The Oakland Raiders offense enters the offseason once again in need of a facelift. The Raiders have spent their last three first round draft picks on that side of the ball to varying degrees of disappointment: JaMarcus Russell, Darren McFadden, and Darrius Heyward-Bey. That doesn't mean that the entire offensive side of the ball needs to be blown up and rebuilt. However, there are important positions that need immediate attention, whilst others don't need much.

Regardless of the starter at quarterback, there are other areas on the Raiders offense that need a strong look. All three Raider starting quarterbacks spent too much time running for their lives, which is a determent to any kind of offensive success. For a quarterback to have success, he has to have receivers who can catch the ball and make plays with it.

Quarterback

The quarterback position is a big question mark. The offense worked much better when Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye were under center as opposed to JaMarcus Russell. Russell's work ethic has been repeatedly called into question by Head Coach Tom Cable, and that has shown in his issues on the field. Russell's lack of leadership was made readily apparent with the ease in which the team rallied around Gradkowski for instant improvement.

With the change to a journeyman quarterback sparking the team, that shows that the quarterback position is the primary issue on this offense. Gradkowski had washed out in Tampa Bay and didn't catch on in Cleveland. He was, however, an instant upgrade over JaMarcus Russell. He was able to use his mobility to keep plays alive, and more than anything showed leadership that raised the level of play around him. The Raiders would do well to bring him back.

Offensive Tackle

The offensive line needs to be sent in for a makeover. Mario Henderson was off to a roaring start not allowing sacks through the first half of the season, but then he started to get worked as the season went on. Right tackle Cornell Green looked like Kwame Harris for much of the season. If he wasn't getting flagged for something, it was his man in the backfield making the play. Robert Gallery only played in six games, and recently had back surgery, which could portend injury issues down the road.

Full back

The Raiders are well stocked at tailback with their combination of Darren McFadden, Michael Bush, and Justin Fargas. The fullback position is more unsettled. Luke Lawton is suspended for the first two games of next year. Oren O'Neal has missed two years due to injury after a promising rookie campaign, and Gary Russell is more of a runner/receiver than blocking back.

Wide Receiver

The inability of first round draft pick Darrius Heyward-Bey to hold on to the ball was the stuff of legend. Not only did he have as many drops as catches, his drops were epic. In a play that is sure to be immortalized in future editions of NFL Films Football Follies, DHB jumped for a perfect pass by Bruce Gradkowski, the ball ricocheted off his hands, chest, and knee before it was snatched out of the air by a Chiefs defender to seal the game. Nine catches in 11 starts is an inauspicious start for the young receiver. Fourth round pick Louis Murphy had his share of drops early in the season, but as the season wore on he emerged as a reliable receiver with flashes of big play potential. His breakout game came during the fourth quarter of the Raiders' come-from-behind defeat of the Steelers. A game in which he had a 75 yard catch and run from Gradkowski.

Murphy and Chaz Schilens provide the Raiders with two young dynamic receivers. What the Raiders need is a steady veteran presence. Javon Walker could have been that presence, but he was inactive for 11 games as a healthy scratch. Johnnie Lee Higgins regressed.

ALSO SEE: Defensive Needs 2010

Comments (20)

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written by Grilla RFL, January 28, 2010

Jamarcus Russell just needs to get back to 255, study the playbook, get in a lot of work with his main receivers (Chaz Louis Murphy, and JLH, and DHB) and he will be ok. I know this will take a lot of work, but if he sticks to the plan he can be a beast. Go back and look at his highlights a LSU. the boy is only 23 years old. The weight thing is the biggest one.

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written by Grilla RFL, January 28, 2010

I think Hue Jackson has looked at this situation, and knows he has a lot to work with. All he has to do is work with cable to make sure the O line is ready next year. O line should be a big part of the draft 1st pick third round, 2nd pick third round, 1st pick fifth round. With the 4th round pick blocking FB. The oakland Raiders offense is ready.

