Mykle VanHausen

The Oakland Raider defensive exploits were only equalled by the abysmal showing of its offense.

Rob Ryan's unit returns intact and improved in the pass rushing game and with a $17 million dollar contract awarded behemoth Terrdel Sands and the surprisingly svelte Warren Sapp holding down the middle, new shock troops on end in the form of Ohio State 5th round pick Jay Richardson and 3rd round Georgia Bull Dog Quentin Moses the Raiders appear to have made a weakness a strength.

Richardson is best known for his long arms and lanky frame and a penchant for swatting passes at the line.

Hes also a decent pass rusher, but will need to develop lower body strength, tackling technique and angles.

Adding more depth to a posistion of need, the Raiders expect good production from Moses as a book end for Burgess.

Favorably compared to Dolphin standout Jason Taylor, Quentin has a tremendous burst off the ball and brings fairly consistent back side pressure.

Needs to work on stamina and refine techniques but should see field time this year.

Both aquisitions will likey fight for said field time from Kevin Huntley, last years pleasant surprise at Defensive end.

Huntley will, hopefully, return to starting form giving the two rookies a little time to develop.

So all is set and the Infernal Machine will chew up opposing offenses in 07'.

Right?

Maybe.

Two major questions naw at the back of Raider minds.

"When will we sign Derrick Burgess?"

And, "When will we sign Nnamdi Asomugha?"

All the moves at Defensive end will mean little if Burgess is allowed to slip away.

And after investing the years in him, it would seem foolish to allow Asomugha to escape as well.

Especially considering the numbers and contributions made by these two key cogs.

Burgess will want something re-structured before the season, but Asomugha, who has a contract through the season may wait to deal later in the year or even next pre-season.

But alas, until these issues are laid to rest and contracts are finalized, the Raider Nation must wait to see if two crucial components of the Raiders "Infernal Machine" are simply on back order, or out of stock.