The Oakland Raiders have loaded up their roster with veterans looking to prove they still have what it takes to win in the NFL. After several free agent signings of players tipping the 30 age scale, naturally everyone is speaking out, ready to prove they are worth the gamble. This is leading to some pretty ambitious statements including a Super Bowl prediction.
The Oakland Raiders are going from a team full of youth to a team filled with savvy veterans. Gone are the dual rookie quarterbacks and in comes veteran Matt Schaub who was acquired by a trade with the Houston Texans. Young running back Rashad Jennings has been replaced by backfield consisting of Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew. Charles Woodson is back from one more season before retirement. Justin Tuck has joined on to prove himself. This could work out very well for the Raiders or very poorly depending on health. However, according the Jones-Drew, a Super Bowl is not out of the question with Schaub in charge.
During an interview with SiriusXM Mad Dog Sports Radio, Jones-Drew expressed his total faith in the Raiders organization and Schaub. He noted that the Raiders are in a "win-now" mindset and getting to the postseason is not out of the question for the team.
"You can definitely (make the Super Bowl with Matt Schaub at quarterback)," Jones-Drew said. "(Schaub) has something to prove this year...I know Matt Schaub is a guy who can lead us."
Jones-Drew is speaking like a true team man. The running back signed a three-year, $7.5 million deal and will be expected to help Schaub in that postseason goal. Jones-Drew will compete with McFadden for the starting spot in the rotation. McFadden has failed to be the top draft pick Oakland thought they were getting and head coach Dennis Allen is hopeful the presence of Jones-Drew pushes the team veteran.
The Raiders only signed McFadden to a one-year deal while Jones-Drew earned three years. Both running backs are in need of resurrecting their careers and Jones-Drew is ready to compete. McFadden has never played a full season in the NFL and has just one 1,000-yard season to his name. Jones-Drew has put together two very unproductive years for the Jaguars, but a reunion with former offensive coordinator Greg Olson might change that.
Can the Raiders make the playoffs and win the Super Bowl? Nothing is out of the question in the offseason.
