NFL: Oakland Raiders will be in the playoffs in 2014 if…

And: Oakland’s new-look defense can become a big-play unit. For the second straight offseason, McKenzie used free agency to rebuild this unit and this year, the emphasis was on the defensive line and cornerback.

The newcomers include defensive ends Justin Tuck and LaMarr Woodley, as well as veteran defensive tackle Antonio Smith. All three have made their marks in the league and all have Super Bowl experience.

In the secondary, the team added a pair of former San Francisco 49ers in cornerbacks Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers. Second-year pro D.J. Hayden, the team’s first-round pick in 2013, figures to benefit from their experience. This could be a very solid unit, especially with the safety tandem of Charles Woodson and Tyvon Branch in the mix.

But the new star defender with the team could be first-round selection Khalil Mack. The fifth overall pick in May’s draft is already excelling as a writer (see his piece and his wish list on MMQB). Soon we will we see the impact he makes as a Raider.

All told, Allen and his team need to get things turned around. Over the last three seasons, Oakland has allowed 433, 443 and 453 points. That’s a combined per game average of 27.7 points per contest. Ouch, baby.