OAKLAND RAIDERS
Shell Is Back for Seconds, But Will History Repeat Itself?
Randy Moss had 1,005 receiving yards and eight touchdowns last season, but his production was limited by injuries and a sub-par quarterback.
(By David Paul Morris -- Getty Images)
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Despite compiling a 54-38 record over five-plus seasons, Art Shell was fired as Raiders coach in 1994. In his second stint as coach, the Hall of Fame tackle has a long road ahead. There here is much work to be done -- retooling, revamping, reconfiguring -- after Oakland finished 4-12 last season.
At quarterback, the more-mobile Aaron Brooks replaces Kerry Collins. Oakland, more well known recently for its rowdy fans than its winning ways, will need a big season from Randy Moss, who is coming off an injury-plagued season.
A sure sign the Raiders may be in store for calamity came with the signing of quarterback Jeff George, who last threw a pass in the NFL in 2001 with the Washington Redskins.
George's signing during the preseason was a clear indication the Raiders are desperate at quarterback. Of course, after all that, they cut George on Saturday in typically esoteric Raiders fashion.
Improving the defense became a priority in the offseason, and that was most apparent in the draft when the Raiders selected linebacker Thomas Howard, defensive back Michael Huff and linebacker Darnell Bing. The Raiders' best defensive addition last year was pass rushing end Derrick Burgess, who finished with 16 sacks in his first full season as a starter since his rookie year with the Eagles in 2001.
Oakland was 0-6 in the division last season, and for the third consecutive season it did not win more than six games.
