up at only 5-11 (2-6 home, 3-5 away) on the season. Maybe generously, some believe the team may have been distracted by head coach Tom Cable’s off the field issues and that by putting that behind them, there is still a glimmer of hope for 2010.
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About The Oakland Raiders
The Oakland Raiders may have notched four of the most impressive victories of any team last season – defeating the Eagles, Bengals, Steelers, and Broncos – and even though they only posted one win in their other twelve games, this team may still be headed in the right direction toward at least putting up a winning season once again.
Raider quarterback Jamarcus Russell (120 of 246, 1,287 YDS, 3 TD, 11 INT, 50.0 passer rating) had moments where he looked as if he was finally maturing and ready to lead this team, but unfortunately there were also quite a few instances which drew attention to the fact that he may still have quite a ways to go, and that just maybe it is time to demote him to backup and permanently hand the offense over to Bruce Gradkowski (82 of 150, 1,007 YDS, 6 TD, 3 INT, 80.6 passer rating) who had significantly better QB numbers for Oakland.
Beside the quarterback conundrum, there were some notable offensive and special team accomplishments for the silver and black. The Raiders became the third team since 1977 to start two rookie wide receivers, first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy; tight end Zach Miller (66 REC, 805 YDS, 3 TD) became third tight end in team history with 800+ receiving yards in a season; kick/punt returner Johnnie Lee Higgins moved into eighth in Raiders history in total punt return yards with 863, while also being tied for first in franchise history with three punt return touchdowns over the course of his career. The rushing chores were handled by committee in Oakland with Michael Bush (123 ATT, 589 YDS, 3 TD), Justin Fargas (129 ATT, 491 YDS, 3 TD), and Darren McFadden (104 ATT, 357 YDS, 1 TD), although Bush was the only one of the three to play in all 16 games, while both Fargas and McFadden each missed four games. Additionally, Fargas became an unrestricted free agent in 2010, so there may be some movement and juggling of playing time there depending on how things pan out in the offseason.
Over on defense, trying to regain that old Raider Nation intimidation, linebacker Kirk Morrison led Oakland with 133 tackles, 109 solos, and 3 forced fumbles, while upfront it was defensive tackle Trevor Scott and defensive end Greg Ellis leading the way 7 sacks each, with linebacker Thomas Howard third on the team in tackles (79) but first in tackles for loss (11). Unfortunately, when three of a team’s top six tacklers are in the secondary, it means they are cleaning up the job that is not getting done in front of them, but the Raiders seem to have a great group there with cornerback Tyvon Branch second in tackles and first in assists, fellow corner Chris Johnson fifth in tackles and first in passes defended (18) and interceptions (3), and safety Michael Huff tied for first with 3 interceptions. This is all not even mentioning shutdown cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who doesn’t have huge statistics because teams simply don’t come his way, which may be the best stat of all for a corner!
Contrary to many opinions, this is still a very proud team who is looking to once again compete in the AFC West, contend in the postseason, and return the days when they were amongst the most feared teams in the entire league. This is a great setting to feel the vibes of a really great football tradition, so get your Oakland Raiders tickets today and come join the Raider Nation for a game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California.
Oakland Raiders 2010 Regular Season Schedule
- Week 1: Sunday, Sep. 12, at Tennessee, 1:00 PM
- Week 2: Sunday, Sep. 19, St. Louis, 4:05 PM
- Week 3: Sunday, Sep. 26, at Arizona, 4:15 PM
- Week 4: Sunday, Oct. 3, Houston, 4:05 PM
- Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 10, San Diego, 4:15 PM
- Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 17, at San Francisco, 4:05 PM
- Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 24, at Denver, 4:15 PM
- Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 31, Seattle, 4:15 PM
- Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 7, Kansas City, 4:15 PM
- Week 10: BYE
- Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 21, at Pittsburgh, 1:00 PM
- Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 28, Miami, 4:05 PM
- Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 5, at San Diego, 4:05 PM
- Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 12, at Jacksonville, 1:00 PM
- Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 19, Denver, 4:15 PM
- Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 26, Indianapolis, 4:05 PM
- Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 2, at Kansas City, 1:00 PM
2009 looks like it will be transition year for the Oakland Raiders. There aren't many things going on with the team this year other than the return of Darren McFadden as running back. If he returns this season having learned from the last and having matured, he will prove one of the biggest assets to the team this year.
