Quick 2012 Review

To say the 2012 season was disappointing, would be an understatement.  After an exciting 2011 season in which the Raiders went 8-8 with a shot at the playoffs, there were high expectations for 2012.  Instead of progressing, Oakland regressed as they welcomed new head coach Dennis Allen.  They finished 2012 with a 4-12 record that landed them in third place in the AFC West and secured the third overall pick in this years draft.  The Raiders really struggled offensively and defensively as they couldn’t get anything going, and suffered some injuries, most notably running back Darren McFadden and wide receiver/kick returner Jacoby Ford who missed the entire season.  

2013 Schedule

Schedule Analysis

Well, it’s been said the Raiders will have an “easy” schedule, but these teams are pretty tough.  They’ll face the reigning AFC West champion, Denver Broncos twice, as usual, as well as playoff teams such as the Colts, Texans, and Redskins.  They also have a Thanksgiving game this year in Dallas against the Cowboys which should be a fun one.  They’ll have two nationally televised games this year, Monday Night Football against the rival Broncos and the Thanksgiving game. 

Offensive Outlook

This 2013 offense will have a new look to it.  With quarterback Carson Palmer now in Arizona, Matt Flynn looks to take over, but will have to beat out Terrelle Pryor and rookie Tyler Wilson in training camp.   The quarterback competition will be an interesting one and depending on how they play, whoever wins the job in training camp may not be the starter as the season progresses.

With wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey also gone, Denarius Moore will be the number one receiver in Oakland.  This offense will need Moore to step up and make the game changing plays he’s capable of making.  Rod Streater is also an offensive weapon that will need to be used this season.  Jacoby Ford is also back after missing 2012 due to a foot surgery and he can be used in the offense, although he is mostly used for kick returns.

Oakland lost tight end Brandon Myers to free agency this offseason as he signed with the Giants.  Myers was reliable for Palmer and the Raiders last season, and will be missed.  He could block and receive, something his replacements can’t.  There’s four guys that will battle for playing time this season and they are, David Ausberry Richard Gordon and 2013 draftees Nick Kasa and Mychal Rivera.  Now these four either need to work on blocking or receiving, but that will improve with time and experience.

This year's offense needs an explosive Darren McFadden.  Injuries have been a problem for him in his career, but the Raiders need to utilize the running game.  Last year under Greg Knapp the offense struggled, including McFadden as Knapp ran zone blocking scheme, which doesn't suit Run DMC’s strengths.  

Knapp was let go after that season, very deservingly so, and Greg Olson takes over this year.  He’s stated he will work the offense around his players strengths, something Knapp didn’t do. 

Defensive Outlook

The defense has been the Raiders achilles heel the last couple seasons.  When and if the offense was able to get something going, the defense would let the opposing team score.  This season, there will be many new faces in that Oakland defense.

Out with the old, in with the new; this year's defense will be without guys like Michael Huff, Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly, and Matt Shaughnessy, but the biggest loss is probably that of Philip Wheeler who signed with Miami this offseason. 

Some of the new guys who will battle for playing time are draftees D.J. Hayden and  Sio Moore, as well as free agents Nick Roach Tracy Porter, Kevin Burnett, and the biggest signing of the offseason for the Raiders Charles Woodson. 

Expect Tyvon Branch to have a big year in Oakland, as well.

The defense was in need of change and that’s just what general manager Reggie McKenzie supplied them with.  Woodson was brought back home to help a terrible secondary, but also to be a leader on this team. 

Overall, the 2013 Oakland Raiders should show improvement out on the field.  The quarterback situation is very important and still very much up in the air and will have an impact on how well this team does this year.  It will be exciting to see which players stand out for Oakland this year.  But, what’s the most anticipated moment for Raider Nation?  Seeing Charles Woodson taking the field sporting the silver and black in his return to Oakland.  It’s sure to be a great moment.