NFL 2006: Oakland Raiders

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2006 season. Today we look at the Oakland Raiders.)

Owner Al Davis, frustrated by another lackluster season that saw his Oakland Raiders finish 4-12, went back to the past to help solve the problems of the present. Davis hired Art Shell, who coached Oakland from 1989-94, to return to the helm and right the Raider ship.

Shell, an NFL Hall of Fame tackle for Oakland, had a 54-38 record and won three division titles in his first stint with the Raiders. Davis is hoping that some of the old Silver and Black magic will rub off on the 2006 squad.

Offense: Kerry Collins was ineffective last season and let go. The Raiders acquired the talented, but dreadfully inconsistent, Aaron Brooks from the New Orleans Saints to replace Collins. Brooks (2,882-13-17) was given every chance to shine in his six years with New Orleans and never was able to break through. Perhaps a change of scenery will do him good, but I doubt it. Andrew Walter and Marques Tuiasosopo are the backups, but either one will get the call if Brooks struggles.

Lamont Jordan thrived in his first starting opportunity, gaining 1,025 yards and nine touchdowns rushing. He also caught 70 passes for 563 yards and two scores. Justin Fargas is the number two back. Zack Crockett returns at fullback.

Randy Moss struggled in his first season at Oakland which is one of the reasons Collins wasn't asked back. Moss (60-1,005-8) will be joined by Jerry Porter (76-942-5)to form a decent combo. Doug Gabriel (37-554-3), Ron Curry and Alvis Whitted round out the solid receiving corps. Courtney Anderson (24-303-3) and free agent acquisition Marcellus Rivers are at tight end.

The offensive line returns intact with Jake Grove at center, Brad Badger and Langston Walker and guard, and Robert Gallery and Barry Sims at tackle. Adam Treu, free agent pickups Cameron Spikes and Kelvin Garmon and rookies Kevin Boothe and Paul McQuistan provide depth.

Defense: Last season the Raider defense could rush the passer real well. The problem was that's all they could do. The secondary was burnt many, many times and the run defense was almost non-existent. Oakland gave up 383 points and Shell wants to see major improvement right away.

Derek Burgess was a free agent steal last season. He led the league in sacks with 16 and teams with Bobby Hamilton at defensive end. Lance Johnstone (7.5 sacks, who left Minnesota to come back to Oakland, and Tyler Brayton will see action in the end rotation. Warren Sapp (five sacks) and Tommy Kelly (4.5 sacks) anchor the interior of the line. Antajj Hawthorne and Terdell Sands are the backups.

Kirk Morrison (116 tackles) had an excellent rookie season at strong-side linebacker and will be joined by Danny Clark (113 tackles)in the middle. Free agent Robert Thomas, Grant Irons and rookie Thomas Howard will compete for the weak side spot.

Charles Woodson and Renaldo Hill are gone and Shell will look to Fabian Washington, Nnamadi Asomogha and free agents Duane Starks and Tyrone Poole to emerge at cornerback. Stuart Schweigert (87 tackles, two interceptions) returns at free safety and Derrick Gibson is back at strong safety. Watch out for rookie Michael Huff. He has the ability to play corner and safety and should break into the starting lineup very quickly. The secondary must improve its play and create more turnovers. Last season, Oakland was dead last in interceptions with five.

Special Teams: Sebastian Janikowski (90 points, 20-30 field goals, 30-30 extra points) was inconsistent last season. Shane Lechler (45.7) is the best punter in the NFL. Chris Carr returns kicks (24.0) and punts (5.5) for the Raiders.

Outlook: Al Davis did the right thing by hiring Art Shell. He demands hard work and maximum effort from his players and the Raiders need the discipline he brings to the table. They will play harder and tougher, but this is a team with a below average defense and quarterback. The receiving corps is solid as is Jordan at running back, but the lack of a true leader on the offensive or defensive side of the ball will hurt this team.

Prediction: Shell will have the Raiders playing better football by seasons end. Unfortunately for Oakland fans, they'll find out up close how frustrating Aaron Brooks can be and how disruptive Moss will be when he doesn't get the ball again this season. The Raiders will go 3-13 or 4-12.

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