Black Is Back: Hamilton Plans to Build with Force

by Tim_84288 | 6 years ago | 0 Comments

As a new season in Genesis begins, there's a buzz brewing that is beginning to catch Oakland by storm. New Head Coach Tim Hamilton has brought in the promise of restoring the pride of the Raiders and Raider Nation. Toughness, accountability and character were his key bullet points in his welcome presser. "I want our guys to believe in the mission. Each game is an opportunity to be at your best. We each get a chance to be our best each and every week. Each and every day. I welcome that grind. Because the payoff is always the sweetest when you can look back and see the price paid for it along the way." Hamilton isn't short on words. He spoke for about 45 minutes amidst questions from the media and taking photos with members of the organization and former players. 

 

What Hamilton brings to the table is an established pedigree of building complete teams. Usually constructed from the inside out, he inherits an offense that looks to find their identity. With an offensive line that can hold its own, in the interior especially, this running game could see a committee of backs being used to move the chains. And with the recent acquisition of Lamar Miller, there is now a veteran presence in the backfield to help younger backs Isaiah McCarthy & Anton Walker. Under center, Derek Carr remains as the leader of this offense. After two underwhelming years to start this cycle, Coach Tim has already begun to challenge the man who he seems as the engine to everything that will work under his watch, "He's gotta be the man each week. This is his team and franchise. He knows he can play better and he's gonna have to if we're gonna be successful this season."

 

On defense is where the excitement is forming most amongst Raider Nation. Up front, the d-line is young, hungry and versatile. With a rotation that could see up to 8 different linemen on the field in a given week, this group could pay serious dividends as the season progresses. The LB corps is where there's some concern for this unit. Other than the beast that is Khalil Mack, there isn't much to boast about with the group. However, what is lacking in top talent could be complemented by effort and experience. Tamir Whitehead will be manning the middle of the defense. Now 30+, with plenty of juice in his wheels, Tahir is beyond motivated to have a big year, "I've seen quite a bit in my years playing, so now that things seem to be more organized here, I'm ready to roll. We got some Dawgs in here and we gonna bring the noise to the Bay." Finally, the secondary had some youth injected during the draft with two CBs and a safety selected. Parker Goss is a fiesty corner who doesn't mind playing press & run coverage with his quickness and speed. Telvin Black is long and can play both outside and in the slot with his physicality. Byron Jones will be the #1 guy on the outside with Gareon Conley earning the other starting corner position in preseason. Conley began to show signs of being a good pro last season finishing with 3 INTs and a slew of deflections. As he enters a contract year, he knows he's betting on himself to get that coveted 2nd contract. "I'm placing all bets on myself this season. I know what I have to do and I plan on accomplishing a lot this year.

 

For this new regime to make waves in year 1, a lot will have to go their way. As physical and fast as they would like to play, this team could be in for some growing pains as they find out who will be consistent and steady throughout the year. This group seems to buying what Coach Hamilton is selling. The question is ... Can they cash in with a trip to the postseason? 

 

Let's find out ...