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 Confident Raiders face tough schedule
Posted: Wednesday August 18, 1999 01:59 PM
I've known Raiders head coach Jon Gruden since he was a high school kid in Tampa, and his team is starting to take on his image. Forget about the swagger of the 1970s Raiders. These guys are a smart, confident, almost quiet group. Rich Gannon takes over at quarterback, replacing Jeff George. Gannon has escapability and is considered a fine athlete, but he's never been a 16-game starter in his 10-year career. Plus he has a history of being streaky. However, he's won 31 of 47 career starts and Oakland is high on him right now. The real enthusiasm should be for a fast developing offensive line. After spending a day at practice and watching them work in a game against Dallas, I'm convinced there's no way that the '99 Raiders will repeat their 67 sacks allowed in '98 or their 58 in '97. First-round pick Matt Stinchcomb reminds me of Buffalo left tackle John Fina, a good athlete who can pass block. Tackle Lincoln Kennedy has never looked in better shape and last year's top pick Mo Collins (who started 11 games in '98) will start for the next decade. And second-year player Gennaro DiNapoli looks to be a long-term answer at right guard. While most teams lack depth at running back, the Raiders have done a fine job of adding quality at very reasonable prices. Former 1995 NFL first rounders Rashaan Salaam and Tyrone Wheatley complement the speedy Napoleon Kaufman. They can take on the tackle-to-tackle running game so Kaufman can concentrate on the outside stuff. On defense the Raiders have some rising stars. Tackle Darrell Russell had 10 sacks last year and can stop the run. 1999 second-round pick Tony Bryant has impressed me and can get off blocks and chase the back down. Put him opposite defensive end Lance Johnstone (11 sacks last year) and the Raiders have something going up front. In the secondary, cornerback Charles Woodson can do it all. But I like him better in man-to-man situations than in a soft zone. Defensive coordinator Willie Shaw knows how to use Woodson and I'm sure he's waiting for the healthy return of their other corner, Eric Allen, who's coming back from major knee surgery. The Raiders' toughest obstacle will be their schedule. Four of their first six games are on the road, three of them against playoff teams. A 2-4 start would be a heck of an achievement. Anything better will prove just how much progress Gruden and the Raiders are making.
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