The Litmus Test in Oakland: Can They Finally Stop the Run?

For Oakland to get out of their seven-year slide, several key factors have to come together.

The defense has to stop the run.

The WR corps has to step up.

The RB tandem has to hold onto the ball and run as they were drafted to.

The QB has to stand up and take control of the team.

The first phase was given some good looks from the draft. First out of the gate, the Raiders picked up Rolando McClain, who took to the Raiders in a hurry. Willing to step up and become a rock for the Raiders defensive line, he asked for a playbook and tapes—and a good guess says he had them before the Raiders traded for Jason Campbell.

The next pickup had Raiders all over him—including the watch.

LaMarr Houston, a defensive tackle, was coming from Te...

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