The second step to Super Bowl? A defense that can dominate.
Unfortunately the Raiders can't stop the run. Green Bay, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, New York (AFC), nor New England—the contenders—give up 140 rushing per game. Until the Raider's defense dominates, 'Super Bowl thinking' is wishful thinking at best.
In addition, when your fullback, Marcel Reese is the No. 2 best receiver on the team, your receivers are nothing special.
The Colts, Pats, Steelers, and probably Baltimore have No. 3 receivers who, arguably, are better than the Raiders No. 1 and No. 2 receivers.
Drafting a big wide receiver in 2011 draft is a must. But the Raiders would be wise to pick up a solid veteran receiver, say Plaxico Burress, who will not break the bank.
6'5 Burress, before his incarceration, dominated smaller and large defensive backs, so much that he was always double teamed, which helped the Giants running game.
Though rusty and aging, Burress has not withstood the wear and tear that other receivers his age have had to withstand. In addition, Burrress should be available at a bargain considering many NFL executives see him as a possible liability.
"If you look at our team before, when Plaxico was in," Osi Umenyiora, explained, "if you look after he's gone, even though we have had some success and even though we have played pretty well, it just hasn't been the same without him."
Many of the same executives are kicking themselves for disregarding Michael Vick upon his release.
In addition, the Raider's offensive line, in pass protection, is as solid as a matador's cape.
Teams with a serious, 'grade A' pass-rush like Pittsburgh jam the run and blitz, leaving quarterbacks on their backs, and leaving offenses inept—which happened in 2010 to t...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
