The Raiders, with their prodigious offense, newly minted quarterback, star-studded offensive line and talented receiving corps seem set for another playoff run. The struggling 49ers once again look like a talent-challenged group where the playoffs will be a mirage for possibly years to come.
However, one area where the teams might going in reverse is with their defenses. The Raiders had one of the worst units in the league last year and so did the 49ers. But San Francisco has now been outfitted with a new scheme, a raft of new players, and the physical mentality.
In Napa, the Raiders look like they will trot out a similar group of players and then wish for different results.