09-10-10 10:56pm pac                                                                                      

                                                                                          TE Zach Miller

They don’t know.

And that makes them a little un easy.

They’ve snickered, laughed and made jokes all these long miserable years and some of them still are, but not as loud.

And not this Sunday.

Oh yes, we’ve been burned before.

The Bed and Breakfast offense.

The #1 over all draft pick Jawhozits Whatshisface.

"I’m In" with Lance Kiffin.

Hope sprang eternal in Raider land but now, poised on the beginning of a new season, it is time.

Time at last.

We think...

All these years detractors have lamented Oaklands D, when in reality, the offense was as, if not more responsible for the decline of the House that Al Built.

Without points on the board or sustained drives, Oaklands defense suffered lapses after spending too much time on the field.

This year that could change.

The O line is still a question mark but QB Jason Campbell can make the line better with his mobility and by getting rid of the ball.

New Offensive Coordinator Hue Jackson will help the line too with play calling, designed roll outs and a hybrid straight line power blocking scheme mixed with elements of the ZBS.

Theres new blood on the field and in the administration and this pre season we caught a small glimpse of things to come.

Under Jackson this we saw something we haven’t seen in ages.

Screen passes.

Not only screen passes but perfectly executed screen passes. The kind of screens that open doors for "Raider speed". The kind of speed out in space that made Darren McFadden a Razorback legend. The kind of screens that send 240 lb backs with 4.4 speed like Michael Bush and Marcel Reece rumbling at full gallop into reluctant secondaries.

Not only are there screen passes, there are completions down field to TE Zach Miller and why yes, even a wide receiver or two.

Granted the Raiders have question marks in many areas with wide out being one of them but players like Louis Murphy, Johnnie Lee Higgins and Darrius Heyward Bey are one year better after being forged in the white hot media spotlight and the fires of adversity.

They may not make every play and they may put a ball or two on the ground before its all over with but they will do something Raider wides in recent years haven’t and thats go and get the ball.

A hybrid O line with out fixed player positions led by a 6-8 rookie center is a big unknown but if they can break open running lanes through the Titans young and injured defense they can go a long way toward keeping the Leagues leading rusher useless on the bench.

Oakland has worked hard all off season to shed the complacency that some players brought to the table.

They purged themselves of coasters and also rans.

They’ve added veteran depth and drafted some very talented up and coming players who shun the spot light and are actually eager to play football.

They’ve added coaches and coordinators and an attitude that says they make their fate.

They make their destiny.

This is a different Raiders team.

There are questions on offense but this year, heart isn’t one of them.

On Sunday, the Silver and Black is going to show the world what we already know.

This time, its for real.

09-06-10 4:06 pm pac                       

         
Photo Eric Risberg / AP

                                                                                  McClain w/ LB Coach Greg Biekert 

While the rest of the country had the day off the Raiders were on the practice field "grinding it out" to quote DE/DT Lamarr Houston. 

RB Michael Bush went through most of the drills today in full pads which was encouraging. He also had a smaller wrap around his broken left thumb, but that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be a go for Oaklands opener at Tennessee.

The Raiders will face the Titans with some veterans like Robert Gallery and Richard Seymour but alot may ride on the success of two of its youngest and inexperienced players.

Rookie MLB Rolando McClain spoke with media types today. Though he's played maybe a little more than one game of football total this pre season some are already wanting to disparage because he's avoided not only media but fans as well.

A few big runs by opponents have some wondering too if the rookie can make the difference in Oaklands porous run D.

Though he sounded eerily like former Raider QB JaWho's his face when he said " “I can’t really get too high or too low about a lot of things. I’ve got to keep my composure." thats where the similarities end.

McClain's been studying hard this off season and prepping for the Titans who feature of course 2,000 yd rusher Chris Johnson.

It will be the first true test of not only McClain but of Raider resolve.

Truth be told a few big plays or long runs won't sink this team like they have in recent memory if the offense can actually put up points this season.

Raider QB Jason Campbell seems like the Leader this offense has lacked but it will be up to the O line to make it happen.

Rookie Jared Veldheer will take the reigns from under performing center Samson Satele on opening night.

Though its a big leap from a Division II school to the NFL, the versatile 6-8, 315 lb Veldheer has played all over the line this pre season and done very well.

Live fire against the Titans will be the true test.

