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 Tuesday, August 8
Raiders: Will they be kicking themselves?
 
 By Mark Cannizzaro
Special to ESPN.com

The Oakland Raiders haven't made the postseason in six seasons, yet there's optimism surrounding coach Jon Gruden and the team. The Raiders, who beat strong teams such as Minnesota and Buffalo on the road last year as well as beating Tampa Bay 45-0, believe they'll challenge for the AFC West title.

"We've got the pieces in place," Gruden said. "Now it's time to get out on the field and prove ourselves."

 
CAMP AT A GLANCE
 Sebastian Janikowski
Sebastian Janikowski's main preseason goal is to stay out of trouble.
  Location: Napa Valley Marriott (Napa, Calif.)
Rookies report: July 21
Veterans report: July 21
Preseason schedule:
   Aug. 5: at St. Louis
   Aug. 13: at Dallas
   Aug. 18: Detroit
   Aug. 24: Seattle

Man in the spotlight
No. 1 pick Sebastian Janikowski, the controversial Florida State kicker who's seemingly always in trouble off the field. The Raiders were ripped by many critics across the league for drafting the player so high in the first round (17th overall), but they believe they were only a good kicker away from being in the playoffs last year.

Key position battle
Will either Tyrone Wheatley or Napoleon Kaufman emerge as the top running back, or will they team up well like they did last year, combining for 1,650 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns? Both have been signed to multi-year deals, though Oakland would like one to step forward as a No. 1.

Biggest adjustment
Can the Raiders finally get over the hump despite good potential? If they don't, Al Davis will surely fire Gruden and the rebuilding process will again spin the carousel. Seven times since their last division title nine years ago, the Raiders have been mediocre in winning between seven to nine games. In 10 of the last 15 years since their last Super Bowl, the Raiders have finished either .500 or a game above or below. So the mediocrity must stop.

Rookie report
Janikowski is expected to solve the Raiders' kicking issues. So, too, is Texas A&M punter Shane Lechler, who was picked in the fifth round. West Virginia receiver Jerry Porter is raw, but has a great upside once he becomes more polished.

Oakland Raiders
Signed Waived/released/lost
QB Craig Whelihan
*QB Bobby Hoying
*WR Tim Brown
*OG Steve Wisniewski
*LB Greg Biekert
WR David Dunn
*DB Darrien Gordon
DB Je'Rod Cherry from Saints
DE Regan Upshaw from Jaguars
CB Tory James from Broncos
DB Anthony Dorsett from Titans
*OT Darryl Ashmore
*WR Rodney Williams
TE John Burke
LB Elijah Alexander
RB Jerald Moore
*WR Terry Mickens
OT Toby Myles from Giants
*QB Scott Dreisbach
*FB Jermaine Williams
DE Shawn Lee from Bears
DL Jamal Duff from Redskins
DT Austin Robbins from Saints
*CB Marquis Walker
DB Marquez Pope from Browns
LB Doug Colman from Titans
*DT Chuck Osborne

Acquired via trade

Retired
QB Wade Wilson

DT Russell Maryland
DT Antonio Anderson
S Anthony Newman
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Traded


 



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