While the first thought for most Richmond Raider fans about Richmond’s 2010 season opener against Providence probably focused on the smothering defense the Raiders displayed, most fans also know the offense committed four turnovers early in the game before finally getting it going.

With the second game of the season underway last Friday night at Lee County, the offense seemed to be rebounding driving down the field to the Lee County one-yard-line, before committing a fumble to turn the ball over.

It was once again the defense that pumped life into the team by tackling the Lee County quarterback in the end zone to record a safety and give the Raiders two points early.

Many fans in the stands were left wondering if they were in for the same offensive effort that was displayed in the first half against Providence.

The offense, however, came back to the field and after tying Lee County 14-14 in the first half, Laron Ellerbe, and the offense put together a masterful drive that culminated with Luke Bullard catching a pass in the end zone to give the Raiders a first-half lead, 21-14.

After that turning point, the offense seemed to hit its stride, move on from the fumble and set its focus on winning the game.

In football, early in the season, the offense is often behind the defense at certain points.

Timing is the biggest factor that makes an offense run.

If the receivers and running backs are off by a second with the quarterbacks on their timing, bad things happen to good football teams. This is prevalent in the NFL, NCAA and high school football ranks as well.

Many good teams have faltered along the way due to timing issues.

With one of the team’s biggest challenges coming up next week in Charlotte against the Butler Bulldogs, the Raiders have been hard at work on the offensive side of the ball during practice for the past two weeks.

Fine tuning of routes, timing between the quarterback and running back exchange, and receivers routes were ran as they always are, but the heat of the day, and the players showing signs of improvement have given fans watching the Raiders’ practices hope.

Richmond Head Coach Paul Hoggard said in Week 1, “We have to fine-tune things and move on. It’s just going to take time.”

Fine-tuning is certainly playing a big role in the Raiders’ offense, as they are young and don’t have the same experience they had last year at some of the skill positions.

Thankfully, Hoggard has hope, and he sees a bit of his 2008 championship team in this team as well.

That year the offense was off to a slow start, and rebounded to take it all home in Chapel Hill.

It’s still far too early to tell whether or not this team will have the same success as the 2008 team, but with the play of the defense and the offense coming closer every game, it certainly has to give the residents of Richmond County a bright outlook on the season.

Contact Sports Reporter Travis Anderson at 997-3111 ext. 44 or via e-mail at tanderson@yourdailyjournal.com