Depth and talent along the O line is a concern with T Langston Walker experiencing back pains toward the end of pre season, right tackle is still a question mark as is the viability of right guard and 11 yr vet Cooper Carlisle.

All in all, there is a lot of work to be done between now and September 12th but one thing is clear, Raider rookies on both sides of the ball are working and studying hard to do their part in ensuring an Oakland victory.

09-04-10 2:41 pm pac

                                                                                                                          DMC

QUARTERBACKS

Campbell's the man and should be but it is comforting to have a proven back up like Gradkowski. especially behind the Raiders questionable O.

QB Jason Campbell, QB2 Bruce Gradkowski, QB3 Kyle Boller.

RUNNING BACKS

We reported here first Bush could be out 4-6 weeks and that Rock and Bennett could make the team as a result. McFadden will be forced to step up and really, its past time.

RB Michael Bush, RB Darren McFadden, RB/FB/KR Rock Cartwright, RB Michael Bennett, FB/H-Back/TE/ WR Marcel Reece.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Huge question marks and this could be an area where some changes occur and where the Raiders may trim a player in order to make the final 53. FB Luke Lawton doesn't count yet because of his suspension but the Raiders are still heavy one man.

Whether Chaz can ever play is a factor along with no clear kick or punt returner and that likely why erratic Yamn Figurs could be still here.

WR Chaz Schilens, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR Louis Murphy, WR Jacoby Ford, WR Johnnie Lee Higgins, WR/KR Nick Miller, WR/KRYamon Figurs.

TIGHT ENDS

Oakland decided to roll with an additional lineman instead of a 3rd TE as part of their "more beef" campaign. Miller's legit and Myer's could be a hit. He's shown flashes.

TE Zach Miller, TE Brandon Myers.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

There are ten offensive linemen which means one of them may be dropped to make the final 53. Pears would be my pick but apparently Oaklands going to use him in jumbo and short yardage packages....if he can keep from drawing too much yellow.

Loper's the wild card and some one we picked out early but he's inconsistent and disappears for games at a time.

T Mario Henderson, G Robert Gallery, C/T Jared Veldheer, G Cooper Carlisle, T Langston Walker, T/G Khalif Barnes, C Samson Satele, G Daniel Loper, T/FB Erik Pears, T/G Bruce Campbell.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN

There are seven  listed on the roster so one of them could be gone too depending on the prognosis of DT Desmond Bryant's hyper extended elbow.

Henderson could be the one to get the axe. The vet didn't show lot theis pre.

DE Matt Shaughnessy, DE/DT Richard Seymour, DT Tommy Kelly, DE/DT Lamarr Houston, DT John Henderson, DT Desmond Bryant, DE Trevor Scott,

LINEBACKERS

Groves showed much of nothing this off season. May be he will in the regs. 

LB/DE Kamerion Wimbley, MLB Rolando McClain, WLB Thomas Howard, MLB/SLB Ricky Brown, LB Travis Goethel, LB/DEQuentin Groves, LB Sam Williams.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

Oakland "secondary first" defensive blue print means they have ten DBs vying for contention but with this many this is another area that could lose a player to make the final 53.

Some say its Huff in his contract year, some have written off Chris Johnson after Seattle gained 120 yds on 4 passes against him but don't count Johnson out yet.

Hiram Eugene could be the odd man out.

CB Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Chris Johnson, S Tyvon Branch, S Michael Huff, S Mike Mitchell, CB Walter McFadden, CB Jeremy Ware, CB Stanford Routt, S Stevie Brown, S Hiram Eugene.

SPECIAL TEAMS

These three are among and may possibly actually be the Leagues elite at their positions.

Shane Lechler, Sebastian Janikowski, Jon Condo (LS)

Oaklands got a few more tweaks to make and don't count out an Al Davis wild card move to bring in a surprise 11th hour player like he did with Seymour.

The Raiders have more than one position that could use shoring, but there you have it folks, your 2010 Oakland Raiders.

09-02-10 11:18:am pac

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                     RB Michael Bennett
 

Several players and several postitions remain up in the air tonight as the Seahawks come to town.

RB

With the injury to Michael Bush's left thumb both veteran running backs Rock Cartwright and Michael Bennett may make the team saving Oakland the trouble of needing to decide between the more versatile Cartwright (RB, FB, ST) and the better pure runner in Bennett.

