Oakland Raiders: Reggie McKenzie & Dennis Allen Keep Building Despite Distractions

Oren Shiri – Jun 3, 2012

The strategies of Oakland Raiders' general manager Reggie McKenzie and head coach Dennis Allen are coming together at camp. The veteran players are interested in competing and creating great team competition and chemistry that will eventually lead to the discovery that the team has something very special. This should lead to a level of success that the Raiders haven't seen in quite some time.

Although, having two young veterans stirring up some trouble this offseason wasn’t really in the plan, it wasn't really a shocker either. This was the old style of the Raiders, but now McKenzie and Allen are in the midst of installing the new generation of Raiders football. It's not likely any more of these outside misdemeanors will be tolerated under the new regime. 

As for now, we do not know the exact punishment by either the NFL or the team because the fate of the players under the judicial system is still under review. Raider Nation would like both players to be a part of the new system.

Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey, arrested on DUI earlier this offseason, is one of the most up and coming players in the NFL and is adapting well to the new system. The Raiders would hate to lose him for a few months during camp due to an NFL suspension.

The other player is Ronaldo McClain, and a judge has already decided his fate. McClain was given 180 days in jail, but his attorney decided to appeal that decision in an attempt to lessen his punishment. The league is awaiting that decision and still has not determined his fate with respect to a suspension. 

In the long-term, if these variables drag on indefinitely, it may affect the team if these players aren't around for camp. In the short-term, they are working with the team to make themselves better, both physically and mentally as they prepare themselves for the season.

Everyone on the field—veteran, free agent and rookie alike—are all competing for a job at every position, including special teams. Under McKenzie and Allen, any player can grab a spot on this team with hard work and performance during camp. It’s something special to see it all coming together.

There is something exciting going on in Alameda—something the Raiders were lacking for many years. New coaches, new players, new office personnel, and a new philosophy are all finally coming together to create a "new era" of Oakland Raiders' football.

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