Feb. 12, 2008

Overview: Once upon a time in 2007, the Raiders were 2-2 and tied for the AFC West lead. But that surprising start, after notching just two wins in 2006, was a distant memory after the Raiders stumbled to a 4-12 finish. The dark cloud that lingered over the franchise with Norv Turner and Art Shell at the helm was lifted under the direction of first-year head coach Lane Kiffin, who has the support of his players. But a potential rift between Kiffin and owner Al Davis after Davis rejected Kiffin’s request to fire defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is something to keep an eye on.

Biggest surprise: Sure, a lengthy contract impasse that forced him to miss his entire first training camp and preseason set him back quite a bit, but the biggest surprise to come out of the Bay Area in 2007 was that No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell got only one start — and that didn’t come until Week 17. Kiffin admittedly didn’t want to rush him on the field before he was adequately prepared, but the thinking is Russell could have used more seasoning once the Raiders spiraled out of contention.

Biggest disappointment: A Raiders defense that returned all 11 starters from a unit that finished third overall in 2006 couldn’t­ come up with the answers in ’07, dropping to 22nd overall and 26th in points allowed. Particularly troubling were the troubles Oakland had in stopping the run. The Raiders gave up 178 rushing yards or more on seven occasions.

Offseason outlook: Kiffin’s somewhat tenuous relationship with Davis and Ryan bears watching as the Raiders try to restore the luster to a once-proud franchise. Depending on a coin flip, the Raiders will own the third, fourth or fifth pick in April’s draft and will need to address the free-agent status of DL Tommy Kelly, CB Nnamdi Asomugha and Fargas, among others. Replacing the retired Warren Sapp is of utmost importance, as well as getting help along the offensive line, at safety and in the WR corps.