FB

Alex Daniels had buzz before we actually saw the converted DE play but with Daniels shot at FB a failure and with Chane Moline released Monday the clear stand out has been recently married practice squad graduate Marcel Reece.

The former Huskies WR has the hands the Raiders want and has made progress in the all important blocking category. Tonight may be the decider on whether full back hopeful Manase Tonga can get healthy enough to last a season. He's the best pure FB, but is struggling with a sore knee.

QB

Matt Leinart will be...oh wait.

Grads and Boller have been in a legitmate battle for the #2 slot so barring the unforseen Colt Brennan will likely find a place with the practice squad if Oakland deems him worthy. Alot of that could depend on whether he gets time tonight. At the least, tomight could give him some audition footage for a bid with the UFL.

WR

The oft injured Paul Hubbard fell to Mondays cuts but a bigger name is rumored to be under the blade and thats alledged WR/KR Johhnie Lee Higgins who's been tagged by some disparaging bloggers as JLH or "Jennifer Love Hewitt" for his apparently gun shy approach to the return game.

Whispers or no, he's the one in danger of becoming a ghost.

TE

Zach Miller and 2nd yr man Brandon Myers are a lock. Camp fodder Eric Butler was dumped to make the required 75 by the deadline but the surprise (to some) release of veteran Tony Stewart raised eyebrows.

It will be interesting to see how this postion shakes out.

9 yr vet John Owens is till on the roster but whether Oakland keeps him or stays with only 2 TEs to keep more linemen could mean the death knell of Oaklands supposed but rarely materialized love of 2 TE sets.

Awful Tackle Eric Pears has been the "TE" on some successful jumbo packages but this off season he's been worse than bad.

T

Eric Pears may make the squad as a tackle eligible in the aforementioned jumbo pack but should not. He's clearly been the very worst in a pretty awful O line and not by a little bit.

6-8 360 lb Langston Walker has been getting most of the reps at RT but a nagging back injury could see him a surprise dump depending on how bad it may be.

 When you're that big and the main requirement of your job is bending and stooping...

As bad as Oaklands O line has looked Khalif Barnes may squeak by and make the team. He really shouldn't based on his lack of performance.

Alot depends on the condition of Langston.

G

6 yr vet Daniel Loper looked really good against Dallas and then fell off the map. He's not much of a pass blocker either.

1st yr man Brandon Rodd's likely a goner. Maybe makes the pracitice squad just because they haven't seen enough of him in development and frankly they don't have alot of choices.

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                                                         G Bruce Campbell

Cooper Carlisle is several years past his prime and should be dropped but Oakland doesn't have a clear replacement. This years 4th round pick Bruce Campbell is simply not ready.

Wonder if Al hits us with a surprise signing just before the season like he did last year. Maybe a deal with the Pats for disgruntled G Logan Mankins...

C

Samson Satele is the likely starter this year but in reality his play should see him dumped. He gets QB's killed over and over and over but with back up Jared Veldheer a promising but inexperienced rookie and never was veteran G/C Chris Morris playing like hell this off season, Oakland doesn't have much choice and its Satele by default.

That does it for the O.

Yaweh and Yahoo permitting, we'll do the D next...

08-30-10 11:57 am pac                              
Photo Ben Margot / AP

                                                                                                                     QB Jason Campbell 

Good news for Raider fans as Oakland took the field for todays practice.

QB Jason Campbell looked fine throwing passes and basically doing everything the other QBs were doing.

Results from Campbell's MRI haven't been made public but its a safe bet they came back negative if he's on the field and participating.

Though he appears to be all right, don't expect him to play against the Seahawks this Thursday. That was never the plan.

RB Micahel Bush will have a procedure done to his thumb and depending on how that goes he could be back in time for Oaklands season opener at Tennessee.

Raider officials say he may not even need a cast for the broken digit.

As expected Bush was not on the field this morning nor was WR Chaz Schilens who's recovering from having his right knee scoped.

The prognosis is not as good for him. He may miss 3 to 6 weeks.

DT Desmond Bryant has had an very good pre season but missed todays practice after suffering a hyper extended elbow late in the 2nd quarter of Saturdays match up with the 49ers.

The good news, DT Richard Seymour was back on the feild after sitting out with a bothersome tricep.

Perhaps sensing his job on the line center Samson Satele was back today as well after recovering from an ankle injury.

