August 15, 2008
Oakland Raiders game recap: Titans win the game, Raiders win respect
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Russell was impressive in his first extensive action of the season
Some of our hater friends have been harping about how the score of the preseason games doesn't matter. While to a certain extent, I agree, I don't wholeheartedly follow that train of thought. Of course, the big picture is the outcome isn't important, but I want guys on my team that take losing to heart. Does that make sense?
Once again, Rob Ryan can't call defensive plays when the game is on the line and there is less than two minutes on the clock. The Raiders went from smothering the Titans third string QB to making him a hero in Tennessee in that amount of time. They should've walked out of Tennessee with a very convincing victory, but due to a few goats on the squad, they come back home with their first loss of the season.
For those of you that didn't see the game, I'll break it down more completely tomorrow, but for now lets just say that the Raiders took the Titans' best punch all night and returned the favor every chance they got. The final score of 17-16, Titans, doesn't tell the complete story, just that the Raiders had several players that made the same mistakes we've all grown accustomed to seeing over the past five years.
JaMarcus Russell and the first team offense did well. What was odd was that they were better at passing than rushing. The Defense was better at stopping the run than stopping the pass, but Vince Young looked horrible towards the end of his time on the field.
Johnnie Lee Higgins fell back down to earth by first fielding a punt inside the 10 yard line, breaking to his left, finding traffic and then losing a few more yards going back to his right. Then he fumbled, and what had been an impressive game for the Raiders to that point turned into an even one.
It didn't help Higgins' cause much that he couldn't figure out what his route was supposed to be in the passing game either. If the Raiders had a return man, then Higgins' job would be in real jeopardy.
Speaking of return men, Tennessee's Lavel Hawkins impressed by making good, smart returns, and beating Michael Waddel for a long touchdown from former Raider, Kerry Collins. I'm questioning the Raiders not drafting him more tonight than I was on draft day when the Raiders instead drafted Arman Shields one pick ahead of Hawkins.
It's not just because I write about Cal football at the Examiner.com, but because Hawkins was so underrated, from the Raiders own back yard at Cal, and had no injury issues. What about Shields? He still hasn't played because he can't get healthy. Yes, I'm very confused about that pick.
The Raiders were better than the Titans. I don't think there was any doubt about it, but they lost the game. That's something that we've seen happen too often over the years, and the thing that is disturbing about it is Rob Ryan's playcalling.
Before any of you say, "Hey, it was all of the scrubs in the game," save it. Rob Ryan coached the Senior Bowl loss too when all of the talent in the world was at his disposal. Talent isn't the issue, coaching is. I don't remember his dad playing prevent, and I still don't understand why he is. I guess three years isn't long enough for him to learn.
The Raiders have plenty to be excited about. They walked into the Titans home and knocked them around for most of the game. Many of the breakdowns were done by guys that won't be making the team, or shouldn't be, and the first team was very impressive. This wasn't the 49ers team they were beating. They were beating a team on the rise and a team that was in the playoffs last year.
Like I said, I'll be breaking the game down tomorrow. Look for the breakdown sometime in the afternoon. This will give me time to review the game several times and write an extended article/summary of the game.
A few of players that stood out were Darrell Strong, Chaz Schilens, and Kwame Harris. They looked pretty good. A player that should be pointed out as disappointing was Mario Henderson. I kept wondering why he's still on the team, but I'll explain more in detail later.
Just a quick post game post here at TFDS
Discussion
40 Comments on "Oakland Raiders game recap: Titans win the game, Raiders win respect"
#1
Posted by Rob Calonge, August 15, 2008 9:44 PM
I'd like to apologize to those of you that read my first draft of this. I accidentally published the article prior to being ready. I've edited it for clarity and hope that it passes muster for now.
