Oakland Raiders News: Fans Shouldn't Overreact to Preseason Shutout

The Oakland Raiders preseason 3-0 loss to the Dallas Cowboys was just that, a preseason loss. The fact that the Raiders were shutout, and participated in one of the most difficult games to watch in decades, is inconsequential.

Raider Nation should care about the regular season, and hopefully the postseason. Judging by Darren McFadden's performance, it certainly appears that the running game is still firing on all cylinders.

DMC had 20 yards rushing and he added 18 yards receiving in the Raiders' first three plays from scrimmage. He looks healthy, but of course the question with McFadden is how long he will stay that way.

Who knows the answer to that, but I have a strong feeling this will be a season that sees McFadden play at least 14 games. It's funny how one seemingly unrelated thing can affect something else. 

With Michael Bush gone to the Chicago Bears, McFadden will not have Bush waiting to take over admirably in his stead. It may seem like that would lead to more wear and tear on McFadden, but I think it will be the opposite.

McFadden could experience the same type of endurance turnaround that Reggie Bush had last year. Bush got more carries in Miami than he ever had in New Orleans.

He had his career-high in rushing yards and he played in 15 games. All while playing more like a featured back.

McFadden touches will be on par with the elite backs in the league, and I think this will be a big year for him.

Carson Palmer did throw a pick to kill the Raiders' opening drive, but the passing game is so timing based. It isn't unheard of for it to take a little longer to develop. This is a new coaching staff, and no matter the scant familiarity, there will be the time needed to adjust.

Practice and camps don't work out all the kinks.

If the Raiders are still getting shutout, or are struggling to score in the third and most important preseason game, then I'd be concerned. The defense looked solid, but there is a flip side to that as well.

After all, they only gave up three points.

The Cowboys' offense should be functioning a little better than Oakland's because they haven't switched coaching staffs, but it is still early for them as well.

For now, Raider Nation should hold their enthusiasm over the defense and concern for the offense. There isn't enough evidence yet to go hard in either direction over either side of the ball.

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