Satele's absence and poor performance left the door open for rookie Jared Veldheer who played well in his first start at the postion vs San Francisco.

Good news today for the secondary too.

CB Chris Johnson made an apperance after sitting for weeks with a dicey hamstring. Before the injury he clearly had the best camp of any Raider DB.

All for now, back soon...

08-28-10 9:38 pm pac                                

Photo Paul Sakuma / AP

                                                                                                           RB Michael Bush

QB Jason Campbell was knocked out of this one after LT Mario Henderson let blitzing LB Travis LaBoy blind side him.

Campbell laid on the turf for an eternity as the emergency crews got first one cart and then another. Finally Campbell got to his feet and made his way off the field.

Diagnosed with a stinger Campbell returned to the sidelines later in the game but Oaklands offensive line is still after all these years a reason for concern.

Campbell was 6 of 8 for 93 yds before his injury.

Besides being un able to protect their 1st string QB they were unable to punch holes for their running backs who gained a paultry 55 yds on the night.

Darren McFadden's long awaited pre season debut garnered 7 rushes for 9 yds including a 9 yard run.

Bright spots included center Jared Veldheer who played well in his first NFL start at center and back up QB Bruce Gradkowski who was 14-22 for 202 yds and 2 TDs. 

Gradkowski's numbers would've been better had 3rd string scrubs not dropped his last 3 passes as he attempted a valiant 2 minute drill at the end of the game.

The Raiders appear to still have serious problems defending the run giving up vast chunks of real estate but it is pre season and they're still fine tuning.

The offensive line struggled too and will get some help by subtracting the truly awful Eric Pears who continues week in and week out to draw stupid penalties and blow plays.

C Chris Morris has been nearly as bad.

On the bright side WR Darrius Heyward Bey made several impressive grabs coming away with 3 catches for 46 yds but dropped an easy one too.

Raiders rushed to WR Louis Murphy's defense when refs were late with a whistle after a sucessful completion. Of course the penalty for roughing went against them and T Mario Henderson was flagged for 15 yds.

2 plays later Murphy got his revenge with a 74 yd TD catch from Gradkowski.

Oakland went into tonights match up with an evaluation mindset and not a win at all costs game plan and should be able to make some roster cuts pretty easily.

Those old enough to know saw a Raider throw back game featuring high drama, poor ref calls, stupid penalties and exciting scoring plays.

It ain't easy being a fan of the Silver and Black.

Oakland had a chance to win it but its scrubs let them down late as San Fran marched on a 16 play drive for a TD and an insulting 2 point conversion to seal the deal.

49ers 28 Raiders 24.

More to follow if our computers hold up or don't get smashed into bits. Ever see Office Space?...*sigh* 

08-28-10 11:11 am pac                    

Photo Greg Trott / Getty Images                                                                       RB Darren McFadden

In some ways the 9ers and the Raiders are very similar.

Both have QBs who've struggled under multiple offensive coordinators and have yet to prove themselves, both have rookies and quetions on their O lines and both have what look like pretty good defenses.

We'll find out more about where both up and coming teams stand after tonights game in Oakland which starts at 6pm pacific.

What to watch for...

The running game is going to be worth keeping and eye on.

The 9ers have young players and rookies on their O line including 6-5 331 lb G Mike Iupati and and 6-5 323 lb T Anthony Davis on the right side.

They'll be trying to spring RB Frank Gore and co past a Raiders D that has yet to prove its mettle against the run.

This will be Gore's 1st action of the pre season.

It will also likely be the debut of former Eagle phenom Brian Westbrook who could still be a threat out of the back field or in the slot.

Oaklands ground game has struggled at times this off season and it will mark the 2010 debut of RB Darren McFadden fresh off a hamstring issue suffered during camp.

Michael Bush has looked good, but despite his claims of hill climbing cardio work outs in the off season, he still seems a little out of breath at times.

If McFadden can't do more to lighten the load Bush may not be able to carry the O.

Oaklands O line will have rookie lineman Jared Veldheer starting at center for the first time in his career.

Under rated DT Aubrayo Franklin looked like he might miss the game but signed his contract yesterday and could make the field.

No pressure there...

RT Langston Walker has had back pain this week and we could see a rotation on his side. T Eric Pears has been horrible. The other candidate at RT is Khalif Barnes and he hasn't been much better.

The 9ers will have 2nd yr WR Michael Crabtree tonight for the first time this year as well.

