Preseason games critical for Oakland Raiders on the bubble

WR Nick Miller is on the bubble

It is easy to dismiss preseason games as unimportant or uninteresting because the stars are often on the sidelines by the end of the first quarter. However, for a large number of players these games are their only chance to continue to live their NFL dream.

For various Raiders the preseason is going to mean different things. Defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha is coming off of a Pro Bowl season and his starting position and contract is guaranteed. He will be looking to shake loose a bit of rust, and more importantly stay healthy for the regular season.

On the other end of the spectrum is wide receiver Nick Miller. He signed during the 2009 offseason and fought his way on the roster by having a stellar training camp and preseason last year. However, a shin injury sidelined him for the entire 2009 campaign, leaving him to have to prove himself all over again. He is facing new competition for the returner-fourth receiver position he was ready to take over last year.

Miller is young and still has upside. If he doesn't make the final team, he may get a look from another team. Failing that, he has the opportunity to play in the UFL, AFL, or Canada and get the notice of NFL scouts and get a second chance at the NFL. That is something that the two men fighting for the Raiders third running back position don't have. Veteran running backs are not in high demand. Both Rock Cartwright and Michael Bennett have had solid if not spectacular NFL careers, however one of them will likely end as the Raiders trim their roster in a couple of weeks.

Fourth year Raider Johnnie Lee Higgins is in an entirely different situation. He became a starter in his second season and had a great 2008 as a punt returner. That was his redemption for a rookie year where he was mostly invisible. However, his 2009 season was a disappointment by nearly every standard. He was not able to distinguish himself as a returner or a receiver. He needs to have a strong camp and preseason or he will be on his way to the unemployment line. He is a veteran speedster, and has some history of success, but has not history of consistency. If he doesn't make the squad, his best chance to hold on will be a midseason replacement for a team in need of a returner.

Commissioner Roger Goodell, in his push for the enhanced season is looking to reduce the number of preseason games from four to two so they can add two more regular season games. he wants there to be more "meaningful" games.  For guys like Miller and Cartwright who are fighting for their NFL life, these games are plenty meaningful.

This short sighted approach also fails to account for the importance of having the appropriate time available so teams can get tuned up and ready for the common season. With the smaller rosters and higher salaries than yesteryear, teams are more likely to lay off contact in training camp. The Raiders have had only a very few sessions where they actually tackle to the ground. They need these games to get that live bullet practice to get ready for the coming season.

Most importantly,.it gives the young players the chance to test their skills against real opponents. There is a huge gap in the speed of the game between thee NCAA and the NFL. Rolando McClain is ahead of the game, but that is why he was a top pick in the draft and expected to start as a rookie. However, undrafted free agent Alex Daniels is in the middle of a switch of position from defensive end to fullback, and he will need the rigors of extended reps in game situations to be in a position to  make the team.

When the Raiders kickoff against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday this game may not matter once the season starts. It is a game that will mean everything to many of the players on the Raiders roster.

Notes:

Raiders rookies got their hazing haircuts: You can see the pictures On TFDSsports.com.

Former Raidrer running back Justin Fargas has signed with the Denver Broncos.