Will Oakland make the playoffs this year - Is Brooks the Answer?

Answer 1

Looking at the Raiders' schedule this year...I'd say that they would be hard pressed to make the playoffs. With games scheduled against teams such as SD, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Denver, Cincinnati, etc...it'd be realistic to expect the Raiders to finish the 2006-07 campaign with a 4-12 mark...7-9 at best.

Aaron Brooks is definitely not the answer in Oakland, their reluctance to acquire a quaterback through their draft this year (Leinart, Young, or Cutler) showed that they are most likely trying to groom Andrew Walters as their franchise quaterback...in truth he really reminds me a lot of Kerry Collins though.

Through 2 preseason games ( against the Eagles and the Niners) its clear that Art Shell has instilled a new identity to the team - though right now the effects are more obious on the defensive side of the ball. The Raiders defense looks to be much improved...the defensive line will get solid play from end Derrick Burgess (who led the league in sacks last year) and a healthy and somewhat rejuvenated Warren Sapp. The linebackers, led by Kirk Morrison are improving...they're also a much faster and more aggressive unit with the addition of Bing and the LB the drafted from UTEP. The secondary is shaky...though Michael Huff seems to be fitting in nicely and Fabian Washington is learning to use his speed as a corner.

Everyone knows the Raiders have enough weapons to be a truly dangerous offensive team. Randy Moss, Jerry Porter (though he's in Shell's doghouse), and Doug Gabriel combine to form one of the fastest WR trio's in the league...Lamont Jordan rushed for over 1,000 yards last year; however, he averaged barely 4 yards per carry and had only 3-100 yard games. Art Shell wants to establish a power running game; that news bodes well for Jordan. A more pressing problem for the Raiders is their offensive line. Only time will tell whether Robert Gallery and company can provide Brooks/Walter/Tuiasosopo with enough time to throw the ball. Also, in order to improve upon last year's record..the Raiders must cut down on penalties.

All in all, though the Raiders are appeared to be making progress under Shell, the fact remains that they play in perhaps one of the toughest divisions in football. The AFC West features 2 teams who could legitimately contend for the AFC championship...and 3 out of 4 teams in the conference all have the talent needed to reach the playoffs. Denver, KC, and San Diego should all finish above the Raiders in their division; and even if the Raiders manage to squeek out a 9-7 record (highly unlikely)...they still won't make the playoffs as a playoff team this year in the ultra-competive AFC.

Answer 2

Hey I've been a raider fan since 1968 I believe this team is a year away. Reason the offense will score a lot of points. The defense wil give up a lot of points. The key is special teams and can we make awinning drive in crunch time? Brooks hasn't done it yet. Walters needs playiny time and the dee needs to step up and tackle better. The dee need more time to come together going to be an interesting year 9 and 7 at best maybe 10 wins with some breaks

Answer 3

The AFC West is a wild division with every team having holes. I think the Raiders might have a chance with a talented offense. The key is Brooks and the Raiders secondary. If Brooks can throw more touchdowns than his interceptions, and the secondary can be average, the Riaders have a chance at winning the AFC West or maybe have a winning season for the first time since 2002.

Answer 4

Oh, gosh, we only hope they can.

If Brooks is the Answer, I'd hate to hear the question.


Moss and Shell are at loggerheads, Brooks has been a nominally successful quarterback in the past, the Oakland offense is about two decades behind the times, they're running game isn't enough to protect AB, and there's already dissent in Shell's camp.

So, do YOU THINK they'll make the playoffs?

Answer 5

I hope you are joking! You have arguably the worst D in the NFL and are in a division where one team won 9(chargers) games one 10(chiefs) games and the other 12(broncos). You can't win on the road or home. Brooks? What the hell has he done. You need to start Walter and go from there. Be happy with 6 wins if you are lucky. Maybe if you were in the NFC east.

Answer 6

As a Raider fan I hope so-but I don't really think he is the answer. Yes, he is talented-but he is also lazy and a poor leader.

If I have to be honest I think the old silver & black have a collection of parts that look good on paper-but don't fit together very well.

I wish they still had Gannon-he was perfect for that team

Answer 7

Brooks is the answer to only one question, and that question is:

"Who will be the worst starting QB in the NFL this season?"

If you're a Raider fan, get ready for a long year. I'm sorry.

Answer 8

Being objective I have to say no.
Brooks will be no better than Collins and the Raiders D needs a lot of help.

Hopefully they can be at least a 500 team this year though.

Answer 9

No and no, Brooks is a Kerry Collins that can run, it ain't enough. From a raider fan who remembers Frank Youell Field.

Answer 10

If the Raiders care about their future, they need to give serious consideration to starting Andrew Walter at QB. This kid was one of the best college QB's in the nation his senior year at Arizona St, and if he starts getting major regular season playing time he could be the Raiders' QB for years to come.