Dec 30, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fan Wayne Mabry aka Violator reacts against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Raiders 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

Every Raider fan has their share of concerns with their team. Some are worried about our offense, some the defense, and all of Raider Nation are deeply troubled with the result of the 2012 season and how Oakland can improve upon it. So I took to JBB’s Twitter account (follow us @JustBlogBaby) to ask the nation what has them up at night.

Of course since the Raiders have the greatest fans in the world, the feedback was amazing. So, I’ll do my best to answer all of your questions on where the franchise stands.

@justblogbaby Connor Vernon -more Wes Welker or more Tom Waddle?Do you see Vernon, McGuffie, and Butler making team?Who’s odd man out?

— NaughtyBearTed (@DominoDent) May 8, 2013

Conner Vernon is truly an interesting UFA. I always take special interest in players who were able to start as true freshman. That takes tremendous skill, courage, and self-confidence. This kid managed to become the number two freshman in the nation in receptions (55), all after missing three games with a foot injury. I wouldn’t be surprised to see his great routes and sticky hands put him in position to see consistent playing time. However, I don’t see him being the huge game breaker that Welker is. Rather a Rod Streater or Eric Decker.

On a sidenote, I see Brice Butler as another Juron Criner, or in other words not making any impact. Sam McGuffie on the other hand is a wild card. He could be utilized occasionally in the slot or maybe in a wildcat with Pryor. Chances are McGuffie is just a body to add depth to the thin receiving unit. I wouldn’t count on him living up to his famous highlight reel.

@justblogbaby I want to know if Reggie is going to bring in players under 30 only? I see some good FA out there that can help the O.

— Galen Crocker (@G_moneyraiders) May 8, 2013

Brandon Lloyd, Joshua Cribbs, Karlos Dansby, Dwight Freeney, Victor Cruz, Daryl Smith, Casey Hampton, Nick Barnett, Chris Gamble, and more. But in the words of Adam Sandler, “The price is wrong B****.”

@justblogbabyCurrent cap situation?

— Cody Knudtson (@calioso67) May 8, 2013

According to NFLPA the Raiders have about 6.3 million, enough to sign rookies and maybe a couple of low price free agents.

@justblogbaby should the raiders go into a 3-4 defensive scheme with linebacker depth?

— Christopher Mendoza (@Big_Daddy_Ceee) May 8, 2013

Yes! Great question Chris! With the defensive line being thinner than Paris Hilton after a trip to the bathroom, Oakland needs to rely on their newly acquired linebacking unit. With five linebackers who are capable of starting, I see Dennis Allen using multiple fronts. Remember Allen is known as being a defensive guru. Expect to see rookie Sio Moore and maybe Miles Burris lining up at end on occasion. Using three down lineman like Andre Carter, Pat Sims, and Lamarr Houston would work greatly to the Raider’s benefit.

@justblogbaby What positions do you think Reggie Mac will look at once other teams make some cuts. Any specific players they may target?

— William Sigerseth (@wsiger) May 8, 2013

Oakland could use help at receiver, defensive tackle, and guard. If he waits until after teams make cuts it will be for the purpose of filling in depth. I would expect him to act sooner before camp begins. In fact, McKenzie has made Joshua Cribbs an offer according to Ian Rapapport.

Oct 21, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Joshua Cribbs (16) runs for yardage on a punt return against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Indianapolis defeats Cleveland 17-13. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Keep tweeting and commenting your concerns Raider Nation!

Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

This was always going to be a difficult phase for the Oakland Raiders. The franchise is undergoing the most drastic change perhaps any organization has ever gone through. That said this is till the Raiders and this is supposed to be professional football. It’s hard to act as if the way the Raiders have been playing lately resembles anything what you’d expect of a professional franchise. Let alone one that asks ever member to commit to excellence.

This isn’t Kansas City after all. We’ve seen bad ball before. Nothing new there in the last 10 years. That’s why it’s so difficult for Raider Nation to wrap its collective mind around how horrible the product has been lately.

Mark Davis knows all too well the transition his franchise is going through. Davis is in the eye of the storm and even he’s having a hard time selling the best fans in football a product he knows isn’t on the level.

Davis opened up about the state of the Raiders after today’s 38-17 no-show against the Saints.  Vic Tafur of the Chronicle quotes Davis who has some sincere words for Raider Nation.

“I apologize to the fans. I’m embarrassed for ‘em. Because they live and die as Raiders fans, and I feel for ‘em, I really do. And we’re gonna get it right. If it’s for anybody, it’s for them. I feel the same way. I’m a fan. And I take responsibility for it, gonna get it right.”

Just when this team is going to get it right seems like a lost cause. Not all is lost this season as there is still time to be respectable…whatever that might mean. Seeing a major improvement is looking a good year or two away though.

This brings us to the inevitable part of any discussions on the future of Raiders football. Davis did say he was quote “disappointed” in how the team has “regressed”. However you’ve got to wonder if he’s at all questioning the Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen hires. Davis said he’s willing to be patient so he’s not going to pull the plug less than one year in. But he’s not handing out passes either.

“I wouldn’t call it a pass. They’ve got contracts, they’re gonna be here.”

Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

It’s becoming tradition and let’s hope this keeps up if for no other reason because it shows Raider Nation is still onboard despite the struggles of the Silver and Black. The Raiders have again avoided a local TV blackout by hitting their target number for ticket sales.

Now this doesn’t in any way mean every seat has been snatched up for Sunday’s clash with the Jags. But it does show that enough members of Raider Nation are still hanging in there while the new era of Raiders football gets its feet underneath it.

So if you can’t make it to the game and you’re in the Bay Area, fear not. You can get your Silver and Black fix from the comfort of your own couch.