National Football League

Raiders capsule

Published Aug. 24, 2014 12:03 p.m. ET

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OAKLAND RAIDERS (4-12)

New faces: QBs Matt Schaub and Derek Carr; LB Khalil Mack; DEs Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley; DT Antonio Smith; WR James Jones; RB Maurice Jones-Drew; CBs Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers; OLs Donald Penn, Austin Howard and Gabe Jackson.

Key losses: OT Jared Veldheer; DE Lamarr Houston; QB Terrelle Pryor; RB Rashad Jennings; CBs Tracy Porter and CB Mike Jenkins; DT Vance Walker.

Strengths: RB, OL, DL.

Weaknesses: CB, QB, TE.

What's New: Defensive coordinator Jason Tarver was forced to rely heavily on blitzes to pressure quarterbacks a year ago when he lacked any proven pass rushers on line. Oakland sent extra rushers on nearly half of all pass attempts and led league with blitzes from secondary, according to Football Outsiders. With signings of Tuck, Wooldey and Smith and drafting of Mack, Tarver might be able to get pressure with four men this year to help bolster weakened secondary.

Expectations: After having money to spend, McKenzie put together deeper and more talented roster than he and coach Dennis Allen had in their first two seasons. But still big questions at quarterback, where Schaub has not shown last season's poor performance in Houston was aberration, and in revamped secondary. With brutal schedule that includes nine games against 2013 playoff teams, including five against teams that made conference title games, and ''home game'' in London, Raiders will need to be significantly better to show marked improvement from back-to-back four-win seasons. Without improvement, owner Mark Davis may decide to go different direction in 2015.

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