He and Raiders WR Darrius Heyward Bey could be inextricably linked thanks to their draft order, Crabtree's diva tantrum hold out for more money and Beys woeful under production last year but the fact is if Bey sees time and fails to make plays and Crabtree does, it will give haters fodder.

We'll have to see if the Raiders can generate a pass rush like they have in the last two games.

If they can rattle QB Alex Smith expect some sacks and or interceptions by the Raider D.

Thats of course contingent on Oakland stopping their run game.

The 9ers have an established super star in MLB Patrick Willis and the Raiders have a highly touted rookie who's looking for a break out game.

Rolando McClain may not find it against San Fran but it would be nice to hear his name called and see him make some big hits.

Head Coach Tom Cable has already said tonights game will be geared more toward evalution than to aquire a win, but a W against a tough opponent would go a long way.

Even if they don't win on the scoreboard they could still win if key players do well.

Plenty to watch for in tonights game.

08-21-10 9:01 pm pac                     

Photo Jed Jacobsen / AP

                                                                                              Raiders dominated the Bears 

It was beautiful night in Chicago...       

Raiders won the toss but RG Robert Gallery drew a holding flag on 2^nd and 9 that put them in a hole right away but a 24 yd screen pass to Michael Bush was a thing a beauty and gave the visiting Raiders new life.

Oakland WRs stepped up with Johnnie Lee Higgins snagging an 18 yarder over the middle to keep the drive alive.

WR Louis Murphy took a big hit but held on for a 27 yd gain that took the Raiders to the Bears 2 yd line.

Despite running a jumbo package with Tackle Eric Pears reporting eligible and 6-2 264 lb FB Alex Daniels blocking DE Julius Peppers stuffed Oaklands first two running plays on the goal line.

QB Jason Campbell took the initiative and plunged into the end zone to give the Raiders a TD on their opening drive.

QB Jay Cutler bit the turf twice in a row the first time for a 10 yd loss by DT Tommy Kelly who displayed unusual power, throwing the Bears guard out of the way and sprinting in with terrifying speed for the sack.

Cutler dusted himself off only to be thrown for a 12 yd loss by blitzing DE/LB Kamerion Wimbley.

"Cry Havoc and let slip the Dogs of War."

The Raiders pass rush looked devastating...

After a great looking 15 yd dash off of right tackle the Raiders offense stalled out on its 2^nd drive but K Sebastian Janikowski.

The Raiders made the stop on Chicago after RB Mike Forte gouged the Raider D for 20 yds on back to back plays but Oakland stopped them and they had to punt.

PR/WR Yamon Figurs was interfered with but refs didn’t call it.

WR Louis Murphy had a great catch over the Bears nickle back and then FB Marcel Reece picked up 49 yds on another perfect screen. LT Jared Veldheer with a great block to spring him.

Jason Campbell got hit as he threw on the next drive and was picked off by the Bears.

On the next play rookie MLB Rolando McClain over ran the play and Chicago Rb Matt Forte ran for 89 yds and a Bear TD.

They missed the extra point.

End of 1^st quarter...

2nd Quarter

The Raiders held off a Bears drive that featured some big plays by WR Devin Hester and stopped a 4^th down conversion attempt by Chicago.

The Raiders went 3 and out and on Chicago’s next drive DE/LB Kam Wimbley sacked Jay Cutler again.

QB Jason Campbell was slow to get up after being blasted by a Bears blitz and was 0 for 5 on pass attempts but used his legs to get himself out of trouble and completed a 14 yd pass to Murphy to give the Raiders their 2^nd 3^rd down conversion of the drive but on their 3rd 3^rd down attempt Murphy had a pass go right through his hands.

Campbell looks really mobile.

Unfortunately, he’s had to be.

Rookie Jared Veldheer rotated in and out with LT Mario Henderson and played very well.

Stanford Routt has played well covering speedy WR Devin Hester.

Kam Wimbley and Trevor Scott applied massive pressure to shut down the Bears next drive.

Wimbley played out of his mind.

TE Zach Miller caught a 4 yd pass and was immediately hit but broke a tackle and gained 13 yds drawing a comparison to Raider TE Legend Dave Casper.

Center Samson Satele went down with an apparent ankle injury. C/G Chris Morris came in and immediately fired an unexpected hike that Campbell couldn’t hold on to.

