"Run defense still a question mark in Oakland"

With the NFL draft now complete, the ; focus turns back to the playing field. Minicamp action kicks off later this week and the Raiders will attempt to reverse their recent misfortunes over the last several years. However, even with new additions on defense, Oakland has yet to address its inability to defend the Dallas Cowboys jersey
run.While this year;s draft class is expected boost the Raiders; performance on both sides of the ball, there were no reinforcements brought in to help a struggling run defense. Oakland ranked 31st in the league last year in rushing yards allowed and the success of the 2009 campaign will greatly depend on improvement in this area.As of now, the Raiders; starting defensive front four consists of Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren, Jay Richardson and Derrick Burgess. Those players did little to impress a year ago, but new defensive line coach Dwaine Board will attempt to develop this into a productive group. Board was a vital part of an immediate turnaround during his prior stint with the Seattle Seahawks. After the Seahawks; run defense ranked last in the NFL in 2002, they improved to 19th in the league upon Board;s arrival in 2003. Al Davis and the rest of Raider Nation would be thrilled with a jump of that magnitude. Furthermore, Board has also managed to improve his defensive line;s pass-rushing abilities at each stop of his career.In addition to Oakland;s returning players, two draftees will enter the mix along the defensive line. Matt Shaughnessy and Stryker Sulak will be counted on to enhance a lackluster attitude in the trenches. However, neither player appears to be a run-stopping specialist. Shaughnessy;s technique needs work, while Stryker struggles at the point of attack -- especially against bigger offensive linemen.With Tom Cable beginning his first season as Oakland's head coach, instilling 4 Brett Favre White jersey
a hard-nosed approach on defense should be a top priority. Regardless of the playmakers and speed the Raiders; offense now possesses, it;s a moot point if the defense doesn;t rise to the occasion. With the help of Board, a handful of newcomers and a fresh approach, things may be setting up for a defensive resurgence in the Bay Area.