Oakland Raiders

A new era has begun in Oakland. Al Davis passed away midway through the 2011 season which immediately put the team on a course for an overhaul.

The season ended with a second straight 8-8 season. This time it was more disappointing than the prior season. It was expected that under new head coach, Hue Jackson, the team would improve. The team also had every opportunity to take the division. It came down to the final game of the season in which they lost to the Chargers at home.
Overall, the Raiders would lose four of their last five games of the season which allowed the Broncos, who lost three of their last four games, to back their way to the AFC West title.

Once the season finished, new owner Mark Davis made it his first order of business to bring in a capable General Manager. Enter Reggie McKenzie. This former Raider linebacker and 18-year Packer executive promised sweeping changes immediately—and he delivered.

Before McKenzie even had his introductory press conference, he had fired Hue Jackson. He later hired former Broncos’ defensive coordinator of one season, Dennis Allen, as the new head coach. And since that time, he has assembled a complete coaching staff while McKenzie has continued to makeover the front office and personnel departments.
Along with the coaching staff and front office, there was the task of dumping or restructuring several “out of whack” contracts, as McKenzie termed them. Gone are cornerback Stanford Routt, linebacker Kamerion Wimbley, tight end Kevin Boss, running back Michael Bush, and center Samson Satele.

Replacing the departed players are cornerbacks Ron Bartell and Shawntae Spencer, LB Philip Wheeler, RB Mike Goodson, and right guard Mike Brisiel. They also drafted OG Tony Bergstrom and LB Miles Burris with their first two picks to bolster the offensive line and linebacking corps respectively.

Returning from injury are the team’s top running back, Darren McFadden, number one receiver Denarius Moore, and best pass rusher, Matt Shaughnessy.

For a team that is in somewhat of a rebuilding mode, there is a lot of talent on the roster and therefore expectations to compete for a playoff spot once again.