#2
Posted by Big John, August 15, 2008 9:55 PM
I was pretty happy about the performance of the offense and the defense. It was a good showing against a playoff team. In fact our starters beat them 7-0, it's just that Higgins did the dumbest thing you could do as a returner and it cost us a TD. I was also really upset at how Javon Walker played. I heard that he was on a tear the entire week but he played like an unsure rookie today. I had some hope for him but it now seems that we flushed a lucrative amount of money down the toilet. I hope I'm wrong about him and he returns to form but who knows. Russell looked spectacular after Kiffin turned him loose. We know what he can do so don't hold him to shorter than short passes. Good game though against a good team. Does anyone else see Vince Young as a Running back under center? Haha. He can't pass he can only run. McFadden can play better QB than him. Haha
#3
Posted by John Merlesena, August 15, 2008 10:05 PM
We saw in the last 2 minutes after the backup offense basically handed them the game why Kiffin wanted Ryan out of here. What in the name of prevent was that defense. I am so blanked off - It was only a preseason game you say but we have lost way too many of these exact games the last 4 years. Kiffin looked like he wanted to slam Ryan into a wall and was doing everything he could too not get in his face.
#4
Posted by pat. T, August 15, 2008 10:17 PM
I was extremely pleased with how our first defense stopped the run against a team like the Titans. LeNdale White wasn't really much of a factor, the only guy who we had a little trouble sttoping was Chris Johnson(our second defense). Some of the guys that impressed me on the first defense were Tommy Kelly(again), Terdell Sands, Ricky Brown, & Michael Huff.
And on offense our whole O-line had a pretty good game other than a couple of consecutive false start penalties & the one sack on Russell, which wasn't really their fault it was a blitz that should've been picked up by Justin Griffith. But they blocked really well for the run most of the time. And J.R really showed off his great mobility today escaping the rush & making a play on the run. But we need to hold on to the ball.
GO RAIDERS!!!
#5
Posted by pat. T, August 15, 2008 10:23 PM
I also liked the way we contained Vince Young, the only time he even had a chance to run he was caught & run out of bounds by speedy Thomas Howard...
GO RAIDERS!!!
#6
Posted by Rob Calonge, August 15, 2008 10:35 PM
Just so you guys know that you're not the only person upset about the loss...if you are...here's a quote I just found:
"JaMarcus took care of the ball. I'm very pleased, I just need to get over the end of the game," Kiffin said.
You've got to love that about your coach. When he's not happy with anything less than winning, that's a good thing. Hopefully, Al starts getting tired of losing like this.
#7
Posted by Tyler, August 15, 2008 10:36 PM
I'll say this about that last drive of the Titans'. Sanchez had two close break-ups on a so-so receiver. I'll go out on a limb and say that if that's Asomugha or Hall out there on McCareins or Roydell Williams, we break those passes up. It's closer to a fourth down than some of us think. I DO believe, however, that the Raiders play Prevent too much, and have been doing so since I can remember. There've been so many different D-Coordinators and it's mostly the same result:
Sit back, keep it in front, and then they score. I've never liked it.
But the scheme didn't seem to be sitting back on their heels at the end of the game and it didn't look like Ryan intended to leave that soft middle open on that big reception that set up the field goal. I like the look of this defense. ::chuckles:: Especially without Sanchez and Waddell.
On a side note:
Did anyone see Archuleta's play at linebacker? Seriously. I flipped between the Olympics and the game during the fourth quarter and didn't catch if he seemed solid or not. I'm intrigued with him as a back-up linebacker.
#8
Posted by Rob Calonge, August 15, 2008 11:03 PM
Tyler - I won't be able to give you a solid assessment until tomorrow, but he did come in for a series or two.
#9
Posted by Bill, August 15, 2008 11:09 PM
I was pleased with our D line on passing plays. Our run D still lets the long one break loose. Howard looks bigger and faster, is that possible? I loved the way Russell moves. He should of been sacked about three times but he kept the play alive with his feet. Do we have a bigger and stronger Rich Gannon? Bush is a beast! We still have not seen the starting D all playing together yet. After the first half both of the Titan's QBs only had 35 yards apiece. Plus after the first half both the Raiders and Titans rookie RBs had 44 yards apiece (D-Mac and Jhnson). All in all a great game for the Nation.
