What I Liked About The Raiders Pre-Season Opener.

The games have begun.

I know it's only preseason, but I love to see the off season moves start to pay off. I just can't wait to see the Silver and Black take the field during this 50th anniversary.

But don't get too excited though.

This is the time where you get hooked on that one player who did so well, that you draft him in your fantasy leagues. You pin your hopes on a strong outing by a vet who has the game of his life against third string talent. You look for some hope that this team is a Super Bowl contender in August.

Keep all this in mind when you read the following:

1) Chaz Schilens is going to be the best late round pick since Tom Brady. Yeah, I said it.

The catches he made against the Cowboys were good enough to make highlight reels on ESPN. He fought hard for every yard throughout the game; but alas, he broke his foot and will be out 6 to 8 weeks. That's life for a Raiders fan for you.

2) Why didn't any team draft Nick Miller?

His circus catch in the third quarter of last week's game made the NFL Network's Top 10 plays.

He did everything you teach the kids about catching. He makes sure his arms are under the ball and he dives. Too bad he's only 5'9 and 180 pounds soaking wet. He's more of a special teams type player than a receiver. Let's hope he can have an impact anywhere he plays.

3) The Raider D looked good against the first string Dallas offense.

I know Dallas is looking for answers for T.O., but Oakland still went three and out in the first series. The Raiders stopped the run in the first two series while the starters were out there. They looked very good for at least one night.

4) JaMarcus Russell was accurate and didn't turn the ball over.

Russell looked like he is already improving under new Offensive Coordinator, Paul Hackett. The controversial drafting of Darius Heywood Bay isn't being looked upon so negatively anymore. Bey has breakaway speed and should be a great weapon for Russell.

I was also very impressed with Louis Murphy's performance. These two might be able to make this gang of misfit receivers something special before its all said and done.

As I sat down to write this, I do have my sorrows though.

I always felt that Tom Cable would be the next coach to lead us back to the top of the AFC West. But the outlandish behavior of the Raider Head Coach, who could be charged with felony assault, has taken this team back a few yards.

This was not put up with when Romanowski beat a practice squad player and broke his jaw. Why is it being tolerated now?

I don't know what happened, but what I do know is right when the ship starts to get some wind in it's sails, some idiot sets the sail on fire.

Well, I guess I'll look forward to Sunday when we take the field against Bay Area rival, San Francisco 49ers.

In the meantime, the Raiders will need to establish a new threat at wide out to replace Schilens. They will still need to prove they can stop the run. But most of all, Tom Cable needs to get some of his dignity back.