Five players who can make a difference this season:

DARREN McFADDEN

NO. 20, RUNNING BACK

• Height: 6-1

• Weight: 218

• Acquired: 2008 draft, first round

• Experience: Fifth season

• Why he matters: There is no question McFadden will be the centerpiece of the Raiders’ offense as long as he’s healthy. If he makes it through the season without injury, though, it’ll be a first. His presence alone creates more opportunities for Carson Palmer and the passing game.

SOUND BITE

“He’s the guy we’re counting on to be our bell cow.” - DENNIS ALLEN Raiders coach

ROLANDO McCLAIN

NO. 55, LINEBACKER

• Height: 6-4

• Weight: 259

• Acquired: 2010 draft, 1st round

• Experience: Third season

• Why he matters: McClain got caught out of position too often last season, one of many facets that must improve. Maybe more important: Will he be comfortable taking on a leadership role? And will his off-field transgressions (he is appealing his assault conviction and awaiting a jury trial) cost him time on it?

SOUND BITE

“He’s one of those guys that we’re counting on to be one of our leaders … (and) one of our playmakers. … He’s got to step up.” - DENNIS ALLEN Raiders coach

MATT SHAUGHNESSY

NO. 77, DEFENSIVE END

• Height: 6-5

• Weight: 285

• Acquired: 2009 draft, third round

• Experience: Fourth season

• Why he matters: Shaughnessy’s return from injury (in Week 3 last season) should provide a boost to a run defense that finished last in the NFL in 2011 in yards per carry (5.1). The Raiders missed Shaughnessy’s ability to pressure the quarterback (seven sacks in 2010).

SOUND BITE

“I think he’s the best (defensive end) in the NFL against the run. It was a big blow for us when he went down.” - RICHARD SEYMOUR Raiders defensive lineman

SHAWNTAE SPENCER

NO. 36, CORNERBACK

• Height: 6-0

• Weight: 190

• Acquired: 2012 free agent

• Experience: Ninth season

• Why he matters: Spencer played sparingly last year after the 49ers decided he didn’t have a place on their depth chart. The Raiders brought him in to start in a division that now features Peyton Manning, Philip Rivers and Matt Cassel. If Spencer falters, there isn’t much experience behind him.

SOUND BITE

“What’s nice about Shawntae and Ron (Bartell) is they’ve seen a lot of routes in this league, a lot of plays. There’s a benefit to that.” - JASON TARVER Raiders defensive coordinator

DARRIUS HEYWARD-BEY

NO. 85, WIDE RECEIVER

• Height: 6-2

• Weight: 216

• Acquired: 2009 draft, first round

• Experience: Fourth season

• Why he matters: The Raiders need Heyward-Bey to build on his breakout 2011 season (64 catches, 975 yards) and be a reliable target for Carson Palmer. Aside from Denarius Moore and Jacoby Ford, the Raiders don’t return another receiver with an NFL catch.

SOUND BITE

“His route running’s better, he’s catching the ball cleaner, his blocking has been good. We’re going to ask our receivers to do a lot of things.” - DENNIS ALLEN Raiders coach

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