Font ResizeRaiders coach Lane Kiffin attempted to remove longtime defensive coordinator Rob Ryan within days of the conclusion of his team's disappointing 4-12 season in 2007.
Raiders managing general partner Al Davis intervened on Ryan's behalf and, in turn, initiated a showdown with Kiffin that brought about the prospect of the team having its fourth different coach in four seasons.
More than six months passed without either scenario playing out. Ryan is back for a fifth season. Kiffin and Davis reached an accord. All may not be right in Raiderland, but at least everyone is in agreement that the Raiders are prepared for the upcoming season.
The next phase kicks off today, when the players are required to report
to training camp in Napa. The first practice is scheduled for Thursday afternoon.Numerous offseason workouts, meetings and minicamps provided Kiffin and his coaching staff a glimpse of what to expect this season. Now comes the time when Kiffin gleans the necessary insight to help him determine who makes the 53-man roster.
"You want to figure it all out right now, and so do we," Kiffin said after an offseason practice about where his team stood. "How good are we going to be on offense, defense? But we don't even have pads on, so there's a ton of work to go, and a million things that will happen between now and then. Our roster will change; our depth chart will change, so all we're trying to do is get individuals better."
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In their place, the Raiders signed, drafted or traded for the likes of running back Darren McFadden, left offensive tackle Kwame Harris, safety Gibril Wilson, cornerback DeAngelo Hall and receivers Javon Walker and Drew Carter.
"Our guys are coming together," Kiffin said. "So many new pieces, especially offensively, there's so many new guys in new spots that we don't even know who the starters are going to be necessarily. "... We're moving in the right direction."
Maybe so, but there are numerous issues that need to be resolved between now and Sept. 8, when the Raiders play host to Denver in their season opener. Here's a look at five of the most-pressing issues facing the Raiders during training camp:
Firming up offensive line
Harris is the leading candidate to replace longtime left tackle Sims. This is a tall order, given Harris is accustomed to the right side, he didn't start for the 49ers last season, and he is accountable for protecting quarterback JaMarcus Russell's blind side.
Veteran John Wade and third-year player Chris Morris are vying for Newberry's old job. This is a critical position in terms of the offense's continuity and overall success. Offensive line coach Tom Cable is confident he has two quality options.
Get rolling with Russell
He missed all of training camp last season during protracted contract negotiations and started only one game as a rookie. He has spent an inordinate amount of time learning Kiffin's offense and making up for valuable time lost last season.
However, Russell still needs more work getting in sync with his offensive linemen, receivers and the pace of the NFL. This is a high priority for Kiffin and his staff.
Defining Darren's role
McFadden's arrival gives the Raiders something they haven't had since the days of Napoleon Kaufman: a legitimate big-play threat at running back.
McFadden is an all-around talent, a player who can run, catch and throw well. Even so, Kiffin still isn't quite sure how best to use McFadden's talents. Training camp will be the best time for Kiffin to tinker with the myriad ideas dancing in his head and find a way to accommodate McFadden and starter Justin Fargas.
Assuaging Asomugha
Veteran cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha still hasn't signed his one-year contract as the team's exclusive franchise player. He is guaranteed almost $10 million for the 2008 season once he signs, as expected.
However, he intends to make it known that he isn't thrilled by the prospect of playing without a long-term contract this season or being franchise-tagged again for 2009 by holding out for at least part of training camp.
It is incumbent upon the Raiders to get Asomugha in the mix as soon as possible and to let him know where he stands in their long-term plans. If not, they run the risk of Asomugha's situation turning into a season-long distraction.
Keying on Kelly
Veteran defensive tackle Tommy Kelly has spent most of the past nine months rehabilitating the knee he injured midway through last season. He is expected back on the field for the first time since his October surgery, perhaps as soon as the first day of practice.
That's welcome news for a Raiders defense that is without Sapp for the first time in five years and is in need of someone to anchor a line that struggled against the run and in consistently pressuring the quarterback last season. Kelly also is moving from defensive end, which figures to require an adjustment period.
Contact Steve Corkran at scorkran@bayareanewsgroup.com.
