How Tony Sparano Can Coach Oakland Raiders Beyond 2014

Sep 30, 2014; Alameda, CA, USA; Tony Sparano is introduced as Oakland Raiders interim coach during a press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bottom Line

On 3rd-and-4, James Jones has glue for hands and isn’t afraid to go over the middle so that is where he should be used. Moore is good at getting behind the defense for big plays so Sparano should do as he said with those two going forward. McFadden can run up the middle some but not every play and he’s at his best when going off tackle with an occasional burst outside.

On 3rd-and-1 or less, Maurice Jones-Drew has the power and leverage to get things done there and near the goal line. On defense, the Raiders do need to get healthy at corner but Mack and Moore make a great pair of 3-4 outside linebackers. The Raiders also had one good game against the run this year and that was in the 3-4 with nose tackle Justin Ellis.

So really, changing the philosophy, especially on offense, which seems like what Sparano is going to do, will change things. And doing it with the players that we just covered in this article will really change things for the Raiders, giving them an even better chance to win. It may be too late for playoff talk but the Raiders could could make a shocking turnaround this season if Sparano brings it together right.

Then he keeps the job and can pick his staff for 2015!

Just win baby!