The Boss Would Like to See You: 3 Reasons Kevin Boss Trumps Zach Miller in OAK

By (Correspondent) on August 17, 2011

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19:  Kevin Boss #89 of the New York Giants stiff arms Quintin Mikell #27 of the Philadelphia Eagles during their game on December 19, 2010 at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Al Bello/Ge
Al Bello/Getty Images

Oakland departed with my favorite player, Zach Miller, over the off-season, leading many to think Oakland may be heading in the opposite direction from last year. Kevin Boss lets us know that this isn't the case.

After watching the first preseason game against the Cardinals, it's clear to me the Raiders look like a team focused on improvement. You can see it in the coaching staff, Jason Campbell's tone, and in the fans scattered around the bay area.

Is Kevin Boss an upgrade?

Yes.

There are three reasons which lead me to believe that Boss will pave the way for a more balanced attack. 

1. Run-Blocking: Bradshaw and Jacobs=McFadden and Bush

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 21:  Kevin Boss #89 of the New York Giants catches the ball for the touchdown as Marvin White #26 of the Cincinnati Bengals defends on September 21, 2008 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated
Elsa/Getty Images

We've all seen the type of running game that the New York Giants have applied over the years with Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs.

With the re-signing of Michael Bush in Oakland, the Raiders look forward to utilizing the slightly taller, more physical tight end. What Boss lacks in speed in the secondary he makes up for on the front-line. Boss is an intelligent player who can adapt to shifting D-lines.

Boss will spend more time on the line, but that can also make him a surprise attack on a play action.

2. Goal Line Attack

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 13:  Kevin Boss #89 of the New York Giants catches a second quarter touchdown behind Jamarca Sanford #33 of the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field on December 13, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan.  (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

I love Zach Miller from anywhere on the field, but a drag route on 2nd-and-short from the 5-yard line is the job for Kevin Boss.

Last season he was targeted several times, and brought in three for scores inside the 10-yard line. Perhaps more effective will be his blocking in the red zone. Oakland likes to power it in, and Boss could certainly help in the realm.

3. Aggressiveness and Humbleness

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 28:  Kevin Boss #89 of the New York Giants celebrates scoring the winning touchdown with team mate Ahmad Bradshaw #44 against the Jacksonville Jaguars at New Meadowlands Stadium on November 28, 2010 in East Rutherford, New J
Chris McGrath/Getty Images

I've been looking at both Zach Miller's and Kevin Boss' Twitter pages to gauge their reaction to leaving a team they spent a lot of time with.

Boss wrote a six-part message thanking New York, the team and fans, and welcomed the Raider nation in his final message. It's obvious that he made a tough decision, meaning that he is a dedicated player, something that lacks these days.

Miller wrote something to the effect of "Thanks Oakland, although you probably un-followed me already".

It doesn't mean much, and I don't want to blow it out of proportion, however, it shows that he doesn't think the fans are respectful enough to wish him well. He went for the money, as most players tend to do, however, while Boss is apologetic, Miller is bitter.

Miller will join the all-star Raider talents (cough), Robert Gallery and Tom Cable in Seattle, hoping that Tavaris Jackson can actually be a starter in this league. 

Plus, how can you not like a guy who's Twitter name is KevinBossman? It's like a wrestler name.

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