New Passing Game Coordinator (Offensive Coordinator): Ted Tollner (SF QB Coach / Assist. HC: 2008; Off. Assist: 2007; DET OC: 2005; SF OC: 2004; QB Coach: 2002-2003; LA Rams QB Coach: 1992-1993; SD OC: 1989-1991; BUF WR Coach 1987-1988)

Although Tom Cable has only three years of coaching experience at the NFL level, his coaching background includes eighteen years worth of work in the collegiate ranks. Cable began coaching as a graduate assistant at Idaho and Sand Diego State from 1987-1989. He first became a position coach at California State, Fullerton in 1990 working with the defensive line. A year later he began coaching offensive lineman at UNLV. It then became a position he would hold for the next six seasons with the California Golden Bears. A year later, in 1999, he served as California’s offensive coordinator.

In the year 2000 Cable was presented with his first and only head coaching position prior to the title he now has with the Oakland Raiders. He landed the job at his alma mater, the University of Idaho. It wasn’t an impressive tenure for the Raiders current head coach however as the Vandals went just 11-35 in four seasons under Cable’s guidance. He would spend the next two years as an offensive coordinator at UCLA before entering the NFL coaching ranks in 2006 with the Atlanta Falcons.

In Cable’s lone season with the Falcons their rushing attack led the league with an average of 183.7 yards per game on the ground. While Michael Vick’s single season QB rushing record of 1039 yards helped set that mark, half back Warrick Dunn contributed 1140 rushing yards of his own. Then a rookie, Jerious Norwood would add 633 yards out the backfield on 99 carries as well. The work of the Falcons offensive line shouldn’t be overlooked when recalling the achievements of the Falcons ground attack during that 2006 campaign.

Following Atlanta’s 2006 performance, head coach Jim Mora Jr. was fired after posting a 7-9 record during the regular season. His departure meant that members of his staff would need to find a new place of employment, which led Tom Cable to Oakland. Cable joined the Raiders staff in 2007 working under the coach he has now come to replace, Lane Kiffin. While Cable was hired to coach the team’s offensive line, he found himself as Oakland’s interim head coach just four games into the 2008 campaign after Kiffin was fired due to a falling out with owner Al Davis. The Raiders would finish the season with a 4-8 record under Cable.

While Cable hasn’t officially given any member of his staff the title of offensive coordinator, Ted Tollner is the person who comes the closest to filling that role. Tollner’s current title is that of Passing Game Coordinator, but he has run offenses in the past during previous stints with the Detroit Lions, San Francisco 49ers, and San Diego Chargers. Tom Cable took over play calling duties last season for the Raiders however upon replacing Kiffin, and will likely continue to call the Raiders offense in 2009. Tollner, and quarterbacks coach Paul Hackett, will likely provide him with the most input on how to orchestrate the offense during weekly preparations.

Quarterbacks: JaMarcus Russell; Jeff Garcia; Andrew Walter; Bruce Gradkowski; Charlie Frye

At the QB position the Oakland Raiders don’t have much to offer in terms of fantasy potential. JaMarcus Russell will continue to start as he enters his third year in the league, but in a run first offense with little established talent surrounding him in the passing game, his stats aren’t going to impress anybody. He threw for 2423 yards and 13 touchdowns in 15 games last year. While he’ll likely throw for more yards than that in the year ahead, it’s doubtful he’ll surpass the 3000 yard mark. It’s also a reach to expect Russell to throw for any more than 15 touchdowns this season.

While we would never wish injury upon any players, back-up quarterback Jeff Garcia would hold more value in fantasy leagues should he find himself starting at some point this season - but not by much. Think of the starter in Oakland this year as no better than a waiver wire pick-up should you find yourself in a hole at the QB position during certain weeks.

Running Backs: Justin Fargas; Darren McFadden; Michael Bush; Lorenzo Neal (FB); Gary Russell

The Raiders passing game may be lacking, but their rushing attack is something to take notice of. The problem for fantasy owners is that we may never know which of their top three backs will receive the most carries from week to week. Fargas is currently the presumed starter, but with McFadden selected fourth overall in the 2008 draft you can be certain they will give him plenty of chances to get on the field. Third stringer Michael Bush is also an intriguing option. He played mostly at fullback last season, but with the signing of Lorenzo Neal, Bush will likely battle for carries as a half back in 2009.

Going into your drafts for the upcoming year, the first Raider running back to go off the board should be McFadden. While Fargas is currently the presumed starter one has to assume McFadden will get the lion’s share of carries over the full course of the season. Behind McFadden it’s a tough call as to who should go next. Fargas is the safe choice, but Michael Bush is a dark horse candidate who may find himself with an increased role in the offense this season. Some would even tell you he’s the most talented of the three backs on the Raiders roster.

A final decision on how to value Oakland’s running backs, and in what order, won’t be able to be made until after the preseason. Considering all three are likely to have a role, McFadden should currently be valued as a low end #2 RB in fantasy leagues with Fargas and Bush both valued as potential #3 options.

Wide Receivers: Chaz Schilens; Johnnie Lee Higgins; Javon Walker; Darrius Heyward-Bey (R); Arman Shields; Louis Murphy (R); Samie Parker; Will Franklin

As with the Raiders quarterbacks, none of the team’s wide receivers should be valued all that highly in fantasy leagues. Chaz Schilens is currently penciled in as the franchise’s number one option at the position, but that only speaks to the lack of talent Oakland has at receiver. Higgins is expected to start opposite Schilens, but again, that isn’t saying much. Rookie Heyward-Bey’s primary value will be as a deep threat during his first season, and the chances of Javon Walker resurrecting his career are slim.

Regardless of who ends up lining where for the Raiders at receiver in 2009, none of them should be valued any higher than a fourth or fifth wide out on your fantasy roster.

Tight Ends: Zach Miller; Tony Stewart; Brandon Myers (R)

While the Raiders passing attack as a whole is less than inspiring, it does have one bright spot, and that comes in the form of tight end Zach Miller. Miller’s first two seasons were impressive in terms of yardage and receptions. The only drawback with him is that he doesn’t frequent the end zone as often as desired. Nonetheless he makes for a starting worthy tight end in leagues of twelve teams or more. He also has added value in leagues that reward points for receptions.