#10
Posted by OregonRaider, August 16, 2008 12:17 AM
I just read that Oneal had family in the stands is why Lane sent him in to run for that TD. Nice drop in front of mom and grandma. Still doesn't explain the first two tries with an exhasted RB. Oh, well these are things they should be learning from and things that shouldn't happen in regular season.
#11
Posted by raidermomo64, August 16, 2008 12:23 AM
Our D played great (starters). Our o line was a lot better. J Russ looked good and mobile. Miller was Miller. LB's were good, how about Ricky Brown. the law firm is complete. Go Raiders!! 10-6
#12
Posted by UK Raider, August 16, 2008 2:59 AM
Just saw the 5 or so mins on nfl.com and even tho the result was wrong I'm more pleased than after the 49ers game. Russell playing more and looking good was the highlight. Also, the play calling looked a little more imaginative. Play fakes to a wide open Zach Miller, how about that Elkins???
For a team that totally dominated the Rams both sides of the line that was n't the case here. Taking away a few basic mistakes the stat sheet says we were the stronger team.
Looking forward to the full round up Rob....
#13
Posted by Rob, August 16, 2008 3:51 AM
Despite that last drive (which was horribly similar to a lot of games last year) I was really impressed. Zach Miller is about as dependable as he can be, and the sheer depth of the running game is awesome. They had 4 guys over 25 yards and one of them wasn't Fargas. I feel pretty positive about our first stringers this year.
#14
Posted by Anthony, August 16, 2008 5:29 AM
It's difficult to say how Archuleta looked, since he was only around for a few plays.
Rob, I didn't really see the pass D problems with the first-team defense. VY went for fewer than 40 yards, after all -- not too shabby for most of a half, and that without the top 2 corners.
I think it's safe to say that passing on Hawkins was a mistake, and that Waddell played himself into at least the second cuts; he's soon to be gone, but he may not be Top Five Exit material. Tyvon Branch's hand may be the only thing that helps JLH survive, though.
While the last TN drive was a thing of stupidity on the part of the defense, what about that first series? Three straight blitzes. THAT was nice to see. It was also great to watch Tommy Kelly repeatedly in the backfield. It's unfortunate if he happens to over-penetrate and let the back run right in behind him, but if he can learn to harness that play and make it work for him, that could mean a lot of TFLs.
That's not to say that the run defense was good, because it was putrid, from the first team down. The two 20-yard runs stand out. Keep in mind, the Raiders "only" gave up 18 such plays last season . . . which was still dead last in the league. Two in a game is a sobering sight indeed. The Raiders have to demonstrate that they can defend the run against an elite rushing team like Tennessee -- or what Chris Johnson did to them will seem like nothing when LT comes to town. Again.
Russell and McFadden had great games, but get D-Mac off the field for the remainder of the preseason.
#15
Posted by Raider Blues, August 16, 2008 7:37 AM
Hey Poach E where you at? I figure you poach more than coach so I'll refer to you as Poach E. Coach Kif is the deal! That silly D Coordinator is not! Come to think of it Ryan's Dad was only good when he had Mr. Ditka to set him straight so Al let Lane set this Prevent Clown straight already!
Starting D looked ok but concerned whether they will hold up for an entire game. Get Hall on the field - injuries everywhere!
Starting O looked ok but didn't get a first down until the third series. I really like our O though. I like the QBs and RBs for sure. Shillenz (sp) looks to be making the roster. I say give him a shot at that starting WR position - he should work with JRuss unless that kid that always seems to find trouble can prove he's ready to earn part of the money we're paying him.
All this from Afghanistan! AFN 0430 baby!
Just Win Baby!