Raiders need a center. Lets hope Veldheer can get it down in time for the regular season.

Morris may not make the cut in September.

Rookie CB Walter McFadden made a great play to set up a 4^th down but the Bear4 WR Johhny Knox broke free in the end zone and scored a TD against the Raider D.

After missing an extra point in the 1^st quarter the Bears went for 2 and glided in untouched to end the 2^nd quarter.

Chicago was able to turn Raider miscues into points but aside from 2 big plays they were minus 30 yards offense.

After a time out DE Julius Peppers beat LT Jared Veldheer and sacked QB Jason Campbell who fumbled but it was recovered by Gallery.

G Cooper Carlisle was flagged for a chop block but the Bears declined.

The Bears got the ball back and DE/LB Kam Wimbley sacked Cutler once on the drive and then again to end the half, his 4th sack of the game.

Big plays killed the Raiders.

That sounds eerily familiar.

3rd Quarter

6th rnd QB Dan LeFevour came in for the Bears and tried to move the offense but a pentaly set them back.

QB Kyle Boller came in for Oakland but a penalty on Tackle Eric Pears saw them punt the ball away.

The Bears muffed the punt and safety Mike Mitchell recovered it in the end zone for a Raider TD.

The Bears went 3 and out. On the next drive rookie WR Jacoby Ford caught his first pass in the NFL, a 10 yd stop route over the middle, but on 3rd and 10 Boller was sacked and Oakland was forced to punt it away again.

A Thomas Howard sack set Chicago back and they were forced to punt as well.

Boller then launched a 10 play drive featuring RB Michael Bennett and culminated in a Kyle Boller dive into the end zone from the 2 yard line.

4th Quarter

LeFevour engineered a nice drive that led to a Chicago field goal.

After a short completion to 2nd yr TE Brandon Myers the Raiders went 2 and out.

On the Bears next possession 7th rnd safety Stevie Brown snagged an interception that led to a Swayze Waters field goal.

Brown has looked good so far this pre season.

Quentin Groves put pressure on LeFevour and that led to a blocked punt by LB Slade Norris that dribbled out of the end zone for a Raider safety.

RB Michael Bennett broke a long run right up the gut for 44 yds.

A pass interference penalty set the Raiders up at the Bears 16 yd line at the 2 minute warning.

QB Colt Brennan looked good on a designed roll out and pass to FB hopeful Chane Moline to set them up at the 4 yd line as the clock ran out.

Raiders win 32 -17.

An awesome night to be silver and black.

Oakland came out with 2 sloppy penalties but recovered quickly. They were strong and looked good with a devastating pass rush, but lost focus in the 2nd quarter. but their 2nd and 3rd string players looked good again showing the Raiders have some pretty good depth this year.

If cuts were today, Michael Bennett would be our 3rd RB.

Jason Campbell looked good tonight but took way too much pressure and was beaten up by Bear defenders.

Campbell's got the legs to get out of trouble but if Oakland doesn't shore its line, he'll never make it through the season.

The Raiders looks like they could dominate in pass rush. They were truly spectacular last week and tonight.

DT/DE Lamarr Houston was negated but in doing so his team mates ran wild.

Just wait till Richard Seymour joins them.

Raiders WIN...

10-12-10 9:12 pm pac                                   

Raider O line woes looked like they were still in place as Oakland went 3 and out on back to back series to start the game.

On the 2nd series Langston Walker helped remind us why we let him go once already. On 3rd and 4 he got flagged for the false start.

Dallas put together a 12 play opening drive that saw completions of 18 and 24 yds for the Cowboys but also saw rookie DE/DT Lamarr Houston sack one of the games most elusive QBs Tony Romo, twice.

LB/DE Trevor Scott applied pressure of his own just out side the red zone and caused a drive killing Tony Romo fumble that led to a Dallas field goal.

Oakland took over again and Campbell struggled to get anything completed other than simple dump offs. Louis Murphy was the target of at least 3 passes, all incomplete.

In fact, Campbell failed to complete a pass to a WR in the 1st quarter.

After getting clobbered in the 1st quarter Romo stepped out and back up vet John Kitna took his place in the line of fire.

He was promptly sacked by DE Matt Shaughnessy.

Oakland isn't the only team with O line problems, but truth be told the Raider D was hungry.

Tyvon Branch said in an interview with us this off season the front 4 would bring pressure and boy did they...

