A guide to training camp, as NFL teams look toward the beginning of the season:

What to watch

The clock continues to tick on the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement, which expires next March. What are the chances of the players and owners striking a new deal in the next few months?

Negotiations are proceeding at a snail’s pace, and we don’t really think we’re going to see anything get done until next February. Wouldn’t even be surprised to see it drag into the first couple weeks of March.

What was the best thing the league did in the offseason?

Love to tell you it was canning Rich Eisen and Jamie Dukes from the NFL Network, but unfortunately, they’re still there. Roger Goodell gets a big thumbs up from me for slapping Ben Roethlisberger with a six-game suspension even if the authorities in Georgia didn’t see fit to prosecute him for his college-bar bathroom escapades. But Goodell and the league get my highest mark for their smart decision to backload the schedule with division games this season. In the last 3 weeks of the season, there will be 28 division matchups, including all 16 of the games in Week 17.

How much better will the Redskins be with Donovan McNabb?

Not good enough to make the playoffs, but probably good enough to win two or three more games than they did last year when they finished 4-12. The Redskins’ receiving corps isn’t nearly as good as the one McNabb had in Philly, and I’m not sure what’s going on at the running back position, where Mike Shanahan seems to be collecting beat-up cars with empty gas tanks. And then, there’s the whole Albert “I don’t wanna play in a 3-4” Haynesworth soap opera.

Can Mike Holmgren find happiness and contentment as the president of the Cleveland Browns?

Unlikely. The Walrus is a hands-on guy. When he hired Tom Heckert as general manager, he said Heckert would have final say on all personnel matters. But he has spent much of the offseason looking over Heckert’s shoulder and the rest sitting in his lap. Most people around the league think he’ll fire Eric Mangini after the season and take over as the head coach, which really is the job he’s most qualified for anyway.

Does LaDainian Tomlinson have enough gas left in his 31-year-old tank to help the Jets?

Yeah, as long as they use him properly. He no longer can be a workhorse running back but still can be effective as a 12-touch-a-game guy. The Jets need Shonn Greene to fill the 300-carry void left by Thomas Jones and then pick their spots with Tomlinson. If they don’t overuse him, he’ll be a nice addition.

Can the Vikings afford to let Brett Favre miss all of training camp again and just show up a couple of weeks before the start of the season and suit up?

Sure, why not• Last year, playing for a new team, he showed up in late August and finished with the best touchdowns-to-interceptions ratio (33-7) in the league, as the Vikings made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game. Would Brad Childress prefer to have Favre there when training camp opens• Yeah. But given the alternatives (Tarvaris Jackson or Sage Rosenfels), he’ll let the 40-year-old quarterback show up late if that’s what it takes to keep him playing one more year.

Can the Saints repeat as Super Bowl champs?

When you’ve got a score-at-will offense like they’ve got, it’s certainly doable. But they can’t expect their defense to force 39 turnovers and score eight touchdowns again. Those takeaways managed to offset that they finished 26th against the pass and 21st against the run and allowed 23 or more points in eight of their last 12 regular-season games. They did little in the offseason to upgrade their defense.

Who’s your sleeper team this season?

The Texans. Matt Schaub is the best quarterback nobody’s talking about. The West Chester product led the league in passing yards and finished fourth in completion percentage and fifth in yards per attempt last season. Andre Johnson is the league’s best wideout (216 catches, 3,144 yards and 17 touchdowns over the past two seasons). They’ve got one of the league’s best defensive front sevens. Just two problems: They’ve got the toughest schedule in the league, and they’re in the same division as the Colts.

Will Sam Bradford be the Rams’ season-opening starting quarterback?

A: While the Rams probably are going to end up giving Bradford more than $45 million in guaranteed money, they’d be crazy to throw a quarterback with a history of shoulder injuries out there in Week 1 behind a line that finished 25th in the league in sacks per pass play last year. There’s no reason to rush him. He’s a potential franchise quarterback. But he played in a spread offense at Oklahoma and has an awful lot to learn about the pro game. Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo knows that better than anyone. He likely will open the season with A.J. Feeley as his starter and play it by ear as far as when he thinks Bradford is ready.

What has a division title and a 34-14, wild-card win over the Eagles done for Cowboys coach Wade Phillips’ job security?

Well, it bought him another year, but that’s about it. Jerry Jones has high hopes for 2010. Super Bowl XLV will be played at Cowboys Stadium next February, and Jones wants/expects his team to be in it. If that doesn’t happen, Bum’s boy might just be pounding the pavement looking for work next year.

