2012 Record: 4-12
Key Free Agents: Matt Flynn, QB; Reggie Smith, S; Rashad Jennings, RB
2012 Wrap-Up: The Oakland Raiders finished their 2012 Season at 4-12. Running back Darren McFadden had 707 yards and two touchdowns. QB Carson Palmer finished his season passing for 4,018 yards. Those numbers are impressive, but the Raiders were whipped by teams most of the season, losing by an average of two touchdowns. Even though they were 8th in the league in passing, it wasn't good enough to overcome being 28th rushing, 20th in defending the pass, and 18th in defending the run.
2013 Outlook: Carson Palmer is gone: Hello Matt Flynn. The team will once again go through a transition with quarterback adjustments and developing an offensive line to protect him. Palmer was traded along with a 2013 7th-round (219th overall) pick to Arizona Cardinals in exchange for Arizona's 2013 6th-round pick (176th overall) and a conditional 2014 draft choice.
Draft Needs: The Raiders will need to look at their offensive line if they plan to utilize Brandon Myers, Denarius Moore, Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Rod Streater to their full potential. Flynn is not a rocket: He will need the time and protection to make it happen. However, he does give the effort in trying to keep the play alive. It's just not a strong point.
How the Redskins match up: The Redskins match the Raiders pound for pound with height on the offense and have a vicious pass rush that was Fifth in the league last season. The Redskins have stability on their side, which will make them lethal against a "pieced together" team like the Raiders. If the Raiders plan to stay in the game, they're going to have to shore up their defense and stop the run. Otherwise, Griffin and Morris will run all over them. Expect the Redskins to intimidate them with the blitz early. The Raiders' panic button will be pushed until they just tape it down. If Flynn doesn't show his worth in the First quarter, he will be embarrassed.
In 2009, the Washington Redskins "owned" the Oakland Raiders by a score of 34-13.