#17
Posted by OregonRaider, August 16, 2008 8:30 AM
Ryan screwed up the last couple drives, but who's idiot decision was it to send a big running back that just ran 72 yards back in to try and get the TD? He was clearly out of breath and weak. We have a five headed monster at running back, any of the guys could have punched that in. Not to mention the trick of giving Oneal a chance at it. Sure no one expected it but when is the last time he had many reps and runs?
What ever happened to going over the top when you are that close?
#18
Posted by LDizzle, August 16, 2008 10:29 AM
You can see my summary of the game's "Ballers and Busters on the Examiner.com website. Here is the link:
#19
Posted by LDizzle, August 16, 2008 10:30 AM
EXACTLY OregonRaider. On everything you said. I was thinking the same thing!
#20
Posted by Grilla RFL, August 16, 2008 11:36 AM
This is what the haters at fox news had to say about Raiders Fans (The Raider Nation) in an article about the best fan bases in the NFL:
Raiders fans still don't understand that it's beyond lame to dress up for Halloween every Sunday. They still don't know the rest of the league laughs at them and not with them. Dressed more for a Star Trek convention than a football game, Raiders fans have fallen on tough times with moronic ownership and season-ticket holders like Kevin Federline being the faces of The Nation. That being said, sitting in The Black Hole is not safe — and that's coming from an Eagles fan. It's hard to put your finger on whether Raiders fans love their team or if they just have a hatred for yours. At any rate, they are the only fans in the league that Eagles fans actually respect, so that's saying something.
Haters, Haters, Haters, Haters. Soon they will be crow eaters.
#21
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 16, 2008 2:44 PM
where you have to think of it exactly like that.. preseason doesn't even matter... especially things that happen after half time because 90% of the starters are gone, and .. obviously oneal is going to be a starter and lane was pushing him to see if he could bulldoze the ball in the inzone on a trick handoff to to a powerful FB like him.. no matter if he's tired or not.. and like you said in front of his family. NOW WE KNOW that we can't depend on him to do goalline situations like that! that's what preseason is for... proving your worth as a starter and to get bragging rights for the season and shut up all the raiderhater fortywhiner fans out there! lol.
all in all that O was definetely starting to come around... i loved russell's leadership and poise out there.. his offseason workouts and drills are really starting to show .. and he's at 260 pounds now so he's at the right weight we want him to be.. in order to avoid the pass rush quicker... and as for miller.. wow i mean, talk about chemistry.. getting a miller jersey very soon hah!
#22
Posted by pat T, August 16, 2008 4:39 PM
Man the Raiders will always be hated, its a proven fact. But whatever...
I know that O'Neal should be able to hang on to the ball, but the O-line had something to do with it to. How does a safety get in our backfield so quickly. And Kushman you right he's suppose to prove himself, but as long as he learns from this & hangs on to the ball with both arms down by the goal line we should be good.
My real worry is who the hell is going to be returning kicks & punts for us. I honestly don't trust Higgins to do it, not yet at least. And i don't know if Branch will do a good job either.
Now what i was extremly impressed with was Dmac & im not talking about that 20+ yard run he had because he caught we caught the Titans sleeping on that one. Im talking about one of his first carries when Hayensworth & a couple of other Titan defenders had him wrapped up for a 4 or 5 yard loss, but Dmac kept his legs moving and picked up a yard or two. That was EXTREMLY IMPRESSIVE. Didn't his critics say he had "chicken legs"? And that he would go down at first contact. Haven't seen that yet, have we? Oh & what about hanging on to the ball? I also haven't seen a fumble yet from him in game action. We all know he's gonna cough it up a couple of times as a RB, but he has to know that defenders go for tackle & strip almost every play in the NFL. I think alot of the credit should go to the coaching(coach Ratham) in teaching him the correct way to hang on to the ball.
