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Raiders-Browns Week 8 Preview

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Oakland Raiders

Additions: RB Maurice Jones-Drew, WR James Jones, OT Austin Howard, OT Donald Penn, DE Antonio Smith, DE Justin Tuck, DE C.J. Wilson, OLB LaMarr Woodley, CB Carlos Rogers

Subtractions: RB Rashad Jennings, WR Jacoby Ford, DE Lamarr Houston, CB Tracy Porter, CB Mike Jenkins

Biggest storyline: Quietly, kind of like the Browns, the Raiders have strung together several free agent signings the franchise hopes will boost their win total. Pairing Maurice Jones-Drew with McFadden should keep both bruisers fresher. Austin Howard and Donald Penn are solid anchors at both tackle positions. And defensively, Oakland could see five new veteran starters. Justin Tuck is only 31, and is coming of an 11.5 sack season in New York.

Biggest storyline part II: A dilemma all most picking in the top five must face: who will be taking snaps under center? If the season started today, it would be Matt Schaub. The former Texans quarterback was benched last season after throwing pick-sixes in four straight games. Expect Oakland to bring a rookie to compete with the 32-year-old Schaub.

Biggest storyline part III: Marcel Reece isn't a household name for the silver and black, but you should take note of him now. The 6-foot-1, 255-pound Pro Bowl fullback is a hardnosed blocker but is even more dangerous as a receiver. Reece had seven separate games with a catch of 15-yards or more. He's the kind of player who will beat teams that don't prepare for him.

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