Edweirdo's Oakland Raiders Report |
What a crazy offseason and start to the 2002 season for the Oakland Raiders! When Gruden left town, there was a lot of concern in Raider Nation. Who would be our next coach? How would we address our glaring weaknesses on D? How would we fare in free agency with so much uncertainty about the team?
The Raiders made a splash in free agency by quickly signing DT John Parrella and OLB Bill Romanowski to address 2 huge needs. Neither of these vets were concerned about the coaching situation; they spoke instead of the allure of the Raiders. The Raiders also signed Rod Woodson, who has been a huge boost to the secondary with 6 turnovers in 2 games. Gannon was given a new contract that was a win-win for the team and Gannon. Gannon has arguably been the best QB in the NFL, and Trestman and Callahan are letting him make plays downfield. But perhaps the biggest coup of the offseason was the signing of FA DT Sam Adams. Adams signed what amounts to a 1-yr deal for a paltry $2MM. Adams turned down offers from other teams that included signing bonuses much larger than that (e.g. CIN: $3MM signing bonus). With Parrella and Adams on board, the interior of the Raiders defensive line has become a 650-lb wall. The Raiders now have the #1 run D in the NFL.
The Raiders made some great moves on draft day, moving up to seize CB Phillip Buchanon at the 17th pick and getting monster LB Napoleon Harris at the 23rd pick. Draft experts were quick to criticize the pick of OT Langston Walker in the 2nd round, but he's already made huge strides and had a solid start last week in Buffalo. The Raiders ignored our pleas to draft a DT. But in retrospect, with Buchanon and Adams on board, the front office made the right call.
The Raiders stunned fans with some of the roster cuts. Gone was solid SS Johnnie Harris, who played well in relief of Pope last season. But Derrick Gibson, who took over the starting role at SS, has been awesome and is tied for the team lead in tackles. At 6'3" 215lbs, Gibson is Tatum-esque in his stature and speed. But the front office wasn't done yet. With cap considerations in 2003 and a brick wall up front, the Raiders deemed tough but slow MLB Biekert expendable. While it was a painful sight to see Biekert go, Harris has played well, and with Barton at WLB, the LB corps has significantly upgraded in terms of playmaking speed.
The season's still young, but overall the front office has done an INCREDIBLE job! They've given the coaching staff the tools to make a run at the Super Bowl.