You heard is heare Grilla RFL (RAIDER FOR LIFE)

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written by Grilla RFL, January 28, 2010

I like the way the medial speculates and then expects Al Davis or Coach Cable to issues a press statement to verify/validate their speculations. Way to go Mr. Davis and Coach for avoiding their stupidness. Let them keep hanging in limbo sperading garbage. I like the way the players avoid this mess as well. Richare Seynour told them (Patriot's media) that he would play for 31 of the 32 two teams. Telling them that he would play for anybody except the Patriots. The media turned it around and made is sound like he was looking to play for another team and not the Raiders. he came out and said he found his calling with the Raiders and he wanted to play for them as well as recruit other players to come. After he pretty much told him they were wrong in so many words, he left the mess alone. They are still harping on it till this day. C'mon man meadil people get a life.

Go "Raiders"

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Jamarcus
written by Les 50, January 29, 2010

I think that coach Cable, coach Jackson and Al Davis should give Jamarcus the ultimatum either get with it, become a gym rat and be a leader or get cut for (cause) so Big Al won't have to pay him. He did it to a coach, why not a player. Make him restructure his contract to make it preformanced based. Crappy play means no pay.

"Raiders For Life"

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written by JB, January 29, 2010

RT and RG are the biggest needs. CC and CG are only good to have as backups in case of injury. Mario and Satele should know what to work on in the offseason after a year of starting. Gallery just needs to stay healthy. Hopefully Oren Oneal can comeback strong and provide a powerful blocking fullback that can also catch the ball out of the backfield. WRs just need experience and strength. Not going to beat a dead horse talking about DHB. Zach should have 75-85 catches and 1000 yards next season. This year has to be the last chance for JaMucus to get his butt in gear. If he shows up over 265lbs, cut him before OTAs. No need to waste our WRs legs on throws that won't even be on target. Grad, Frye and Losman should be servicable for next year while we work out the kinks of a new OC. Then we'll see the personality of the new O and Al/Hue/Cable can draft or sign the right QB for 2011 if no one steps up. If the O gets on track and score 20 a game. That's at least 7-9. 25 a game and that's playoffs for sure. The D should be good playing with a lead. Good secondary should get more picks and change the game. This years draft is key to a winning season. Gotta fill the holes. AFC West is open for the taking. Beat the Dolts and make the playoffs in 2010!!!

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written by Howie, January 29, 2010

If the Raiders do not improve the lines they going nowhere. Move Henderson to RT where he belongs, the position he played in college. With the #1 & #2 draft picks get a LT and at least one guard, next a DT and MLB.

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Say What?
written by Say what?, January 29, 2010

I thought this was an article on the Raiders Offensive needs for 2010!? Not A year in review!?!

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Jamarcus
written by Tenacious D, January 29, 2010

Grilla RFL,
Weight is not JR's biggest problem. it is his heart and drive. yes, he could be very good if he committed himself to working w/ the WR's,but he's never the 1st one in the building or the lastone to leave. 3 years have gone bye, and he still skipped the teams final meeting to go to Las Vegas, 1 day after the season ended! he is a punk who has had 3 years and hasnt shown any improvement in preperation or attitude. if he had half the passion of a Gradkowski we probably wouldnt be in this mess.

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Play offs next year
written by john lasswell, January 29, 2010

The main article above in my opinion,is pretty right on. But the first comment I read shocked the heck out me. There is no way JR will get back to 255 ,there is no way he can learn any kind of play book,and as far as his work ethics,he will never develop them.Having said that Bruce and Frye did pretty well.In my opinion the OL needs much work and possibly a middle LB.With the average OL our running game should do well. We're good at the WR . In my opinion we could be a potential playoff team next year with help on the OL and LB position. Just my opinion,Get rid of JR,he is absolutely horrible!All about money and no heart.
Live and Bleed Silver and Black

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written by DevonRaiderUK, January 29, 2010

All valid points Pat. Mario shouldn't come into the equation at Tackle- he's much better than anything we've had for the last two years. Agree with the comments by john lasswell and JB also. Although we dont need a new RG tho' JB. Cooper is a good player who would look a lot better with a semi decent C and T either side of him.

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QB
written by jdeuce, January 29, 2010

I know Grad and Frye looked alot better than Russell, but why is it that neither could last more than two games? In my opinion, [although there is not many that still believe] Russell can bring us to the next level. But he must be more devoted to the team. He is only 24, still very immature. I hope Hue can get him going, cause we all know he is not going anywhere!!