After a time out, Dallas went for it on 4th and 1 on Oaklands 13 yd line.

QB John Kitna tried dumping it to FB Derrick Anderson who was stopped him for no gain, giving the Raiders back the ball and the momentum as the half closed.

Dallas and John Kitna completed 2 more long passes in an 8 play drive that culminated in another field goal as the 3rd quarter began.

Perhaps unhappy with the lack of progress in the 1st half Oakland kept Jason Campbell in but 2 incompletions to WR Yamon Figurs saw them with another 3 and out.

After Dallas and back up QB Stephen McGee repeated the favor, 3rd string hopeful Kyle Boller found WR Johnnie Lee Higgins several times and then scrambled Oakland into scoring postion as the 3rd quarter ended.

Back up kicker Swayze (yes, Swayze) Waters donked one wide left to start the 4th quarter.

Still Dallas 6 Oakland 0.

Dallas went 3 and out but WR Shawn Bodiford shot his foot off and fumbled away the punt return opportunity which gave the Cowboys their next field goal.

9 to nothing.

Likeable vet Rock Cartwright took a Kyle Boller screen pass 20 yds but Michael Bennett continued to trump him this time busting through the O line for 14.

After 2 misfires Kyle Boller found Yamon Figurs for 18 on a 3rd and 10, then again on 2nd and 5 to get to the Dallas 16 and then Chris Morris drew a flag for a false start and seemingly stalled the drive, but Boller would notbe denied picking up a 4th and one with the dive and then finding WR Nick Miller in the back of the end zone for an Oakland TD.

The score was challenged but Oakland won and the TD was upheld(!)

Dallas obliged with a 3 and out giving Michael Bennett the opportunity to showcase the fact the 10 yr vet is still a legitimate threat by taking a Kyle Boller screen 33 yds to the Cowboy 18, leading to a Janikowski field goal.

10-9 Raiders.

On the next Dallas drive McGee tossed an interception to CB Jerome Boyd who sprinted 48 yds for the touchdown.

17-9 Raiders.

Dallas mounted one last drive but DB Stevie Brown intercepted the wing and prayer at the Raider goal line to end the game.

Raiders win baby.

We'll have a full after action report and performance break down tomorrow.

Until then enjoy the sweet, sweet taste of victory...

08-12-10 1:57pm pac                                                 

Photo Tony Gonzales

                                                                                                             QB Colt Brennan

Of course its pre season so we can't expect the Raiders or any team to show their hand this early, but what we'd like to see is...

QB Jason Campbell throw the deep ball.

It would be nice to see him connect in the vertical game, but Raider fans are really looking just to see an improvement over Jamarcus whats his face.

Reports have it potential #3 QB Charlie Frye is an Al Davis favorite, but with a wrist sore from "over use" his NFL days may be numbered and incumbent Colt Brennan could be a dark horse to make the team if he shows well tonight and through out pre season.

The O line.

Given that the Raiders are likely going hybrid even with the O line "starting" really doesn't mean what it traditionally has but who ever does start "1st team" better protect the QB and punch holes for running backs.

The Running Backs.

Darren McFadden is nursing a hammy and Michael Bush is already a lock so the question is, who'll be the critical #3?

Former Redskin RB Rock Cartwright is more versatile than challenger Michael Bennett, but don't count Bennett out. He's a better runner and may still have the burst of speed Al Davis craves.

The Full Backs

Again with the hybrid theory and with injuries we may get to see 6-4, 260 lb converted DE Alex Daniels, but if he's good as they think he can be they may just wait to spring their surprise.

We'll have to see.

This position is wide open and will be determined by games like tonights.

Speaking of DEs...

Don't expect DE/DT Lamarr Houston to start all night but do expect to hear his name called more than once.

The LBs

Again Oakland may not show its hand all together in pre season, but we should see some of its hybrid LB/DEs in tonights game. A solid tackle by Rolando McClain might be nice too...

DBs

Rookie Walter McFadden has been a pleasant surprise thus far in camp and could provide a rotation and critical back up as the season wears on.

Another rookie DB Michigan's Stevie Brown turned heads at camp too.

Special Teams

Oakland struggled last year. It would be comforting to see them excel and for a return man to step up.

These are just some of the many things to watch for in tonights season opener against the Cowboys.

We'll have a full write up on how our team faired after tonights game.