AFC West Preview: How Each Team Got Better And Worse So Far
Oct 27, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) hands off the ball to running back Darren McFadden (20) during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Raiders
NOTABLE LOSSES:
NOTABLE SIGNINGS:
Oakland was in a position where they had to start spending money, otherwise they were going to face penatly. See, under the new CBA, teams must spend at least 95% of their salary cap, which explains why Oakland overspent on veteran players like Matt Schuab and MJD.
HOW THEY GOT BETTER:
The Matt Schuab era in Oakland is going to go one of two ways starting with one; He comes in, brings some stability to their offense and maybe wins them enough games to make a playoff run. Or two, he continues his horrible string of interceptions, Oakland drafts a quarterback in the first round, he takes over by week 8 or 9 and the Raiders miss the playoffs. Either way, I think Schuab is a slight upgrade over Terrell Pryor simply because of experience and some success as a starter in the league. Also, the additions of Lamarr Woodley and Carlos Rogers to their defense has some serious potential. Oakland had a stingy defense at the beginning of 2013 and perhaps these two could help make that a regular thing.
HOW THEY GOT WORSE:
Aside from the fact that they’re the Raiders, Oakland got worse by letting Rashad Jennings go and re-signing Darren McFadden. Jennings was about the only thing scary about Oaklands offense the last few years and they chose the injury prone McFadden instead. I truly do not understand their loyalty to a player that cannot stay on the field. Also, losing Lamarr Houston and Vance Walker will surely hurt, though Houston was replaced nicely with Woodley. We’ll just have to see how that plays out.
WHAT’S THEIR FIRST MOVE IN THE DRAFT:
I’m thinking quarterback all the way. In a solid draft class of quarterbacks, Oakland is in a prime spot with their number 5 overall pick. They will likely have the option between Johnny Manziel or Teddy Bridgewater, two of the top prospects at the position. Whether it be one of those two or any of the others, Oakland would be foolish not to take their next franchise quarterback.