Our problems are false starts, backs recognizing & picking up blitzes, over persuing on running plays, hanging on to the ball, & last but definetley not least Javon Walker needs to start getting open and catching the ball. But the BEST part about our problems are that these are all fixable things.
By the way Miller left me speechless with some of the catches he made as well as the chemistry Kush was talking about with Russell, they seem to really trust eachother.
GO RAIDERS!!!
#23
Posted by rodmoney, August 16, 2008 5:33 PM
This is an indication of things to come. Our team is talented but we have coaches (2) that call the wrong calls for reasons (1. He wanted O'neal to score in front of his family who reside in Stuttgart, Arkansas which results in a fumble.) and of course you know about our D coordinator who always find a way to blow the game with bogus azz calls. Regardless 1st team or reserves calls like these will doom our organization. Lane has to coach to win as does Ryan but i believe one or both will be gone by season's end.
#24
Posted by Coach Elkins, August 16, 2008 6:59 PM
I am not going to comment on the obvious. For those of you who act with disrepect, you will be ignored. Consider yourself warned.
Coach Rob Ryan is much improved in his calling of the Defense this season.
I have noticed many different fronts. I have also noticed his ability to bring 5 guys and put some heat on the QB.
On the final drive last night, he brought a blitz two plays in a row, something the Raiders did not do enough last season. The nickle or dime corner was too far off his man in the slot and it allowed the Titans to get in range for a field goal. The DB need to understand the theory behind the blitz. If we as a team are forcing a quicker pass, we need to be playing the slot in a technique which allows for a better defense against it. So, Coach Ryan did his job, and he is getting the blame which should be placed on Kiffin. Kiffin is the Head Coach, it's always his fault, even when it's not. If he were a leader, he would not only realize this fact but would also be the first to say it.
Coach Ryan, I will look forward to working with you. Kiffin isn't going to be around too much longer
#25
Posted by pat. T, August 16, 2008 8:49 PM
Elkins while i do agree with certain things you said, I don't see how it can be Kiffin's fault what Ryan calls on defense. Ryan is the head coach of the defense, and Kiffin can't override what Ryan calls. Lets be serious Kiffin doesn't want nor like Rob Ryan & Ryan doesn't like Kiffin. Yes Ryan called a WHOLE LOT MORE BLITZES than he did last season which helped our defense. Which complements the speed of our defense very well. But what i can't seem to grasp is how we had the Titans on a 3rd & long and we still couldn't stop them. And on the play before the field goal i can't understand how you give the wide out so much room, no bump at the line. He ran at least 10 yds before Eugene was anywhere close to him. Oh! And Elkins you talk about Kiffin being a leader? its not like he called out Ryan out or said it was the defenses fault. First of all you CANNOT go into the redzone & come out with zero points in the regular season. So it wasn't just Ryan's fault or the defense it was the whole teams fault... And i think Kiffin knows that....
GO RAIDERS!!!
#26
Posted by Bill, August 16, 2008 10:05 PM
So Coach, your sayin your going to be the next coach of the Raiders? You said "Coach Ryan, I will look forward to working with you." LMFAO! I've known many people with delusions of grandur but you take the cake. Danm, I'm going to beable to laugh at that comment for a long time.
#28
Posted by LDizzle, August 17, 2008 12:58 AM
Caoch Elkins that "nickle or dime DB" was actually safety Hiram Eugene just so you know. And you talk of disrespect when all you seem to do in here is disrespect Kiffin at every possible turn. It is getting old and sounded like blatent hatred for reasons other than football long ago. You shouldn't be such a hypocrite. It just invalidates anything you may have to contribute.
#29
Posted by pat. T, August 17, 2008 1:47 AM
Did anyone else notice the leg on that kicker... I don't know but Seabass better watch out because this kids got a leg & is pretty accurate... You never know i doubt he would take Seabass's job, but hopefully he at least pushes him to improve & become more consistent...
GO RAIDERS!!!
