Cotto: 10 Oakland Raiders Prediction for 2010
Here are ten predictions about the Oakland Raiders for the 2010 season:
Darren McFadden will have 1,450 total yards of offense
Hue Jackson will utilize the running back in various ways and give him every opportunity to demonstrate his versatility. At this point, McFadden is not a featured rusher and more of a multi-dimensional weapon that should be used all over the formation to give Oakland’s questionable offense some mismatches. Michael Bush could be out the first few games of the season, but with Michael Bennett in the mix, McFadden doesn’t have to be force fed into a role he may not be able to handle. The key will be his health.
Zach Miller will get to the Pro-Bowl
The tight end has improved on his statistics every year since entering the league – and that was with JaMarcus Russell under center. With a more diverse playbook and stability at quarterback, this is the year Miller breaks the 1,000 yard receiving yards barrier and gets the recognition he deserves.
Darrius Heyward-Bey catches up to the game
The speedster has admitted to having more confidence coming into this campaign. That could co a long way in him finally looking like a legitimate wide receiver. Oakland has to use him on shorter routes and his ability to practice his craft and become a better target on intermediate passes will go a long way in making him a better down the field threat. I expect 55-receptions for 750-800 yards and minimal three scores.
Walter McFadden will lead the team in interceptions
In college, the cornerback had a knack for finding the football and sprinting into the end zone. Oakland likes his talents and will use him in varying dime packages. The 5th rounder has ability, and if any of the veteran cornerbacks or safeties struggle, he’ll see full-time duty.
Kamerion Wimbley tallies 10-or-more sacks
As a rookie, he notched 11 and was expected to be one of the better rush linebackers in the game. He was derailed the last three-season in Cleveland, but still managed 15.5 sacks in that span. Oakland’s front-seven will be aggressive, and that plays onto Wimbley’s best attributes.
The run defense will…be ok.
This aspect of the Raiders defense has been in ruins since 2003. The additions of Jay Alford and John Henderson may not completely plug up their deficiencies, but it will alleviate some of the hemorrhaging they’ve had stopping opposing ground attacks. If they rank anywhere between 13-18 in the league this season, Oakland’s defense will be good enough to play into the post-season as a wild card hopeful.
Tom Cable won’t see a contract…for awhile.
The lame duck coach is on a short leash. He is operating with no safety net and if the Raiders lose 10 or more games, he is a goner. Heck, he may not see another campaign as the Raiders coach if he does not win 8-games. So a winning campaign may be the only way Oakland retains him for 2011.
Robert Gallery plays 16-games at LG – finally!
The former 1st round draft choice has not been able to steer away from injuries the last few seasons. And when he’s out, Oakland’s rush game suffers. He’s by far their most consistent offensive lineman and a legit candidate to make the pro-bowl if he plays a full schedule.
Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston will combine for 15-sacks
This duo of young linemen for the Raiders knows how to get up the field and into a quarterback’s pocket. In limited action, Shaughnessy tallied 4-sacks as a rookie. Houston is more aggressive and will get a lot of action in the trenches. One thing is for sure, the Raiders end rotation will be solid in 2010.
The Raiders will win…8-games.
Their schedule is conducive to a solid start. Their set of back-to-back road games is not difficult, it appears that they won’t walk into any treacherous weather games in December, their bye week is placed perfectly and optimism is legitimately high in the Bay Area. With a break or two – which all playoff contending teams need – Oakland could be in the mix for 9-wins and a wild card berth.
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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
