It all started during the Raiders’ training camp, after coach Tom Cable was charged for allegedly assaulting the defensive assistant Randy Hanson and breaking his jaw, a case being investigated by both the police and the NFL.
Also, the newly acquired defensive lineman Richard Seymour has missed many practices, while he attempts to work out a new contract with the Raiders. If the negotiations don’t go through, he may return to New England.
Seymour could be critical in ending Oakland’s problems against the run, as the team was 31st in NFL rushing defense last season.
Their rival for Monday has been dealing with some controversy of its own. Chargers’ linebacker Shawne Merriman was arrested last Sunday on suspicion of choking and restraining his girfriend, Tila Tequila, as she tried to leave his house. No charges have been made yet.
Back on the field, things don’t look good for Oakland. After losing to Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl in 2003, the Raiders have gone through five coaches in six seasons. During that time, they record an NFL-worst 24-72, losing at least 11 games for 6 consecutive years.
The situation only gets worse as they start their season against the San Diego Chargers, a team that has beat them in the last 11 games they’ve played, eight of those victories coming by double-digits.
The game is expected to have big numbers on the scoreboard, since both teams’ defenses ranked very low last season: Oakland was 27th, San Diego was 25th.
Could be this the time for the Raiders to rise up and end the negative streak? Many NFL observers don’t think so, as they consider 2009 won’t be the year that the Silver and Black will return to their former greatness.
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