2012 gets under way tonight. What I'm looking for.

The Raiders are set to kickoff the preseason tonight against Dallas

Well a lot sure has gone on since I last blogged about 5 or 6 months ago. We hired Dennis Allen as the new HC, had our first draft without Al Davis, made some surprising cuts, and picked up a few free agents.

I've been busy since we were knocked out of the playoffs the final week of the season. While this is possibly the most provacative off-season this franchise has had in years just based on the total unknowns.

New GM for the first time in 50 years, brand new fiery rookie HC, and an entirely new system of defense leaves a whole lot to the imagination. Well tonight we get a preview to the latest chapter in this franchise's history. Here are some things I am looking for.

Allen and the new Staff's Raider debut

Little is known about Allen  to the average fan but he is respected throughout the league.

Tonight we'll get a chance to learn more about him and the new offensive and defensive coaches in a game situation. How is Knapp going to run the offense this time around? how do Tarver and Allen plan on fixing last year's shoddy D? etc.

It's always a new era of hope when a new HC and staff are brought in following a heartbreaking season and it's going to be interesting to see what type of headcoach Allen is and how the players respond.

Seeing Terrelle Pryor in action for the first time

Other than a sneak play which was nullified due to a penalty Pryor has never taken a snap for the Raiders mostly due to the NFL suspending him for an NCAA infraction. (which was ridiculous)

It will be interesting to finally see TP in a game situation  for the first time since he was the MVP of the 2011 Sugar Bowl where he rushed for 115 yards and a TD while throwing for 221 yards and 2 TD's.

I'm excited to finally see Al Davis' final draft pick suit up in the silver and black and take the field. With his pure athleticism if he can get his footwork sorted which he's been working on all off-season he can be frightening for opposing defenses.

The conerback position battle

The corner position battle promises to be intriguing all preseason. With the subtraction of Stanford Routt and Chris Johnson and addition of veterans Bartell and Spencer in the off-season. 

And with the continued development of talented second year corners Van Dyke (who has beefed up in the offseason and impressed all training camp) and Chekwa. Enter former Packers Brandon Underwood and Pat Lee. The latter passing up Chekwa (who was impressive when he was healthy last season) on the depth chart in training camp. 

All that added up gives you a competitive, talented, and diverse mix of vets and youngsters who will battle it out all preseason long to be the starting corners. What many have seen as a weakness for this team with the departure of Routt I see it as along with the D-Line the position with the most depth on the defensive side of the ball.

Well it's been a long wait. But finally we can see some Raider football. 5PM sure as hell can't come fast enough for me.