What other coaches are on the hot seat?

Well, you can start with the Bears’ Lovie Smith. His team hasn’t gone to the playoffs since the Bears made it to the Super Bowl in February 2007. This is most definitely a make-or-break year for him, especially with the additions of offensive coordinator Mike Martz and free agent defensive end Julius Peppers. The Bears should be better than last year, when they finished 7-9. But they’re still not as talented as either the Vikings or the Packers. So, Smith probably is in a no-win situation. Some others who need big years — the Raiders’ Tom Cable, the Jaguars’ Jack Del Rio and the Panthers’ John Fox. No, I didn’t forget Andy Reid. Regardless of what happens with the Eagles this season, he’s in no risk of losing his job.

You mentioned Mike Martz. What effect do you think he’ll have on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler?

Good question. Martz has called Cutler the most gifted quarterback he’s ever worked with, which is high praise considering that he once coached Kurt Warner. Cutler threw 27 touchdown passes last season but also had a league-high 26 interceptions. I’m not sure how much that second number is going to shrink under Martz. Warner threw 40 picks in 2000 and ’01 under Martz’s pass-happy tutelage. Marc Bulger had 22 in ’03. Jon Kitna had 42 interceptions in the two seasons Martz was the offensive coordinator in Detroit. Bottom line: Cutler is going to throw for a lot of yards and a lot of TDs under Martz, but don’t expect his decision-making to improve.

What do you think of the new playoff overtime rule• It gives a possession to the team that loses the coin toss if the team that wins the toss kicks a field goal on its first possession.

It clearly lessens the negative effect of losing the overtime coin toss. But we wish they also would have put it in for the regular season.

OK, who’s going to make it to the Super Bowl?

Right here, right now, we’ll say the Chargers and Cowboys. But check back with me again next week. And the week after that.

Around the league

NFL preseason capsules as training camps open:

AFC EAST

BUFFALO BILLS (6-10)

Open camp: July 29

Last year: Popgun offense that Terrell Owens couldn’t spark, instability at quarterback and inability to stop the run conspired to prompt yet another coaching change (Dick Jauron fired after 3-6 start) as bumbling Bills celebrated their 50th year by capping a decade of ineptitude and missing playoffs for 10th straight season. Only bright spot was rookie S Jairus Byrd finishing tied for NFL lead with nine interceptions.

Important additions: Chan Gailey hired as new head coach, expected to provide vision and running identity to perennially dysfunctional offense; DE Dwan Edwards and LB Andra Davis, both familiar with newly installed 3-4 defense; First-round draft pick RB C.J. Spiller.

Important losses: WRs Owens and Josh Reed (free agency), RB Brad Butler (retired) and potentially DE Aaron Schobel (contemplating retirement).

Camp needs: Too many to count. Three-way QB competition needs to be settled. WR James Hardy to finally show signs he’s healthy and prepared to play regular role opposite starter Lee Evans. RB Marshawn Lynch to shake dissatisfaction of still being in Buffalo and prove he can contribute to three-back rotation. O-line unsettled with no starting LT named yet, and LG Eric Wood missing most of spring practices while recovering from broken leg. Revamped defense to show signs of jelling with numerous newcomers and position changes.

Expectations: Shaky at best. Too many question marks to expect Gailey to transform Bills into immediate contenders, particularly in ever-competitive AFC East.

NEW YORK JETS (9-7)

Open camp: Aug. 2

Last year: Behind a pair of rookies in coach Rex Ryan and quarterback Mark Sanchez, the Jets barely made it into the playoffs before going on a postseason run that left them a win away from a Super Bowl appearance. New York had the NFL’s top-ranked defense and rushing offense, both keys to the team’s success. Sanchez also played well down the stretch, capping a shaky first season by showing poise and promise for the player being deemed the face of the franchise.

Important additions: RBs LaDainian Tomlinson and fourth-round pick RB James McKnight, WR Santonio Holmes, CBs Antonio Cromartie and first-round pick Kyle Wilson, S Brodney Pool, DE-OLB Jason Taylor, K Nick Folk, second-round pick LG Vladimir Ducasse.

Important losses: RBs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington, LG Alan Faneca, S Kerry Rhodes, CB Lito Sheppard.

