Turnovers & Sacks or Offensive Rejuvination

[RaiderFa8thful]

There is no doubt that the Raiders Defense in 2012 struggled to rush the QB. As an effect, the defense rarely grabbed turnovers. (ATL was our first game with an INT?) Toward the end of the year, it was more apparent that Allen & Tarver didn't have the personnel they wanted during the season as they started to make chicken salad out of chicken *****. There is no doubt in my mind when they can get some more players in the offseason to fit their scheme it will once again improve.

On the other side of the ball, our Offense of 2012 was no where near what we were able to accomplish with a rusty Carson Palmer in part of 2011. I (and most) attribute this to Greg Knapp trying to fix something that wasn't broken. The talk of Al Saunders coming back into a play calling capacity is something I am a fan of, as last time he was a part of our Offense it was in the top 10. Granted we will need some pieces on offense as well to help this team get to the next level.

I understand both need to be addressed, but in reality we only have 1 pick in the first 2 rounds, and with the Cap in the restraint it is currently in, a big haul of top notch FA's seems unlikely. With this in mind, what do you think is the more important issue (bigger priority) to address this offseason?

[KobeOwnSU]

Defense. Our offense will be good enough with a competent OC next year.

[R8ERNIC]

Defense. Our offense will be good enough with a competent OC next year.

I concur. At this point my pick would be Jarvis Jones.

[KobeOwnSU]

^ Only Star is worth a top 3 pick on the defensive side. If he is not there, trade down and pick up some extra picks. There are four or five guys just as good as Jarvis Jones at his position in this draft...That being said, I do like the guy and wouldn't be mad if we "reached" a little.

[rdrlkrdgr7]

First of all I like this post, I think we need defensive help also in the draft, trade our third pick for a second and third or fourth, were a young team going to build as one, we need depth, I cant wait to see this team win a superbowl in the next 4 years, as we grow. Its gonna be epic, t.p. As our qb, love it

[R8ERNIC]

^ Only Star is worth a top 3 pick on the defensive side. If he is not there, trade down and pick up some extra picks. There are four or five guys just as good as Jarvis Jones at his position in this draft...That being said, I do like the guy and wouldn't be mad if we "reached" a little.

Andy Reid has had a history of drafting a D-lineman with is first pick and actually believe he will take Star over Geno. Jacksonville will pass on Geno and go with Tebow as there QB (LOL!!!) so i can see us trading with some one like Buffalo or the NY Jets and still possibly get Jones. I also wouldnt mind Te'o if we drop to the early teens.

[bigjunior559]

yea we need to draft some Defense for sure, i would prefer we address our offensive woes through FA though unless we come across a great opportunity through the draft (maybe a RT, OL, C, or NT)??

[bigjunior559]

^ Only Star is worth a top 3 pick on the defensive side. If he is not there, trade down and pick up some extra picks. There are four or five guys just as good as Jarvis Jones at his position in this draft...That being said, I do like the guy and wouldn't be mad if we "reached" a little.

agreed!

[HawaiiStyle]

I am not sure Jarvis Jones is right up there with star imo. Overall our offense could be good with the right OC. I would like to see us get a good number 1 capable receiver in FA. I would also like to see us sign a RT who is serviceable. I am sick of Khalif Barnes since his first year here.

Defense however is a train wreck for our team we have little to nobody.

[BoKnowsRaiders]

^This entire post

[slvr&blck760]

If we switch back to the PBS the offense will take care of its own. Special teams SHOULD get a boost with the return of Jacoby Ford and a new coach. Let's focus on defense in the draft by using McKenzie's evaluation skills. Free agency shouldn't break the bank and be used for depth signings.

[bigjunior559]

If we switch back to the PBS the offense will take care of its own. Special teams SHOULD get a boost with the return of Jacoby Ford and a new coach. Let's focus on defense in the draft by using McKenzie's evaluation skills. Free agency shouldn't break the bank and be used for depth signings.

Yup couldn't agree more, i think as long as we grab a good wide reciever through FA and mabye a RT our offense will be drastically improved.(and if we switch back to the PBS as you mentioned of course)

[R8ERNIC]

If we switch back to the PBS the offense will take care of its own. Special teams SHOULD get a boost with the return of Jacoby Ford and a new coach. Let's focus on defense in the draft by using McKenzie's evaluation skills. Free agency shouldn't break the bank and be used for depth signings.

If we switch back to the PBS i say we let go and Brisiel. Carlisle and Barnes are FA and shouldnt be brought back. We are young at the O-Line with whats left so a veteran like Max Starks or Andre Smith would be a way to go. Use FA to re-tool the Off and use the draft to rebuild the Def.

[Raidersrocc6]

IMO we should trade our 3rd overall pick and drop down a couple of spots and pick up a first and possibly a second round pick. If Geno Smith is available when its our pick I could see Arizona, Jets, or the Bills be willing to trade up to get him which could benfiet us. There would be plenty of defensive talent that will help us with either of those teams picks

[NavajoRaiderfan]

At the beginning of the year I figured our O is way ahead of our D.

Now they both have regressed.

Offense first two critical needs are at OC and O line coach. Don't upgrade here and the rest may not matter. Other than that we need good O linemen and a power back.

Defense needs a great LB coach. The last one misfired. Then we need a field general/ LB. Depending on what happens to our vets on the DL, we may need help there as well. We also could use a good CB. Tarver, I am still not sold on, but he did enough at the end there to keep his job.

Our ST fell off the map too. So a solid coach there is needed at it is 1/3 of the game.