A horror show ending.... But a new beginning

After a promising start to the season where it appeared we were playoff bound for the first time in years it all came crashing down in the final five weeks.

And what a horrible five weeks it was. Two back to back blowout losses, a big meltdown at home with a two score lead and seven minutes to go, a fortunate squeaker against the Cheifs and an embarassing display at home against the Chargers in a game that could've clinched the west for us.

The season seemed to be derailed when first starting QB Campbell goes down in the first half against the Browns. And just a week later McFadden sprains his foot in the first quarter against the Chiefs. What followed was two straight embarrassing losses to division foes. But then Palmer showed signs of life and Bush appeared to be able to carry the heavy load on offense with consecutive wins at San Diego, at Minnesota, and then at home against Chicago.

Although all three wins were ugly and not impressive by any stretch it appeared the Raiders were on the fast track to the playoffs with San Diego collapsing, Kansas City free falling, and Denver being mediocre at best. But what followed that three game stretch just totally crushed any dreams of a division title. It was possibly the worst 5 weeks I've ever experienced as a Raider fan. Nothing more to be said than it was just a pathetic showing really and an embarrassing collapse.

But yesterday the Raiders interviewed Packers exec and former Raider Reggie McKenzie and this morning have reportedly hired him as the new GM. Reggie comes from a great system of drafting and developing players in contrast to a team who over the past decade or so relied heavily on trading for and acquiring free-agent veterans while filling gaps with rookies.

There's many questions to be asked. Will Reggie be hands on with the coach or let Hue make the decisions himself? Does he even keep Hue around or find a new hand picked head coach? And the QB situation. Does he let Campbell go? Or does he bring him back and have an open competition for the QB spot with Palmer?

There's many things to be done including making decisions on important upcoming free agents such as Bush and Branch. This will probably the most interesting off-season in decades. That's for sure.