Camp needs: Sanchez appears healthy after coming off offseason knee surgery, but must continue to develop and limit mistakes which resulted in a few losses. Second-year RB Shonn Greene needs to show he can stay healthy and Tomlinson must prove he still can be a threat on offense in order for the running game to be successful. Ducasse and unproven Matt Slauson will compete for Faneca’s job. Chemistry will also be a major focus in camp with so many new faces joining the mix.

Expectations: It’s Super Bowl or bust, according to Ryan and the rest of the franchise. The team believes it has the talent to take the next step this season, despite new personnel. By tweaking a unit that already ranked No. 1, Ryan believes the defense will be even better and not allow late leads to slip away — as it did a few times last season. As long as the running game remains a consistently productive part of the offense, Sanchez won’t need to force things with his arm. The schedule is extremely tough, though, with games against Baltimore, New England and Miami in the first three weeks likely setting the tone for the season.

MIAMI DOLPHINS (7-9)

Open camp: July 30

Last year: In the second year of the Bill Parcells regime, the Dolphins backslid after winning the AFC East in 2008. Injuries and a tough schedule contributed, and defense was a problem, too. The Dolphins gave up a franchise-record 140 points in the fourth quarter, most in the NFL. Big plays were an issue on both sides of the ball. Miami had only two touchdown passes of 20 yards or more, fewest in the league. The defense allowed 14 scoring passes of 20 yards or more, which was second-highest. On the bright side, the Dolphins may have found their best quarterback since Dan Marino. Chad Henne threw for 2,878 yards, a franchise record for a first-year NFL starter.

Important additions: WR Brandon Marshall, defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, LB Karlos Dansby, G Richie Incognito, DE Marques Douglas, rookie DE Jared Odrick, rookie LB Koa Misi.

Important losses: LBs Jason Taylor, Joey Porter and Akin Ayodele, NT Jason Ferguson, WR-KR Ted Ginn Jr., G Justin Smiley.

Camp needs: The Dolphins must sort out their offensive line, which is set only at the tackle spots. There are significant changes in the defensive front seven, which will play a more aggressive 3-4 under Nolan. There will be position battles in the secondary, where Miami has three starting-caliber cornerbacks but a dearth of experienced safeties. Henne must get comfortable with new go-to receiver Marshall, who is being counted on to stretch defenses, and the Dolphins must confirm RB Ronnie Brown is fully recovered from a season-ending right foot injury last November.

Expectations: Owner Stephen Ross has said he expects the Dolphins to play in the Super Bowl, but a .500 season is more likely. The offense should be better, especially if Henne meshes with Marshall. A defense in transition may force Miami into high-scoring games, however, which isn’t the Parcells model for winning. The Dolphins must survive a tough first-half schedule if they’re going to be in playoff contention in December.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (10-6)

Open camp: July 29

Last year: Won the AFC East for the sixth time in seven years, but in the playoffs fell behind Baltimore 24-0 in the first quarter and lost in the wild-card round for the first time since 1998. Tom Brady returned after missing all but the first quarter of the previous season with a knee injury and passed for more than 4,000 yards for the third time and for at least 25 touchdowns for the fifth time despite injuries to his ribs and right finger. The Patriots faltered against top competition, losing to Indianapolis after failing on a controversial fourth-and-2 and, two weeks later, losing 38-17 to the New Orleans Saints. WR Wes Welker blew out his knee in the regular-season finale and missed the playoff game.

Important additions: WR Torry Holt, TE Alge Crumpler, DL Gerard Warren, CB Devin McCourty, LB Brandon Spikes, DE Jermaine Cunningham.

Important losses: LB Adalius Thomas, DE Jarvis Green, TE Benjamin Watson, CB Shawn Springs.

Camp needs: Welker needs to show he is healthy again, and so does Brady, who is now two years removed from major knee surgery. Randy Moss is in a contract year, and after rehabbing his reputation in New England can earn a big payday if he delivers. The team still needs to establish a running game — Laurence Maroney was the best they had last year, averaging 50 yards per game. Two-time Pro Bowl G Logan Mankins, upset with negotiations over a new contract, skipped the team’s three-day minicamp last month. He’s a restricted free agent after completing his original five-year contract.

Expectations: The core of the team that was 18-0 in 2007-08 before losing the Super Bowl to the New York Giants is still around, at least on offense, but the leadership on defense suffered with the departures before last season of Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Rodney Harrison and Richard Seymour. LB Jerod Mayo, the team’s top draft pick in 2009, will be counted on to fill that role. The New York Jets and Miami Dolphins added more key players in the offseason, lessening the Patriots prospects’ for another division title.

