2010 NFL Predictions - Oakland Raiders

After seven straight seasons of five or fewer wins, the Oakland Raiders finally have a reason to be optimistic. They said farewell to major bust JaMarcus Russell this offseason, and they brought in ex-Redskin Jason Campbell to be the guy. Campbell gives the Raiders a huge upgrade at the quarterback position. The Raiders were in desperate need of nfl jersey
a more accurate passer after watching Russell complete just 47.8 percent of his passes in 2009. Campbell, who is coming off a season in which he completed nearly 65 percent of his throws, gives them that.
If the defense can find a way to stop the run, Oakland has a chance to post its first winning season since 2002.
Offense: Campbell has shown improvement each year in the league, and I have no reason to think progress will halt in Oakland. He has a great work ethic, and he won't rest until he proves the doubters wrong. Last year, he threw for over 3,600 yards with 20 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
Campbell has a great tight end to work with in Zach Miller. This guy caught 66 passes for 805 yards while playing mostly with Russell, so he could really have a big year now that Campbell is on board.
Louis Murphy and Darrius Heyward-Bey are two more targets Campbell will have to work with. Murphy was a huge steal in last year's draft while Heyward-Bey was perhaps the biggest bust. However, I'm not ready to count Heyward-Bey out. His biggest asset is his speed, and he was plagued by a hamstring injury last season. I'm anxious to see his world-class speed on display with healthy legs this year.
The health of Darren McFadden is also critical. He has the potential to be one of Saints jersey
the most versatile backs in the NFL. He will combine with Michael Bush to form a solid one-two punch at the running back position.
The offensive line must perform better in 2010. Having monstrous guard Robert Gallery healthy will go a long way toward achieving that goal.
Defense: Oakland's strongest unit is its secondary. Led by Pro Bowl cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, the Raiders finished with the seventh-best passing defense in the NFL last season. The passing defense could be even better in 2010 if Kamerion Wimbley and Quentin Groves finally realize their potential. Wimbley hasn't been able to come up with more than 6.5 sacks in a season since he burst onto the scene with 11 in his rookie campaign. Rejuvenated by a fresh start in Oakland, Wimbley could be poised for a big year.
Richard Seymour is likely this season's defensive MVP, but first round draft pick Rolando McClain may finish a close second. Big things are expected right away from the Alabama prospect. He's a born leader capable of making plays all over the football field. His presence in the middle gives the Raiders an upgrade over Kirk Morrison.
The Raiders allowed 155.5 rushing yards per game in 2009. It's foolish to think they can completely solve their woes against the run in one season, but they have some nice steps toward getting better with all of their additions.
Prediction: 2nd AFC West - Oakland's offense has San Diego Chargers jersey
the potential to be better with the addition of Campbell. Plus, there's a good chance Denver will take a step back after trading Brandon Marshall and after losing Elvis Dumervil to injury. Oakland likely won't finish better than 8-8, but I like its chances of playing second fiddle to San Diego.