2005 preview: 'D' must meet challenge

**RandytheRaider** · 08-22-2005, 12:21 PM

The Oakland Raiders have managed only nine victories since advancing to the Super Bowl following the 2002 season, but the organization believes it is back on the right track thanks to the offseason acquisitions of wideout Randy Moss, running back LaMont Jordan and defensive end Derrick Burgess.Arguably no wideout is more feared than Moss, who has averaged 13 touchdown catches a season since entering the league in 1998. His 90 scoring receptions are the second-most ever by a player through his first seven seasons, trailing only the legendary Jerry Rice.

Acquired in a trade with Minnesota, Moss should put the vertical back in the Raiders' passing game. He has tremendous speed, long arms and gravity-defying jumping ability. Paired with Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry, he could give the Raiders the best receiving corps in the league.

The signing of Jordan could be equally important because it will force defenses to honor the run. Jordan, who played in the shadow of Curtis Martin with the Jets, has the power and speed to have a breakout season. Coach Norv Turner won't hesitate to give him the ball because his offense is strongest when it can utilize play-action passes.

The Raiders have the talent to be the league's highest-scoring offense, but it won't mean much if their defense doesn't improve. The unit allowed 27.6 points a game last season, the second-highest average in the league, and forced only 18 turnovers, the third-fewest total in the NFL.

The addition of Burgess should help improve the unit, as should a return to a 4-3 base defense. The Raiders did not have the personnel to be successful in a 3-4 scheme last season, so Turner plans to use more four-lineman sets this year. All eyes will be on Moss, arguably the game's most lethal wideout. However, Jordan and Burgess will have to perform equally well for the Raiders to reverse their fortunes. Oakland ranked last in the league in rushing last season, which is unacceptable in a Turner offense whose foundation includes a power-running game and play-action passes. Burgess has flashed as an edge rusher and the Raiders will need a big season out of him after ranking 30th in sacks per pass play. Cornerback Phillip Buchanon was traded to Houston. His departure will be felt on special teams because he was a threat as a returner. Veterans such as guard Frank Middleton, running back Tyrone Wheatley, defensive tackle John Parrella and safety Ray Buchanan were released because of high salaries or diminished performance. Ditto wideout Jerry Rice. PROJECTED STARTERS
Offense Defense (3-4)
WR R. Moss DE B. Hamilton
LT B. Sims NT T. Washington
LG L. Walker DE D. Burgess
C J. Grove OLB T. Brayton
RG B. Badger ILB D. Clark
RT R. Gallery ILB J. Foreman
TE C. Anderson OLB S. Williams
WR J. Porter CB N. Asomugha
QB K. Collins CB D. Bibson
RB L. Jordan FS S. Schweigert
FB Z. Crockett SS C. Woodson
TOP DRAFT PICKS
1 F. Washington CB Nebraska
2 S. Routt CB Houston
3 A. Walter QB Arizona State
Click here for the complete draft class The Raiders might have gotten a steal in rookie linebacker Kirk Morrison, a third-round pick who was said to have slipped in the draft because of a lack of footspeed. Morrison might not win many 40s, but he has good football speed and has been impressive in camp. Barring a complete collapse in the preseason, he will see time in the rotation and might push for a starting job.

Injuries caused Burgess to miss all but 15 regular-season games the past three seasons. He has to stay healthy for the defense to reach its potential.

Rookie second-round pick Stanford Routt has been impressive in training camp and could beat out top draft pick Fabian Washington for the nickel job. Routt has been physical and aggressive in camp, refusing to back down from the wide receivers.

On the record
Wide receiver Randy Moss: "My best football days, they are ahead of me. Being in Minnesota, despite a lot of things that I could do, the offense didn't allow it. ... What I've seen over the last couple days and with the work we've put in through the minicamps and the (organized team activities), I see some great things happening here."

Coach Norv Turner on Moss: "A very smart guy, a guy who's very attentive and wants to learn, a guy who's going to help the young guys, and a guy who, when he steps on the practice field, knows how to go, knows how to work. He's been great for our young players; he's been great for our quarterbacks."

Rookie linebacker Kirk Morrison: "We feel like we've got an offense that can do anything. Now it's up to us as a defense to keep people from scoring."