AFC NORTH

BALTIMORE RAVENS (9-7)

Open camp: July 26

Last year: The Ravens made the playoffs for the second straight season for head coach John Harbaugh, who took over in 2008 for Brian Billick. The defense remained sound under Greg Mattison, who replaced coordinator Rex Ryan, and the offense rode the legs and hands of Ray Rice, who led the team in yards rushing and receptions. After clinching a wild-card berth in its final game, Baltimore won at New England in convincing fashion before falling to the Indianapolis Colts 20-3.

Important additions: WRs Anquan Boldin and Donte Stallworth, QB Marc Bulger, K Shayne Graham, DT Cory Redding, CB Travis Fisher, LB Sergio Kindle.

Important losses: DTs Dwan Edwards and Justin Bannan, OT Adam Terry.

Camp needs: The Ravens need one thing: good health. There’s a good chance S Ed Reed could start camp on the physically unable to perform list, and Baltimore needs to keep quarterback Joe Flacco and his new receivers up and running so they can get properly tuned up for the regular season.

Expectations: The Ravens addressed their biggest need during the offseason, adding Boldin and Stallworth to enhance a passing game that too often consisted of Flacco dumping off a short pass to Rice. If the offense can excel and the defense can maintain its snarling attitude behind ageless MLB Ray Lewis, then Baltimore can return to the playoffs and quite possibly make a run at the Super Bowl.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (5-11)

Open camp: July 31

Last year: Perhaps overloaded with responsibilities, coach Eric Mangini’s first season in Cleveland was mostly a circus. But after a 1-11 start, the Browns ended with a surprising four-game winning streak — including a victory over rival Pittsburgh — that helped Mangini keep his job. Players grumbled about his heavy-handed discipline and long practices, but they didn’t quit. Cleveland’s quarterback situation never cleared up, and the team finished 2009 ranked at or near the bottom in virtually every statistical category.

Important additions: President Mike Holmgren, general manager Tom Heckert, QBs Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace and Colt McCoy, LBs Scott Fujita and Chris Gocong, CB Sheldon Brown, RB Montario Hardesty, TE Benjamin Watson.

Important losses: QBs Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn, WR Braylon Edwards, RB Jamal Lewis, C Hank Fraley, TE Steve Heiden, S Brodney Pool.

Camp needs: Delhomme is hoping to resurrect his career and bounce back from a disastrous season in Carolina. The Browns signed the veteran to stabilize the troublesome position and provide leadership to a team needing an infusion of positive energy and confidence. They lack an experienced wide receiver and are counting on Mohammed Massaquoi and Brian Robiskie to develop in their second years. Mangini needs to avoid the drama that hung over the team all season.

Expectations: Holmgren is the proven, credible leader the team has lacked since its expansion return. Owner Randy Lerner needed someone to fix his franchise and has turned to Holmgren, who revitalized the Green Bay Packers and made the Seattle Seahawks respectable. Holmgren says he’s done coaching, but he didn’t look ready to give it up just yet while standing and observing during minicamps.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (10-6)

Open camp: July 28

Last year: A young and fast-improving defense helped them go 10-6 — only their second winning record since 1990 — and make the playoffs as AFC North champions. The defense finished fourth in the league. The offense went to a run-first philosophy that helped the Bengals win the division but came up far short in a playoff loss to the Jets. The Bengals spent a lot of time and money in the offseason keeping the team together, resulting in few noteworthy changes.

Important additions: WR Antonio Bryant, K Mike Nugent, K Dave Rayner, CB Adam “Pacman” Jones, S Gibril Wilson, TE Jermaine Gresham, WR Jordan Shipley.

Important losses: K Shayne Graham.

Camp needs: The Bengals have to figure out what they’re going to be on offense. The run-first philosophy won a division title, but lacked the firepower to go deep into the playoffs. They drafted TE Jermaine Gresham and WR Jordan Shipley to give QB Carson Palmer more targets. They also replaced WR Laveranaeus Coles with Antonio Bryant. Mike Nugent and Dave Rayner will compete for the kicking job of departed Shayne Graham, gone to Baltimore.

