1999 record: 8-8, tied for fourth in the AFC West.

Last five years: 35-45.

Coach: Jon Gruden (16-16 in two years with Oakland).

Playoff past: Distant memory. The Raiders haven't qualified for the postseason since 1993. They have come close each of the past three seasons but wilted down the stretch.

Outlook

Owner Al Davis is tired of being patient. The Raiders don't lack coaching or talent, were competitive in every game last season, appear to have upgraded their dreadful kicking game and should benefit from a more favorable schedule.

Which is why Gruden is on the hot seat. Although many NFL insiders consider him one of the brightest young coaches in the game, he has yet to take Oakland to the next step. If it doesn't happen this year, look for Davis to reload ... again.

Journeyman Rich Gannon was a Pro Bowl level quarterback last season.(Allsport)

Case in point: Oakland won at Minnesota, Buffalo and Kansas City last year, should have beaten Green Bay and Denver and overwhelmed NFC Central Division champion Tampa Bay 45-0. Had the Raiders developed a killer instinct, they could have been a formidable opposition in the playoffs.

This marks the sixth year back for the team since leaving Los Angeles, and the "Raider Nation" continues to dwindle. Home sellouts are rare, although Oakland remains an intimidating place to play and fans are among the loudest in the league. If the Silver and Black ever get rolling, they could once again become the toast of the town.

For that to happen, several things need to change. The Raiders must: 1) learn how to win close games; 2) improve their kicking game; 3) stop beating themselves.

The eight losses last year came by a combined 34 points, none by more than seven. Four times, Oakland surrendered fourth-quarter leads as the defense let down.

That led to the dismissal of defensive coordinator Willie Shaw, who had taken the unit from No. 30 to No. 5 the previous year. The defense fell five places in 1999 and became too predictable, and many players became suspect about using Shaw's zone blitz instead of man coverage.

Gruden promoted secondary coach Chuck Bresnahan and trimmed veteran players Richard Harvey, Anthony Newman, James Harris and Russell Maryland. Then, Davis used the free-agent market to upgrade the secondary by signing safety Je'Rod Cherry, safety/special teams standout Anthony Dorsett and cornerback Tory James.

Davis turned to the draft to upgrade his kicking game, taking powerful Sebastian Janikowski of Florida State in the first round and punter Shane Lechler of Texas A&M in the fourth. Here's why: During the past two seasons, the Raiders ranked 29th and 28th in field-goal accuracy and 29th and 28th in net punting average. Although Janikowksi's off-field problems have been well-documented, Davis figured he was worth the risk.

Bottom line: Davis won't be satisfied with anything less than a postseason berth. His head coaches might be getting younger, but Davis isn't.

Schedule preview: For a change, the NFL office gave Davis a break. Last year, the Raiders had one of the toughest schedules in the league, opening with road games at Green Bay and Minnesota. A year ago, Oakland faced seven playoff teams from the previous year and confronts only three this season. Also, the Raiders are the only AFC West team that doesn't play defending Super Bowl champion St. Louis, and plays three of its first four games at home.

1999 Offensive ranking: No. 5 overall, No. 11 in passing, No. 3 in rushing.

1999 Defensive ranking: No. 10 overall, No. 12 vs. the pass, No. 12 vs. the rush.

Key players lost from 1999: S Eric Turner (deceased), LB Richard Harvey (to San Diego), DT Russell Maryland (to Green Bay) and TE Derrick Walker (released).

Key additions for 2000: S Je'Rod Cherry (from Saints), S Anthony Dorsett (from Titans), CB Tory James (from Broncos), LB William Thomas (from Eagles), DL Shawn Lee (from Bears), DE Regan Upshaw (from Jaguars), WR David Dunn (from Browns), WR Larry Shannon (from Dolphins).

Rookies to watch: With even a decent kicking game, the Raiders might have been a playoff team last season, so Janikowski should make an immediate impact. Constantly in search of another receiving threat to complement Tim Brown, WR Jerry Porter might grow into that role. DT Junior Ioane of Arizona State has also been impressive.

Offensive line: Solid unit that should improve with the return of 1999 No. 1 pick Matt Stinchcomb, who spent the season on IR with a shoulder injury and could start at left tackle. The Raiders allowed 49 sacks last season, an improvement of 18 from 1998. Many think center Barret Robbins deserved to make the Pro Bowl last year, while left guard Steve Wisniewski re-signed for two more years. Third-year tackle Mo Collins, a No. 1 selection in 1998, has yet to fulfill his promise and could move to guard, while veteran tackle Lincoln Kennedy has played hurt the past two years. The biggest surprise has been versatile free agent Barry Sims, a second-year man from Utah, who started at three positions in 1999.

Wide receivers/tight ends: The Raiders are still searching for help for veteran Tim Brown and are hoping the 6-foot-2 Porter, who has a 44-inch vertical leap, and free agents David Dunn and Larry Shannon can make immediate contributions. Of course, fans and players alike are clamoring for more playing time for cornerback Charles Woodson, a two-way standout at Michigan, and might get their wish. Tight end Rickey Dudley had a breakthrough season with nine touchdown receptions.

Running backs: The one-two halfback punch of speedy Napoleon Kaufman and inside pounder Tyrone Wheatley helped the Raiders rank third in rushing last season. Fullback Jon Ritchie developed into a dependable receiver with 45 catches but seldom runs from scrimmage. Zack Crockett overcame early injuries to excel in short yardage situations.

Quarterbacks: Rich Gannon made it through the season despite a broken left wrist and made the AFC Pro Bowl team. The 13-year veteran is tough and determined but needs to unload quicker. Competing for the backup spots behind him up are Bobby Hoying, who played for Gruden at Philadelphia, Scott Dreisbach and Rodney Peete.

Defensive line: Tackle Darrell Russell and end Lance Johnstone combined for 19.5 sacks on the right side, but the left side is being rebuilt with the losses of Maryland and Harris. Grady Jackson takes over for Maryland, while Upshaw and second-year player Tony Bryant have the inside track on the end spot.

Linebackers: Dependable Greg Biekert will be busy inside again, but both outside positions are up for grabs. Eric Barton, a former fifth-round pick, nudged Harvey out of the starting lineup at the weak side last season, while Travian Smith and free agents Elijah Alexander and Thomas, the latter a two-time Pro Bowl selection, will compete on the strong side.

Secondary: One way or another, look for Woodson to be more active. Bresnahan will give him more freedom, especially if Cherry and Dorsett pan out. Undersized Eric Allen struggled at times after undergoing ACL surgery the previous year and could be challenged by James. James and veteran Darrien Gordon provide good depth at the nickel back position.

Special teams: Nowhere to go but up. Gruden replaced Frank Gansz Jr. with college coach Bob Casullo and expects major improvement. Barring a major slip, Janikowski will win the PK job over Joe Nedney, while Lechler will be given every opportunity to replace Leo Araguz. Gordon remains a dangerous punt returner.