McFadden on his 45 yard run.(AP Photo/Marcio Sanchez)
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Day XIV
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Players to watch
Camp Battles
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Camp Battles-linebackers
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Camp Battles-Defensive line
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Camp Battles-Offensive line
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Camp Battles-Tight ends
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It is easy to dismiss the importance of wins and losses when it comes to preseason games. I would suggest not mentioning to The Black Hole that it was only a preseason game when they unleashed their trademark sound and fury in what was by that time a nearly empty stadium with three minutes to go and the Raiders holding a 21 point lead. They were determined to do everything they could to stop the Cowboys from converting a goal to go situation on their side of the field. The Cowboys could not push it over the goal line, and the Raiders took over on downs to secure the win in their preseason opener.
The energy level of the fans notwithstanding, it is important for a team to get off on the right foot, especially a team that has been down as long as the Oakland Raiders have been. The Raiders second and third team dominated the Cowboys reserves, but even more important is that the Raiders played well with the “ones” on the field.
The Raiders first team defense held the Cowboys in check for one drive, but had major breakdowns on a second drive. Asomugha had been pulled by the second drive due to a bruised heel. Stanford Routt, who took over for Asomugha on the second drive was victimized for a long catch and a key defensive holding penalty that aided the Cowboys’ easy march. It is not all on Routt, as there were enough breakdowns on that drive to go around.
The Raiders offense took their first drive downfield for a first and goal deep in enemy territory. However, as was the case far too often last season, a holding penalty forced the Raiders back ten yards and to ultimately settle for a Sebastian Janikowski field goal. The Raiders first touchdown was thrown by Bruce Gradkowksi, but was set up by a 47 yard burst from Darren McFadden.
THE GOOD:
- Preseason, regular season, post season, it is always a lot better for a team to win than to lose. The Raiders won, and sets them off on the right foot.
- Darren McFadden looked fast and crisp. He had four runs for 63 yards.
- Chaz Schilens has carried his offseason progress into a game situation. JaMarcus Russell looked like he had good chemistry with the second year receiver.
- Despite it being the guys at the bottom of the depth chart playing, the Raiders put their foots on the Cowboys' throats and refused to let up. That is something that has been absent with the Raiders for far too long.
- Louis Rankin and Gary Russell both looked good. The Raiders have a real logjam at the running back position.
- The Raiders forced a four and out after the Cowboys drove the ball down to a goal to go situation.
- Raiders committed no turnovers.
THE BAD:
- There was one drive in each half where the Raiders defense looked overwhelmed. The one in the first half ended in a touchdown. In the second half drive, the Raiders finally held at the goal-line.
- The first team defense did not get much pressure on the quarterbacks.
- Too many times the Cowboys got pressure on the Raiders quarterbacks.
- Way too many penalties.
THE UGLY:
- Nnamdi Asomugha left early with a heel injury.
- Isaiah Ekejiuba had a shoulder injury. As of the post game press conference, Cable did not have any more he could divulge.
Tomorrow a look at who helped and hurt themselves in their camp battles.
You can also find Patrick Patterson on Thoughts from the Dark Side.
Thank you to Cal Bears Examiner, Rob Calonge, for his excellent team coverage of Training Camp.
Comments
We definately dominated that game, there's alot of talent thus year. The cowboys 2nd drive looked way too easy!
The win is a great ego and confidence builder, one thing to note is that when the first team defense was out there on the cowboys 2nd series, it looked like the same old defense. Could not stop the run and defenitly was burned at the secondary. Granted Nam was not out there but God forbid he comes up with an injury then we are really screwed. The Raiders need to bo back to the drawing board and start over.
I agree..next year go for DEFENSIVE TACKLES, we need help!!!
Schilens looks amazing. They said 14 different recievers caught the ball, that is great. All the runnungbacks looked great, but please have mcfadden be a starter. Ever since last years preseason I knew Rankin is a beast. Wow, we have so many talented backs. Can't wait for the next game.
Louis Murphy should be our #2 receiver unless DHB or Walker outplay him. Russell needs to continue to improve and get into better shape as he was huffing and puffing heavily out there. Fargas needs to be the #3 back or get traded as Rankin or Russell are capable #3's. We need to try to get some DL depth. Shaughnessey and Scott can't stop the run and I've officially given up on Sands. If any Ellis, Jay, Warren, or Kelly get hurt were in trouble. I'd like an upgrade at MLB but if Cable plays the right receivers and running backs and were able to add a contributing DLineman or 2 I think we could make the playoffs.
As much as it hurts to say this, I agree with you on trading fargas. He has been a true raider player, never holds back and puts everything he has out there, but with Rankin in the midst he is Ready for a roster spot. I've kept my eye on him since last year, and this guy can play. It is a business and Fargas should be traded
It really shouldn't matter if it's fargus or Rankin. It should be the McFadden/Bush show all day. Those two could dominate the league. Since Rakin is cheaper, keeping him would probably be best, plus he looks really good incase of injury to the big 2. Love Fargus though. He is a Raider through and through.
Amazing to see so much talent on a Raider squad of course with all the young receivers it looks like DHB is a luxury pick how nice would it have been to add a DLineman at that spot? Sad to agree that Fargas must go he's too expensive to ride the pine maybe we pick up another DT. It seems we are absurdly thin on the Dline and they were pulling our so many wrs it was crazy was that Sammy parker out there?
DFence wins championships. Sure the offense looked good (not great) but the defense looked horrible. Unless we can stop the run and get pressure on the QB, we'll be picking in the top 5 again. As far as the offense, I think we've improved on the O-line but not enough to be contenders. It takes time to build a champion and I do see good progress. One or two seasons away baby!!!!
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