#30
Posted by Coach Elkins, August 17, 2008 4:28 AM
Thanks for the info dizzle...I obviously wasn't aware Eugene was a safety...don't know what I must have been thinking...good thing there's people like you to keep people like me in check!
You're right, I am a hypocrite, I guess I'll just invalidate myself someplace else...
Is it okay if I just read the blogs and just not post anymore, you guys think that will be okay?
Weird, & I thought it might be a good idea to use my actual name, why would I do that?
Later experts
#31
Posted by Bill, August 17, 2008 8:23 AM
Coach, you use the same name on all the sports sites and talk the same crap about you being some big name coach. LOL
#32
Posted by Offensive Coordinator SpokaneOakfan, August 17, 2008 11:27 AM
So here is why Greg Knapp should be fired and I need to go in there tomorrow as the new Raiders OC:
He didn't run the option ONE TIME!!! On my Wii college football game, err, I mean on the big time college team that I currently am the OC for, we run the option successfully 73% of the time!
I look forward to meeting Al Davis and being hired immediately as the new OC. I know lots of stuff about football, I swear. Anyone who doesn't believe me will suffer forthwith from my lack of posts.
Or do I just sound like a jackass?
#33
Posted by Jon Yoon, August 17, 2008 1:41 PM
Coming from a Chiefs' fan, I know that this comment is going to get flamed big time. But here is my unbiased impression of your game:
-Your first team defense was outstanding. Granted, you have to take it with a grain of salt, because I'm not convinced Vince Young is a good passer even against an average defense, but that's a big victory for you guys
-McFadden is a game-breaker. I still don't think he was the best pick for the team, but he's definitely legit
-Not impressed at all with the receivers
-Defensive line was much better than I expected
-Offensive line wasn't a disaster, but Russell was running away from pressure more often than not. What surprised me most was Russell's ability to dodge pressure
Finally, my most controversial comment: I think Russell's performance was grossly overrated. It was encouraging for you guys to see him do well on his last drive and it shows what he is definitely capable of. But here's why I think Russell has a very long way to go: 1) he was not sharp at all outside that one drive; 2) he got into a really bad habit of hanging his receivers out to dry by throwing a useless 2-yard gain pass at a receiver who is about to get clocked by a defender--a 2-yard gain is not worth selling your receiver out; 3) while he went 10/17, a good chunk of those completions came on useless dump-offs to the RB that resulted in 0-2 yard gains. That makes your stat line look great, but it could also be a sign that he's having trouble making his reads. It's good that he's throwing to a dump-off guy instead of forcing it into a receiver that's not open, but he's going to have to be more consistent making downfield throws; 4) much like our own Brodie Croyle, Russell has to learn to start using some touch. He's got a real strong arm, which is all the more reason why he shouldn't be firing the ball at a receiver that's 5 yards away.
#34
Posted by LDizzle, August 17, 2008 5:41 PM
LMAO SpokaneOakfan. Your sarcasm is certainly not wasted. Well played sir...well played.
And "coach" elkins; I never said you didn't know that Eugene was a Safety, YOU did. I just pointed out who it was that was beaten on the play. And if you will notice I said you had something to contribute which, if you weren't so busy having a pity party, you might have noticed that. My advice was simply not to lace your comments with misplaced hatred or no one will care what you have to say. Much the same way as you take a grain of salt when reading anything that a Raider hater has to say because you are considering the source. Am I right?
John Yoon I agree with everything you said except I prefer to see Russell from the glass half full perspective. Sure he was not great but considering that he only attempted 5 passed last week, we needed to see if he could run the offense and we saw that. We needed to see if he could be composed and we saw that. And we needed to see if he could roll out of the pocket and away from pressure while he continued to look downfield for receivers and we saw that. So for the 2nd preseason game of his career, what he accomplished cannot be "overrated". He is coming along better than some great QBs had at this point and he sure as hell looked better than Captain Wonderlic. We all will look for further improvement next week against the Cards.