Expectations: The Bengals will have a deeper roster than last season, but a much tougher schedule will make it more difficult to reach the playoffs again. They went 6-0 in division play for the first time in their history, something not likely to be repeated. Plus, they’ve got a history of falling back after a good season. They’ve reached the playoffs in consecutive seasons only twice in their history, in 1981-82. Palmer needs to have a much better season if that’s to happen. One of the major decisions in camp will be picking the receivers.

AFC SOUTH

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (14-2)

Open camp: Aug. 1

Last year: First-year coach Jim Caldwell won his first 14 games and might have had a perfect regular-season had he not pulled the starters in the last two games. Indy recovered in the playoffs, beating AFC’s two best defenses — the Jets and Baltimore — to reach a second Super Bowl in Peyton Manning era before losing to New Orleans. Manning won his fourth MVP award.

Important additions: DE Jerry Hughes, OL Adam Terry, OL Andy Alleman

Important losses: OL Ryan Lilja, LB Tyjuan Hagler, LB Freddy Keiaho

Camp needs: Improving offensive line and running game, getting Hughes into defensive line rotation, making sure Robert Mathis and Reggie Wayne are themselves after spring contract holdouts

Expectations: Indy has won at least 12 games in a record seven straight seasons, reached two Super Bowls since the 2006 season and has the only four-time MVP in history. Why should any of that change• It shouldn’t. Manning is still in his prime and he’ll have 2007 first-round pick Anthony Gonzalez back after missing all but one quarter last season. The defense returns all 11 starters from the AFC championship team, adds another speed rusher in Hughes and should get 2007 NFL defensive player of the year Bob Sanders on the field for more than two games this season. All of that makes Indy the clear-cut favorite in the AFC South and a Super Bowl contender yet again.

TENNESSEE TITANS (8-8)

Open camp: July 31

Last year: The Titans fell out of the gate losing their first six games, prompting owner Bud Adams to bench Kerry Collins for Vince Young. Tennessee rebounded by becoming the first NFL team to reach .500 after such a disastrous start but just missed the playoffs. Chris Johnson became the sixth man in NFL history to run for at least 2,000 yards in a season.

Important additions: LB Will Witherspoon, top draft pick DE Derrick Morgan, DE Jason Babin, CB Tye Hill and assistant running backs coach Kennedy Pola.

Important losses: LB Keith Bulluck, DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, C Kevin Mawae and assistant RB coach Earnest Byner.

Camp needs: The Titans will spend camp figuring out what they have on defense. Leaders Bulluck and Vanden Bosch are gone, though Bulluck has an outside shot at being re-signed as he heals from a torn ACL. They must find a new starter opposite CB Cortland Finnegan, see if LB David Thornton is healthy enough to start while Gerald McRath sits out a four-game suspension and finally measure what Morgan can add to the pass rush. They made Chris Johnson happy for now with a pay raise for 2010, ensuring he has an entire camp to erase any rust from his offseason holdout. Young also must continue improving as a passer and prove he’s their franchise quarterback.

Expectations: Four of the first six games at home should help the Titans win early. Adams is expecting a third playoff berth in four seasons after just missing out in 2009, a goal that will depend on how much the offense can carry until the defense gels together.

HOUSTON TEXANS (9-7)

Open camp: July 30

Last year: The Texans broke through with their first winning record, but failed to make the playoffs for the eighth straight year. QB Matt Schaub made the Pro Bowl after throwing for a league-high 4,770 yards and 29 touchdowns. WR Andre Johnson led the NFL with 1,569 receiving yards and topped 100 catches for the third time in four years. But the Texans ranked 30th in rushing (92.2 yards per game) and coughed up 11 fumbles. The Texans’ defense ranked near the middle of the league in most categories. They ranked 20th in interceptions and 25th in sacks.

Important additions: TE Owen Daniels, K Neil Rackers, LB Danny Clark.

Important losses: CB Dunta Robinson, G Chester Pitts.

Camp needs: The Texans must find a consistent running game, and second-round pick Ben Tate could challenge incumbent Steve Slaton for the starting job in the backfield. Slaton rushed for 437 yards and lost five fumbles in 2009. Houston is also looking for a dependable kicker, and brought in the free agent Rackers to challenge Kris Brown, the kicker since the franchise’s inception in 2002. Brown missed 11 of 32 attempts last year, including last-minute tries in close losses to Indianapolis and Tennessee.

