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Russell, McFadden lead Raiders against Broncos

Sep 8, 2008 - 1:30 PM Denver at Oakland, Monday, 10:15 pm EDT

OAKLAND, California (Ticker) -- Years of mediocrity have laid the foundation for a potentially bright future for the Oakland Raiders.

The new-look Raiders, with just 19 wins in the past five seasons, open the season Monday night against the Denver Broncos.

The dismal five-year stretch by the Raiders have netted high draft choices, which Oakland used to construct the current backfield of quarterback JaMarcus Russell and running back Darren McFadden.

The No. 1 overall pick in 2007, Russell held out of training camp, basically ruining his hopes to become a contributor as a rookie. Although Russell did not start a game until the season finale, the Raiders are handing the reins of the offense to the 6-6, 260-pounder this season.

Don't expect second-year coach Lane Kiffin to open the playbook for him, particularly with McFadden, this year's No. 4 pick, joining a talented running corps.

A two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up, McFadden provides an explosive talent who eventually should take over the starter's role from oft-injured Justin Fargas, who is coming off a 1,000-yard season despite not starting until Week Eight.

Oakland threw tons of cash around in the offseason, signing free-agent wide receiver Javon Walker to a six-year, $55 million contract.

The early return on the investment does not look good. Walker was beaten and robbed in Las Vegas in July and reportedly had to be talked out of retirement.

The Raiders also signed defensive tackle Tommy Kelly and safety Gibril Wilson to lavish deals and acquired cornerback DeAngelo Hall from Atlanta in the hopes of bolstering a unit that surrendered 25 points per game last season.

Denver has been a nemesis for Oakland under coach Mike Shanahan, winning eight of nine meetings prior to the Raiders' 34-20 win in December.

Third-year quarterback Jay Cutler has a decent 2007 season despite playing with diabetes that caused him to lose 30 pounds. With the condition being treated, he should be more consistent for the Broncos, who are coming off their first losing season since 1999.

Cutler will be without his favorite target, Brandon Marshall, who is serving a one-game suspension for violating the league's personal-conduct policy. Marshall had 102 receptions and seven touchdown passes last season.

Selvin Young takes over at running back, but the more pressing issue for Denver is a defense which coughed up 409 points - second worst in the AFC.

Tackle Dewayne Robertson was acquired from the Jets in an attempt to shore up a run defense that ranked 30th in the league last season.