#35
Posted by Anthony, August 18, 2008 12:53 AM
Jon Yoon:
"3) while he went 10/17, a good chunk of those completions came on useless dump-offs to the RB that resulted in 0-2 yard gains. That makes your stat line look great, but it could also be a sign that he’s having trouble making his reads. It’s good that he’s throwing to a dump-off guy instead of forcing it into a receiver that’s not open, but he’s going to have to be more consistent making downfield throws;"
I'll quote you in response:
"-Not impressed at all with the receivers"
This is not to say that Russell was OMFG SOOO GOOD -- he wasn't. He had a brilliant drive and was otherwise adequate. What's exciting is to see that his ability to read IS improving, and he's gone from doing everything he possibly could incorrectly (against Jacksonville) to learning how to get something out of nothing -- or even what may be the harder lesson to learn, to get nothing out of nothing -- just don't make it worse (Higgins, you dumbass).
Russell is not the world-beater some here are making him out to be. But he's learning how to play without making too many mistakes, which is all he needs to do to win some games.
#36
Posted by pat. T, August 18, 2008 3:27 PM
Im just glad to see Russell get rid of the ball for 2 or 3 yard completions, instead of forcing balls where they shouldn't be... What's impressed me about him is that, the fact he hasn't thrown any balls(that i've seen) that was anywhere close to being picked off... Because with what our defense & running game has showed he wont have to neccesairly win games he'll just have to "manage the game" & not make stupid mistakes...
GO RAIDERS!!!
#37
Posted by Umer Waris, August 19, 2008 1:07 AM
Jon yoon,
L dizzle does well to convey what I also thought of your comments regarding Russell.
The way the guy zipped the ball to Miller in between two DBs was enough to make my day!
I think u still believe that Dorsey would have been a better pick and a major upgrade for our run defense. Well lets just see it from the Titans perspective. The team finished in the top 5 rushing in the league and as far as I saw, the defense did a good job at holding them to a minimal amount after they trampled the Rams the week before with the same run game. Actually the Raiders also happened to out run the Titans as well. No offense since u drafted the guy but the Raiders did that all without Dorsey.
The o line was far from a disaster, my friend. I believe disaster shouldnt even be in a sentence portraying the way the O line handled itself against the Titans! Haynseworth, Kearse and Bosch not laying Russell in the turf was a great feat for the O line that was a mess just 2 years ago.
Did anyone see Harris?
Now thats the Cable magic that we were all reffering to. Bosch didnt seem much of threat after the way Kwame Harris blocked him all day!
Just looking for ways to spur more optimism here in the reply column!
#38
Posted by Jon Y, August 19, 2008 4:18 PM
Umer Waris, as I said, the o-line wasn't a disaster, but they weren't great. Jamarcus surprised me by how well he moved around in the pocket, but the fact is that the pass rush was forcing him to move around on almost every down.
Jamarcus passed the test of proving he can dodge pressure. The major challenge he now faces is whether he can do the same kind of things when defenses stop playing vanilla and start throwing some blitzes in his direction. He can escape DEs, but will he pick up a LB that he wasn't expecting to come in? That's the $5 million question to ask.
#39
Posted by pat. T, August 19, 2008 5:14 PM
Well lets not get to ahead of ourselves... This was only our first real test of the season... But i do agree with Jon the o-line didn't do awful but they weren't great... Our real problem is that our backs are gonna have to pick up the blitzes & Jamarcus is going to have to recognize blitzes & audible into a different play or let the o-line where the blitz is coming from...
GO RAIDERS!!!
#40
Posted by Jon Y, August 20, 2008 5:14 PM
Yeah, Pat T. You nailed it. It's not to say Jamarcus can't do it. But he's going to have to and it'll be arguably the most important indicator of how well he'll eventually develop. Might be the single biggest reason why Joey Harrington struggled to develop--could never see the blitzes coming.
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