The 2002 season, due mainly to the aforementioned Super Bowl run, ranks among the most important in franchise history. The aging Raiders'
controversial elimination from the prior year's playoffs set the stage for a concerted championship push. Owner
Al Davis traded then-head coach
Jon Gruden to the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers shortly after the Raiders' 2001 playoff loss; in doing so, he received two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and cash considerations from Tampa Bay. Davis, despite team salary cap troubles, also managed to acquire veteran stars
Sam Adams,
Rod Woodson, and
Bill Romanowski during the 2002 offseason. The Raiders entered the season with a hugely talented, albeit aging roster of players. The offense was led by quarterback
Rich Gannon, who would be named
MVP for the season. The team's receiving corps of
Tim Brown,
Jerry Rice, and
Jerry Porter ranked among the league's best; additionally, running back
Charlie Garner posted 1,903 all-purpose yards. The offensive line, moreover, was anchored by pro-bowlers
Lincoln Kennedy and
Barret Robbins. The Raiders' offense, all told, led the league in total yardage; Gannon additionally led all NFL quarterbacks in passing with 4,689 yards. The defense, while less vaunted, nonetheless ranked among the NFL's finest; the contributions of Rod Woodson, Bill Romanowski,
Charles Woodson, and
Trace Armstrong aided the Raiders' cause greatly. ==Staff==