The addition of free agent wide receiver Drew Carter was the Raiders' latest step in remaking the offense in the image of second-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell.
Carter, who reportedly signed a one-year contract worth $2 million, once described his role with the Carolina Panthers in this way:
"My role is to go downfield and challenge the defensive backs and make big plays," Carter said. "I like that role. I want to make big plays. I feel I'm kind of a home run hitter."
That dovetails nicely with the strengths of Russell. Although coaches say there isn't a pass Russell can't throw, the one that most excites owner Al Davis is the long ball.

Two weeks ago, the Raiders, having lost Jerry Porter to free agency from a reed-think receiving corps, had a...

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