CONTRACT YEARS: A number of key Raiders are entering the final year of their contracts and their performance this season will help determine whether Oakland tries to lock them up long term, places the franchise tag on them or lets them test the open market. Among those players are RB Darren McFadden, who hopes a return to a power-running game revives his career after he averaged a career-low 3.3 yards per carry. Others players in that same situation include Veldheer, Ford and DE Lamarr Houston, who is being counted on to lead the pass rush after he moved from left to right end.
HAYDEN'S HEALTH: CB D.J. Hayden arrived with many questions after being drafted 12th overall despite the fact his college career was cut short by a near-fatal practice injury. The Raiders are still waiting for the answers as Hayden missed the first two exhibition games recovering from follow-up surgery in May and looked rusty in his first exhibition game. The Raiders used seven starting cornerbacks last year. If Hayden can lock down one side, a lot to ask of a rookie,
Authentic NBA Jerseys Cheap, that will allow coordinator Jason Tarver to use more blitzes to support a defensive line lacking a proven pass rusher.