After finishing the 2013 season in last place of the AFC West with a 4-12 record, the Oakland Raiders made some serious changes in their roster.  Reggie McKenzie brought in several veteran players, while also having one of the biggest drafts in franchise history.  Following a season of limited talent, the Raiders look to have a much improved 2014.

Last year the quarterback situation was nill.  Matt Flynn, Terrelle Pryor, and Matt McGloin each started games for the Raiders throughout the season; none performing well enough to secure the starting role.  This year, they have Matt Schaub coming off a down year with the Houston Texans, but is he really the answer?

Although Oakland took quarterback Derek Carr in the second round of the 2014 draft, Schaub is the guy the Raiders are depending on this year.  Schaub threw for 2,310 yards with 10 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2013.  He was particularly criticized for throwing a pick six in four consecutive games, which is an NFL record.  

Schaub has performed very well in training camp so far while also serving as a mentor for young Carr to learn from. Despite a poor 2013 showing, Schaub has put up some good numbers in his career, and his ability to execute is key to the Raiders 2014 season.  

The Raiders offensive line suffered last year after losing Jared Veldheer for the majority of the season.  Now they will have to do without him entirely as he signed a new deal with the Arizona Cardinals.  That being said, Oakland will feature a revamped O-line with competition amongst Donald Penn, Austin Howard, Manelik Watson, Gabe Jackson, Khalif Barnes, Tony Bergstrom, Stefen Wisniewski, and Kevin Boothe.  The Raiders offensive line needs to be able to stand tall and protect Schaub in order to move the chains and get in the red zone.

Defensively, the Raiders struggled last year allowing, on average, 28.3 points per game.  This year their defense is expected to be greatly improved with new additions Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, Antonio Smith, and first round draft pick Khalil Mack.  

A big concern for Oakland is also their run game.  With Darren McFadden always missing games due to injury, Maurice Jones-Drew was brought in to add some spark.  Year after year there’s always the question of whether or not McFadden can stay healthy and contribute.  This year they have changed his workout routine, and with the addition of Jones-Drew they now have two starting running backs capable of being big play makers.

The Raiders receiving core is questionable at this point.  So far in camp, there have been some great throws by Oakland quarterback’s only to be dropped by their receivers.

So who exactly is the number one receiver?  Well, James Jones has been deemed the honor, but there are other receivers trying for a spot on the roster as well.  Andre Holmes is a name that has been brought up a lot as well as Brice Butler and Greg Little.  Both had their moments for the silver and black last season, but still have a lot to prove.

Rod Streater suffered a concussion during practice last week and was listed as day to day, but was back on the practice field Wednesday afternoon.  

Not very often is there question or concern with kicker Sebastian Janikowski, but after a poor 2013 season, the Raiders are hoping for better results from their veteran kicker.  Seabass missed nine field goals in 30 attempts last season for a completion percentage of 70; his lowest since 2007 when it was 71.9.  

Part of his struggles were attributed to his new holder Marquette King.  The two have been working together, and Janikowski has said he feels more comfortable heading into the season.  

In a year where they face one of the toughest schedules in the league, they will need Janikowski at his best in order to put points on the board.  

There aren’t many expectations for the silver and black this year, but they believe in themselves to prove some people wrong.  The odds aren’t in their favor, but they never really are.  With their preseason game only nine days away, there will be a lot of competition for a roster spot.  

The Oakland Raiders have a lot to work on, but as they head into the 2014 season, they do so with a chip on their shoulder and something to prove while getting this franchise back to their winning ways.

“The fire that burns brightest in the Raiders organization is the will to win.” -Al Davis.