Goethel a focal point of Raiders defense

ALAMEDA -- With Rolando McClain's offseason of legal misadventures and uncertainty heading forward, Raider Nation turns its lonely eyes to Travis Goethel.Cue Simon and GarfunkelWith the very distinct possibility that McClain may not play a down this season, Goethel is the obvious on-roster choice to replace him at middle linebacker, even as he was penciled in mostly as a weakside linebacker his first two years in the NFL."I like playing inside the box," Goethel said this week, "whether thats Mike or Will, but wherever they need me and I fit better at, Ill play there."And with McClain back in Alabama during the first week of OTA's, Goethel was the one getting first-team snaps at MLB. This week, though, McClain had re-assumed the role.That Goethel was out there running around, granted, in helmet and shorts, with nary a limp was impressive. He missed all of last season after blowing out a knee in training camp in a freak injury. And as a rookie, he missed eight games with a mysterious back ailment that required surgery.And yet, with a new regime running the Raiders, it's as if everyone has a fresh start, especially with Dennis Allen a defensive-minded coach and the third different defensive coordinator in Oakland in Goethel's career."I love this new scheme," Goethel said. "We've got a lot more stuff going on. Were coming from everywhere. Our blitzes and everything, so I feel good about this defense."Even as there is, no doubt, some growing pains in defensive coordinator Jason Tarver's plan."Everyone does their job, not everyones comfortable with each other yet, and confident in everyone," Goethel said. "But were all learning the same defense together so it takes a little time."On a personal note, though, Goethel has no issues."Ive got to get myself back into playing and getting the feel of the game back again," he said. "My mindset is the same all the time."Id say last year was more disappointing because I was out for the whole year. That kind of (stunk)."Then there's no place for him to go this year but up.