to playoffs in one season, why not the Raiders? The only major problem this team has had in the past 4 years is the lack of a QB. We just have not scored enough TD’s to win and that falls on the QB. Do not discount the value of offense and the effect it has on the defense.
If you enter a game knowing that your offense will be lucky to score 1 TD let alone 2, it puts a strain on the defensive players, they cannot make a mistake or the game is lost. It also affects the way the other team looks at you.

Based on my other post (Raiders record in 2008) I think we will go 9-7 this year. It’s sad, but I don’t know how I feel about that. Don’t get me wrong, I’d be very happy to get all the wins, but assuming 9-7 doesn’t get us to the playoffs, what good does that do is in the draft next season? Would we rather go 6-10 and improve on last season but get a higher draft pick than we would at 9-7? Does anyone else get to the last two games of the season and, while cheering for their beloved Raiders, secretly think a loss wouldn’t be so bad? Do you think about the difference between a 4th pick instead of 9th? During the game, I know I am sincerely cheering my guts out for the Silver and Black, from start to finish. I have to admit though, after those last couple games of the season, I don’t dwell on the losses for too long. I’m pissed for maybe a day, instead of 6. I even find myself cheering for teams I wouldn’t root for otherwise (like the Jets and Rams last year) in hopes that we will move up the draft board. Does this strike a chord with anyone else? Am I a poor excuse for a fan? As I mentioned in my other post, I think the best parts of a 9-7 season would be increased confidence in Kiffin, a more likely return of Nnamdi, and a more attractive destination for next season’s free agents. So, in my opinion, 9-7 is a good thing. But I have these thoughts, and thought I’d see if anyone else has them too.