In the first game of last season, the Oakland Raiders hung tough against a heavily favored Chargers team. When they followed that up with a win over Kansas City, it looked as though it may have been the year that the Raiders turned the corner. Unfortunately, for players and fans alike, it was not to be, as Oakland ended up at only 5-11 (2-6 home, 3-5 away) on the season. While some believe the team may have been distracted by head coach Tom Cable’s off the field issues, and that there were some glimpses of hope for 2010.

The Oakland Raiders may have posted four of the most impressive wins of any team last season – defeating Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh, and Denver – and even though they only posted one win in their other twelve games, this team may still finally be headed in the right direction, and if things gel just right, maybe even back to the postseason.

Raider quarterback Jamarcus Russell (120 of 246, 1,287 YDS, 3 TD, 11 INT, 50 passer rating) had moments where everyone thought maybe he was finally maturing as a signal caller and ready to pan out, but unfortunately he also had quite a few that brought attention to the fact that he may still have quite a way to go, and that just maybe it is time to give up and permanently hand the reins over to backup Bruce Gradkowski (82 of 150, 1,007 YDS, 6 TD, 3 INT, 80.6 passer rating) who had decisively better stats behind center for Oakland.

Beside the QB situation, there were some notable offensive and special teams accomplishments for the silver and black; the third team since 1977 to start two rookie wide receivers, first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy; tight end Zach Miller (66 REC, 805 YDS, 3 TD) became third tight end in club history with 800+ receiving yards in a season; kick/punt returner Johnnie Lee Higgins moved into eighth in franchise history in total punt return yards with 863, while also being tied for first in team history with three punt return touchdowns over the course of his career; kicker Sebastian Janikowski kicked a franchise-record longest 61 yard field goal in Week 16; punter Shane Lechler set the NFL record for net punting average in a season (43.9) and recorded the second-highest yards (51.1) per punt average, just behind Sammy Baugh’s 51.4.

On defense, trying to regain that old intimidating Raider swagger, linebacker Kirk Morrison led Oakland with 133 tackles, 109 solos, and 3 forced fumbles, while upfront it was defensive tackle Trevor Scott and defensive end Greg Ellis leading the way 7 sacks each, with linebacker Thomas Howard third on the team in tackles (79) but first in tackles for loss (11). Unfortunately, when three of a team’s top six tacklers are in the secondary, it means they are cleaning up the job that is not getting done in front of them, but the Raiders seem to have a great group there with cornerback Tyvon Branch second in tackles and first in assists, fellow corner Chris Johnson fifth in tackles and first in passes defended (18) and interceptions (3), and safety Michael Huff tied for first with 3 interceptions. This is all not even mentioning shutdown cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who doesn’t have huge stats because teams simply don’t come his way at all!

This is a team that is looking once again compete in the AFC West, contend in the postseason, and return the days when they were the most feared team in all the NFL. Oakland is a great place to feel the vibes of great football tradition, so get some Oakland Raiders tickets today and come join the Raider Nation for a game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California.