Raiders-49ers: Oaklands' First One Is Done, Now What Do They Know?

Well, the first game is done, and yes, I know it doesn't mean anything in the standings, but it sure felt good.

Oakland, playing in front of a healthy crowd, waited to test some of their new additions—some, shorter than we'd have liked, but hey, keep 'em healthy, right?

One thing that was interesting was Russell's timing. Usually, you prefer the QB to hit your Wide Receivers on the fly, not ask them to back up, turn around, and commit to being hit on a catch. There were a couple of episodes where a catch would be missed either by bad timing or a finger issue.

We also saw the first arrival of McFadden...no surprise, no fumbles...and a good clean average of four yards per carry on 12 runs for 48 yards. It was a short night, he needed a break.

I did hear that Drew Carter hyperextended his knee, but from the feedback, it's nothing serious. Still sounds painful.

The highlight that was the most enjoyable was Higgins making a slant pattern, then breaking to the side to get around the punter for a TD in the first half...You think he just saved his job for the season?

Michael Bush, it was good to see you make a hole. Line up on the play, and punch. No one's going to stop you without help...and even then, maybe not.

Do have to give props to the defense for a goal-line stand shortly before the half. If they get in, it's tied up. Keeping them out forced a field goal.

A few other plays to mention. One was from a fella called Louis Rankin. This little speed demon made a highlight, breaking loose for 72 yards. The only thing that was a downer was that he didn't get to pay dirt due to a horse-collar tackle. The team got close, then had to settle for a short-yardage kick.

Another play that surprised more than a few was a good run by Tui in the fourth quarter. Faking a handoff, the 49ers flooded over to the one side, while Tui's nearest pursuer wasn't around, until Tui slid down 31-yards later.

And for the numbers, the Raiders also got four takeaways—2 INTs, 2 fumbles recovered—while having no giveaways.

For the numbers, the Raiders didn't pass very much, a total of 98 yards in the air...but on the ground, they netted 248, more than triple what the 49ers could muster.

All in all....we know the running game is working well, and some tweaking is needed on defense.

But, again, it's preseason.

And it's been a long, long offseason.