Why Week 17 Was Great For the Raiders

What could be so great about a 21-13 loss to close the season? The answer is that nothing can teach you more about your team than playing a good team. Your weaknesses will be revealed and exploited. The loss will leave the last taste in your mouth about the season so the offseason becomes a much clearer path.

The Ravens were a playoff team last year and playing them showed us that the Raiders were not that far off as they lost 21-13. This is the loss that saved Oakland! It revealed things on both sides of the ball that were killing the Raiders. Two of these players are no longer with the team. Another was a need that we addressed this offseason.

We start with Jamarcus Russell. I won't get into the QB rating or anything...

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