For Oakland Raiders fans these pacifiers are a time that we get ridiculed by the press for our draft picks, for overspending on free agents, and for the franchise's overall decision making—at least during the last few offseasons.
This year is very different.
The feeling is not one of anguish, but of hope and expectations. The Raiders have made some decisions that have this team going in the right direction—they are putting together a winning team.
This change all started last year.
During training camp Coach Cable wore a T-shirt that had the following statement: "Wanted: 53 men committed to one purpose."
The media was speculating that the Raiders were going to fire him. The great part about this was that Coach Cable stood his ground and continued to do his job. The team witnessed this and realized the only way to deal with adversity is to face it head on and give it all you have.
Coach Cable stayed with the team, which created continuity for the players and coaches. The organization then added to his coaching staff; they brought in Hue Jackson as the offensive coordinator and Mike Waufle as the defensive line coach.
The offense was very stagnant last year, but Hue Jackson is known for developing quarterbacks and receivers, and Coach Waufle directed one of the best defensive lines in Super Bowl history.
The Raiders then brought in some very specific free agents: returner/wide receiver Yamon Figurs, linebacker Kamerion Wimbley (acquired for a third-round pick sent to Cleveland), QB Jason Campbell (fourth rounder to Washington in 2012), and linebacker Quintin G...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
