After the vast amount of changes the Raiders have gone through, I still have one question lingering on my mind: Can the Raiders answer the bell next year?

• Offense

22.4 PPG (16th) 379.5 YDS (9th) 131.9 RYDS (7th) 247.6 PYDS (11th) -4 TO (22nd)
I think last year was just scratching the surface of what this offense could do by these numbers, but the men in black clearly turned it over too much. Zone blocking schemes are coming back with Knapp so It's hard for me to get a pulse of what these numbers will look like for next year. With close to no draft picks, improving is going to be a challenge on this side of the ball.
Overall i would be surprised and happy if we could at least duplicate the PPG and RYDS for a chance at the big game.

• Defense

27.9 PPG (29th) 387.6 YDS (29th) 136.1 RYDS (27th) 251.4 PYDS (27th) 18 INT (12th) 39 SCK (15th)
These rankings are down drastically from the season before due to the odd play-calling last year. With new defensive minded coaches, Allen and Tarver, the Raiders should be able to get back into the top half of the league next year. Even if there is a switch to 3-4 I am not worried because it is D that got these guys their jobs.
To improve the talent is gonna be tough, especially with Branch maybe being gone. Reggie has his work cut out for him on this front too.
I do not think with all these factors will we be able to put a SB worthy D out there yet. We need more consistency and continuity.

• Special Teams

31 FGM (5th) 7 50+YD (1st) 50.8 YPP (2nd) 13.5 PRTNAVG (32nd) 1 KR (1st)
I was shocked to see Lechler had the highest average return against of any punter. The coverage team was a mess this year and it showed. Janikowski and Shane continue to shine, but a change in coordinators is welcome.
This unit could be ready for a deep run by next year without Reggie doing too much.

• Penalties

THE RECORD FOR MOST EVER
I wont even put the numbers down. Champions don't false start and jump offsides that much.
This can and will be fixed I think.
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Overall, it is a longshot to say the least, but it is possible to be where the Giants are if we work these things out in the next few seasons :D What do you think? Go Raiders!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!