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Originally Posted by Mo.Raider
Every year? They have the best winning percentage in pro football history.
Every year there is an unexpected team that rises up and exceeds expectations. I think this is the year of the Raider. Art Shell gets coach of the year, and the Raiders go 10-6 and then deep into the playoffs. I was cautiously optimistic earlier at 8-8, but the Raiders have had an "old school" tough camp. Art is also instilling in them the Raider pride that has definitly been lacking in recent years.
I also think the Raiders have added so much speed, especially on defense, that the AFC west will find them a little nasty to deal with. With Art and Co. finally making some of these guys live up to their potential, I see an exciting Raider revival on the horizon.
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OK, they had one nice little run under Gruden in the last two decades. In the last 20 years, they've won 10 or more games 5 times. One of those was a 10 win season where they won 9 games by a TD or less. (under Shell for what it's worth)
Now I'm supposed to believe Aaron Brooks is going to lead them to a 10 win record in one of the most difficult divisions in pro football? With an offensive coordinator who has spent the last decade fishing in Idaho?
Sorry, I see potential there. They have some young guns who can play defense and play it well. That said, outside of Burgess, there is no pass rush there. They gave up one of the highest opposing QB ratings of any team last year. Of their last six losses, they were in one game, agianst Cleveland with Charlie Frye making one of his first starts.
And even this preseason, what's to get excited about? They played Philly where McNabb played one series and had a 60+ yard TD drive. They played the Vikings, where Brad Johnson played two series. One a three and out then a long TD drive. Then they wiped out two horrific offenses, both with new coordinators who are still trying to figure out personell.
No disrespect to the Raiders, but I don't see a strong team here. In a few years, with a good QB and a good coaching staff, maybe. But with this group? 8-8 or worse. Moss will put Brooks in a stranglehold by week 5. One single injury to the defensive line (especially Burgess who had a history of injuries prior to last year) and the team will fall apart. It won't shock me if they beat Sd on opening night with Rivers having opening game jitters. I'd be shocked if they finished any higher than 3rd in the AFC West and expect them to finish 4th.