For years now, the Raiders have struggled to find consistency on the offensive side of the ball. At times, things got so bad that the offense in Oakland, or lack there of, was laughable. Now, as the Raiders come off their best season since the Gruden bowl, it appears as though their offense could be poised to be the better half of the team.
Not only did the Raiders boast a much improved record last season, they put together one of the better offenses in the league. The Raiders finished second in rushing behind Kansas City, were sixth in the league in scoring and tenth in the league in offensive yards. Their only major hole on offense was passing, where the Raiders ranked 23rd in the league.
Now, with Jason Campbell in his second year with the team and with Hue Jackson’s offense, the Raiders will look to continue their success on the ground, while improving their aerial attack.
Their first test of the season will come on Monday night as the Raiders travel to Denver to take on the Broncos. The Raiders should not have a problem running the ball against the Broncos. Last season, the Broncos finished second to last in rush defense and have not done much to upgrade this off season. It should also be a good opportunity for Campbell and the Raiders receiving corps to get their feet wet, as the Broncos were the eighth worst team in pass defense last season.
Perhaps more importantly, Denver had almost no pass rush to speak of as they finished dead last in sacks last season. This will allow the new offensive line to get settled in before having to face some of the better pass rushers on the schedule. If the line can have a strong game and provide Campbell with time to throw the ball, the Raiders could wrack up a lot of yards through the air against Denver.
The last time the Raiders traveled to Denver, they left having put on one of the best offensive performances in Raiders history in a 59-14 beat down of the Broncos. The Raiders have to hope that they can put together a similar showing on Monday night and get this year’s offensive campaign started off on a high note.