Expectations: It’s the playoffs or bust for the Texans, entering their ninth year of existence. Coach Gary Kubiak is starting his fifth season and while Houston’s record has gradually improved, only a postseason berth will satisfy the increasingly impatient fan base. The Texans went 1-5 against AFC South opponents in 2009, and have lost 14 of 15 meetings with divisional top dog Indianapolis. Houston faces one of the league’s most difficult schedules, with home showdowns with Dallas and Baltimore and a road tilt with the New York Jets mixed in with the rugged AFC South slate. The Texans extended Kubiak’s contract through the 2012 season, but falling short of the postseason this year may force change.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (7-9)

Open camp: July 30

Last year: The overhauled Jaguars surprised many by starting 7-5 in 2009 and getting in playoff contention. But they ended on a four-game losing streak, failing to reach the postseason for the eighth time in 10 years, evoking questions about coach Jack Del Rio’s future and prompting a defensive makeover.

Important additions: DE Aaron Kampman, LB Kirk Morrison, G Kynan Forney.

Important losses: DT John Henderson, DE Reggie Hayward, LB Clint Ingram, WR Torry Holt.

Camp needs: With several new defensive starters, Jaguars need to find chemistry and stability on that side of the ball while figuring out ways to fix the league’s worst pass rush. Also need to solidify interior offensive line and settle receiving corps alongside Mike Sims-Walker.

Expectations: Maybe more blackouts and talk about relocation. Jacksonville is struggling to sell tickets and has acknowledged it can’t be a viable NFL franchise with so many empty seats. Jaguars desperately need a fast start to energize fan base. If not, look for Del Rio and QB David Garrard to spend the season on the hot seat.

AFC WEST

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (4-12)

Open camp: July 30

Last year: In their first year under general manager Scott Pioli and head coach Todd Haley, the Chiefs started slow but ended fast, routing Denver in an encouraging season finale to finish 4-12. After trouble-making RB Larry Johnson was released, backup Jamaal Charles emerged as one of the NFL’s best young backs, rushing for 1,190 yards. Matt Cassel’s passer rating in his first year as a full-time starter came to rest at 69.9. But as the offensive line stabilized, so did Cassel.

Important additions: Coordinators Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennel, S Eric Berry, WR-RB Dexter McCluster, OL Jon Asamoah, RB Thomas Jones, OL Ryan Lilja.

Important losses: OL Wade Smith.

Camp needs: After camping for 20 years in the cool north woods of Western Wisconsin, Pioli and Haley have returned the Chiefs to the Midwest’s summer swelter. If oppressive heat and energy-sapping humidity in their new camp in St. Joseph, Mo., prove a problem, Pioli’s program could stumble.

Expectations: Haley and Pioli dislike the word “culture,” so just say their first year helped change the organization’s attitude and laid the foundation for the “tough, smart, disciplined” team they dream of. Berry, their first-round pick, will be counted on as an immediate starter. Having Weis run the offense frees up Haley, who fired his coordinator last September and burdened himself with the responsibility.

OAKLAND RAIDERS (5-11)

Open camp: July 28

Last year: The Raiders suffered through an NFL-record seventh straight season with at least 11 losses. The season started off on a bad note with allegations that coach Tom Cable assaulted assistant Randy Hanson at training camp. That story hung over the team until midway through the season when prosecutors announced they would not charge him. By then the season was lost and the focus turned to the struggles at quarterback by former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell.

Important additions: QB Jason Campbell, LB Rolando McClain, DL John Henderson, DL Lammar Houston, LB Kamerion Wimbley.

Important losses: QB JaMarcus Russell, LB Kirk Morrison, DT Gerard Warren, DE Greg Ellis, RB Justin Fargas, OL Cornell Green.

Camp needs: Establish a credible passing game. In what has increasingly become a passing league, the Raiders have had trouble moving the ball through the air ever since Kerry Collins left town following the 2005 season. A parade of quarterbacks from Aaron Brooks to Andrew Walter to Russell were unable to fix it. Now comes Campbell, who had an up-and-down tenure in Washington. If he is to be successful in Oakland, Campbell will need improved play from the receivers, especially last year’s first-round pick Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Expectations: The change at quarterback has brought a needed dose of optimism to the Raiders during the worst stretch of losing in franchise history. But there are still plenty of holes that need to be filled before Oakland can be considered a playoff contender. The biggest issues are at the line of scrimmage. The Raiders did little to improve an offensive line that struggled in the passing and running game a year ago. They added bulk to the front seven led by first-round pick McClain in hopes of upgrading a run defense tha

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