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written by nilbymouth, January 29, 2010

OL and a blocking FB are by far our biggest needs on offense. We should have never let Lorenzo Neal go. With our 3 RB's we only need the FB to block. I wouldn't mind seeing one of the more agile OL playing FB on obvious rushing plays also. I wouldn't mind seeing us picking up a couple quality FA addition on the OL if only for depth. Logan Mankins maybe?

Receiver I think isn't a big problem for us. Chaz and Murphy are quality WRs and DHB and JLH are good 3rd and 4th options, although a veteran WR would help. Maybe Antonio Bryant from the Bucs. I think with more playing time with a decent QB both Chaz and Murphy should be good for 600-700 yards each, Zach a 1000, and another 600 between the rest and we have 3000 passing yards which is all we need for an offense that should be relying more on the run than pass.

As for QB, I think we need to bring in a veteran QB to help compete for a starting job. Someone like Chad Pennington or Jason Campbell who I think is going to be FA.

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Raiders for life
written by Showzay in vegas, January 29, 2010

I've been losing faith in quarterback position since Gannon was there.I'm afraid that Jamarcus is going to be another Ryan leaf. A overpaid quarterback with a strong arm but no skill to use it! I think he lost that position to gradowski since he stepped his game up and won a couple of games for the club. Jamarcus needs to step back and harness his skills for a long while. Jamarcus doesn't scamble or throw short. He should get paid per play. Still I'm a raider fan for life.....

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Give up
written by D20, January 30, 2010

JR was the worst pick in the draft period. Its time to draft a new quarterback get the o line in FA. Grads and Frye are decent Qbs but are never going to be great or even good. Draft Clausen he already has played in a pro style offense at ND. Im not saying give him the job like JR got bring him in make him win the open competion between grads, frye, and, him. If hes not ready let grads and frye play until he is. Then the Raiders will actually have a quarterback that will be great someday instead of hoping JR gets it under control and watching another lossing season without any progression

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written by JSpicoli, January 31, 2010

I completely agree with everything this article says. I say OL is our biggest need, and we should draft there first.

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Grilla, listen to Jamarcus..
written by SnBsn69, January 31, 2010

I have said this on every site I could. "Russel fails as a human being. Football and QBing are the least of his problems." He is wore than Leaf. Leaf was a punk. JaFatso DOES NOT CARE...about his performance, team mates, organization, coaches, nada, zip, nuthin' cept' his garaunteed green. He will spend his cash and wind up eatin' junk food on momma's porch watching the game with hoodies who'll listen to his BS about being cheated out a career in the NFL by bad coaches and blah, blah, blah.......

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LaFevour in the 4th?
written by Demon Raider, February 04, 2010

I like this kid outta Central Michigan. Great arm and he can make plays with his legs and even hands if needed as evidenced by his 102 passing TD's, 47 rushing TD's, and 1 Receiving TD. He's thrown for over 12,000 yards and ran for almost another 3,000. Not bad for a white kid, huh?

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written by Demon Raider, February 04, 2010

A new CBA not happening would really limit our ability to sign FA's. I feel that the best free agents for us to get are:
OG Logan Mankins, RFA (UFA if there's a new CBA)
OT Jared Gaither, RFA
OT Jahri Evans, RFA (UFA if there's a new CBA)
RB Leon Washington, UFA
FB Le'Ron McClain, RFA
FB Justin Griffith, UFA
FB Leonard Weaver, RFA (UFA if there's a new CBA)
WR Miles Austin, RFA (UFA if there's a new CBA)
WR Domenik Hixon, UFA

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written by nilbymouth, February 04, 2010

I would love us to sign Mankins and a good FB like McClain or Griffith. We should have never released Lorenzo Neal last year. I don't think we need to sign any FA WR though. Chaz, and Murphy just need a chance with a consistant QB playing with them.

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mr.
written by eks, February 12, 2010

no one in here is an expert analyst. as long as your still breathing, you have a chance to turn it around. Russell is still only 23. some learning curves and life experiences follow different roads. it's where you end up that really matters. the complaining of the fans is just a part of it too. boo hoo. Quit the crying. It's not like you will loose your job with the Oakland Raiders it's easy to root for the favorite. try rooting for the underdog.

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