Raider Nation is hoping this season they will finally see the improvement they have been waiting for since drafting JaMarcus Russell.   It should be easier to see that improvement now that Russell is no longer on the team.

It was evident last season that the team was much more productive with anyone but Russell under cent.  With this in mind, the Raiders traded for Jason Campbell, who became expendable in Washington after trading for Donovan McNabb, and released Russell.  Though Campbell had a turbulent career in D.C., he did pass for a career high 20 touchdowns last season and finished the season with a 64.5% completion percentage. 

If Darren McFadden can finally step up this season to be the running back that he was expected to be coming out of college, the Raiders will have a nice two-headed monster in the backfield with McFadden and Michael Bush.  Bush average over 4 yards per carry last season and is a bruising back that can run up the middle on defenses.  McFadden complements Bush well as an elusive runner when he breaks into the open field, which also makes him an additional passing threat for Campbell.

It is the receivers that will have to help the passing attack to take that next step.  Last season tight end Zach Miller was the leading receiver.  Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey looked like a bust considering he was the Raiders first round draft pick.  It was actually the wide receiver they picked in the fourth round that actually proved to be the better pick.  Louis Murphy showed he has good hands and an ability to find space in the open field.  The offense will be just that much more better if Murphy can take his game to the next step. 

The offense is only half of the team that needs improved.  But if the offense can extend drives this season, they will provide the defense with the much needed rest that they didn’t get in 2009.