Raiders Training Camp Preview: A tale of turmoil and big spending

One thing about a Raiders offseason – it's never boring.

Head coach Lane Kiffin wanted to fire defensive coordinator Rob Ryan, but owner Al Davis wouldn't allow it. Davis, in return, wanted Kiffin to resign, but Kiffin instead wanted to be fired.

In the end, the Raiders enter training camp this week with the same head coach, same defensive coordinator and, of course, same owner.

Unlike last summer, however, there will be no holdout by the team's first-round pick after the Raiders signed running back Darren McFadden in June.

Wide receiver Javon Walker, who signed a six-year, $55 million free-agent contract with the Raiders despite coming off a second knee surgery in three years, was found unconscious on a Las Vegas street after allegedly being robbed in June.

The Raiders also splurged to fix the defense. They shocked the NFL with a seven-year, $50.5 million deal for defensive tackle Tommy Kelly with $18.125 million guaranteed.

The Raiders also made Gibril Wilson the third-highest-paid safety in football, traded for two-time Pro Bowl cornerback DeAngelo Hall and made Nnamdi Asomugha the team's franchise player.

The Raiders hope all the offseason news results in some positive happenings on the field for a change.

If not, don't be surprised if all the talk of a coaching change becomes more than just talk next offseason.

WHY THE RAIDERS WILL IMPROVE

No missing parts

Quarterback JaMarcus Russell didn't sign until the second week of the 2007 season and appeared in only four games. This year's dynamic rookie, running back Darren McFadden, is already signed. McFadden could be the explosive element that allows coach Lane Kiffin to prove he can direct a high-scoring offense. Russell showed improvement in decision making and leadership in the offseason. With the return of running back Michael Bush from a leg injury, the offense suddenly has more options. If wide receiver Javon Walker recovers from his assault/robbery and misses no time, the offense already is ahead of 2007.

No coaching overhaul

The Raiders looked destined for their fourth head-coaching change in four seasons in January. Russell would have had to begin learning a new offense when he hadn't completely grasped the first. Considering the success running back Justin Fargas had last season and the offensive line's improvement under Tom Cable, a new coach almost certainly would have meant another year of bad offense. There are no changes on defense, and the unit's players are happy that coordinator Rob Ryan wasn't made to be the scapegoat following last season.

A down division

The Raiders are no longer the clear bottom-feeder in the AFC West. San Diego remains the favorite to win the division. But Kansas City's youth movement figures to lead to a lot of losses. The Chiefs must see if running back Larry Johnson is healthy and can produce, and how the defense holds up after trading All-Pro defensive end Jared Allen. Denver has issues, too. Its best receiver, Brandon Marshall, can't seem to stay out of trouble.

WHY THE RAIDERS WILL STRUGGLE

The trenches

The Raiders turned to former 49ers lineman Kwame Harris to upgrade at left tackle. Harris spent much of his career in San Francisco as its version of Robert Gallery. The Raiders hope Cable will tap into Harris' potential. If not, the offense will be in trouble. The Raiders also must sort out who will start at center and right tackle. On defense, the Raiders paid a lot to keep Tommy Kelly, who will replace the retired Warren Sapp. But the team still needs someone to help stuff the run and another pass rusher opposite defensive end Derrick Burgess to emerge.

Wide receivers, please

Walker's conditioning and knee were concerns before the Las Vegas incident. Ronald Curry had yet another offseason surgery. Johnnie Lee Higgins barely played as a rookie. Besides that, the Raiders are fine at wide receiver. Drew Carter began developing a rapport with Russell, but Walker is supposed to be the star if he's healthy. Curry said bone spurs bothered him last year. Russell needs help on the outside, so someone needs to stay healthy and step up.

Kiffin's status

After all that happened in the offseason, players have to wonder if a slow start could lead to a coaching change. Davis has no qualms about replacing a losing coach. And though Kiffin was praised for the strides the Raiders made, the team was still 4-12. The only thing that will quiet the talk and keep peace will be winning. Ryan, offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and new receivers coach James Lofton have interviewed for the Raiders' head-coaching job in the past.

CAMP FACTS

Report date: Thursday. Camp ends: TBA.

Camp site: Napa Valley Marriott.

Practices: Closed to public; open practices yet to be announced.

Coach: Lane Kiffin, second season.

Kiffin's record: 4-12.

Last season: 4-12, tied for third in AFC West.

Key additions: Darren McFadden, RB, draft; WR Javon Walker, FA; S Gibril Wilson, FA; CB DeAngelo Hall, trade; Greg Spires, DE, FA; Kwame Harris, T, FA; Drew Carter, WR, FA.

Key losses: Josh McCown, QB, FA.; Jeremy Newberry, C, FA; Jerry Porter, WR, FA; Barry Sims, T, released; Chris Clemons, DE, FA; Chris Carr, DB/KR, FA.

Key preseason dates: Aug. 26, roster cutdown to maximum of 75 players; Aug. 30, roster cutdown to maximum of 53 players; Aug. 31, clubs may establish practice squad of eight players.

Team Web site: www.raiders.com

About the writer:

• Read Jason Jones' blogs at sacbee.com/blogs