The Raiders, going 12-4 last season, winning the AFC West title for the first time since 1990 and earning a playoff berth for the first time since 1993, have brought renewed life and hope to the East Bay area.

	CAMP AT A GLANCE
	Jerry Rice caught 75 passes last season.
	Location: Napa Valley Marriott, Napa, Calif. Rookies report: July 21 Veterans report: July 21 Preseason schedule:  Aug. 4: Dallas  Aug. 11: at Arizona  Aug. 19: at San Francisco  Aug. 23: Dallas (in Mexico City)  Aug. 31: Green Bay

This is why, with the addition of Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice and pass rushing specialist Trace Armstrong (16 sacks last year for Miami), there is hope in Oakland that the Raiders can get to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1983 season.

Man in the spotlight
Without question, it's Jerry Rice, who was signed to a two-year deal by Oakland and will certainly cause an uproar in the Bay Area if he's a success in Silver and Black. Rice, at age 38, contends he still "has the burst" and that he's been working on his "outside explosion." He, too, believes there's not a lot of pressure on him because he doesn't have to be the focal point of the team.

Key position battle
Protecting quarterback Rich Gannon, who had a superb 2000 season, is paramount. And Matt Stinchcomb and Barry Sims are going to fight it out in training camp to see who starts at left tackle. Stinchcomb was the starter at the beginning of last season until he was hurt. Sims replaced him and never relinquished the job. The position is currently open for competition.

Biggest adjustment
This again has to be Rice, who must adjust to not being a 49er for the first time in his illustrious career. Rice has to come in and be a complement to Tim Brown. As a tandem, the two will either be magnificent or they'll show their age and be a disappointment.

Rookie report
Many eyes in camp will be on second-round pick, Washington quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo, as he's groomed as the possible quarterback of the future. Oakland's first pick, Florida State safety Derrick Gibson, is someone whom they hope can contribute right away. An interesting pick to watch is Ohio State receiver Ken-yon Rambo, who fell to the seventh round after being projected to go as high as the first.

Offseason moves
Players signed	Players lost
DE Trace Armstrong (signed as free agent) RB Charlie Garner (signed as free agent) TE Andrew Glover (signed as free agent) RG Frank Middleton (signed as free agent) LB Ryan Phillips (signed as free agent) WR Jerry Rice (signed as free agent) DE Regan Upshaw (re-signed)	DB Darrien Gordon (released) DE Lance Johnstone (signed with Vikings) TE Rickey Dudley (signed with Browns) RB Napoleon Kaufman (retired)