The NFL normally has a strong trend when it comes to making a team better. Oakland will never be described as normal, however, so going against the grain has a much better chance of working for the Raiders.
As the off-season has proven, getting younger just isn't as important as leadership. Three veterans with over a decade of experience each are expected to usher in a new breed of old Silver and Black football. The trio will play key roles in this and should provide hope to fans desperate for a change in fortune.
Jeff Garcia surprised many by agreeing to join Tom Cable's attempt at bringing back a proud franchise from the abyss. Al Davis still rules the organization, but at least he is open to spending some money. Garcia starts the year as the back-up but if quarterback JaMarcus Russell struggles, the Raiders will have an easy choice.
This situation is similar to the one in Arizona, and it may be the reason Garcia signed with Oakland. Joining the seasoned pro in the back field, Lorenzo Neal looks to continue his career as the starting fullback. He offers insurance to the rest of the talented crew of backs and will serve as the perfect teacher to the younger players.
Any more signs that the Raiders were satisfied with their depth changed earlier this month when Greg Ellis found a new home. Dallas cut the defensive end turned linebacker, and Oakland again turned heads with the signing. Ellis was expected to go with a proven winner, but maybe he knows something the rest of us are yet to find out.
Three players in three months made the trip to the Bay and found something to their liking. It very well could be the money, and no one would blame them for it in today's game. But maybe there is a chance that the real reason is to continue what the end of last season started. Of the five victories in 2008, three came in the final six games.
2009 belongs to the old guard, and there is still one interesting player out there who would look awfully good in an Oakland jersey... could lightning strike for the fourth time in four months? Garcia's former teammate in Tampa Bay, Derrick Brooks, has said he wants to play this season. I'm all for making the trio into a quartet given the recent acquisitions and the message it would pass on to the current roster.
Just Win, Baby may not be dead after all.
