Oakland Raiders hope to take next step with Jack Del Rio, young stars

ALAMEDA, Calif. -- Continuity has come to Oakland, with hopes that a major improvement under first-year coach Jack Del Rio from 3-13 to 7-9 will take the next step to a place the Raiders haven't seen since 2002.

That was the year the Raiders won their last of three straight AFC West titles before losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl. Since then, it's been a succession of coaches and losing seasons, with only two .500 seasons in 2010 and 2011 to show for it.

Within the last two seasons, the Raiders have identified a quarterback of the future in Derek Carr, a dominant defender in end Khalil Mack and have had two consecutive strong drafts under general manager Reggie McKenzie.

The Raiders also got contributions from a number of unrestricted free agents last season who are still in their prime and figure to be part of a goal to surge past .500 and beyond.

"I think we're very close," Del Rio said. "You get a chance to earn that. There are 12 teams (in the playoffs) and they all earned their way in. It's our goal to make sure we're one of those team next year."

Still up in the air is the location of the franchise, which has seen its lease expire, has been unable to get a new stadium built in Oakland and is one of three teams involved in potential move to Los Angeles.