Raiders On The Right Track

I know it was just a preseason game but a win is a win and the Raider Nation have a good reason to be excited about the '09 season.

JaMarcus Russell had a solid game going 6-9 for 50 yards and also had a nice 18 yard run where he left a Cowboy LB tackling wind.  He and Chaz Schilens seem to have developed some chemistry.  Russell looked for the 6'4" 225 lb WR early and often.  Schilens had a solid game racking up 52 yards on five catches.  Chaz also forced Dallas into a 50+ yard pass interference penalty.

Another thing that the "Nation" should be excited about is the running game and a healthy Darren McFadden.  He showed flashes last season but was limited with two turf-toe injuries.  Darren looked very explosive against the Cowboys picking up 63 yards on just four carries.  He did an excellent job on his 45 yard scamper as he was patient behind the line before he kicked it into gear.  Bush did a solid job with his two carries with runs of seven and 11 yards.  He also had a very good block on a blitzing LB. 

The defense had an excellent start forcing a three & out on Dallas' opening drive but then Tony Romo went 4-4 on the next drive that ended with a Cowboy TD.  The defense did do a good job against starting RB Marion Barber who finished with 13 yards on four attempts.  The Defense was obviously blitzing more often which led to a Ricky Brown sack and and a bunch of QB hurries and incompletions.  Michael Huff is doing his best to win his job back.  He showcased his ball hawking ability with an interception deep in Raider territory.  I also liked what I saw in Slade Norris and Matt Shaughnessy.  Both guys seemed to have a lot of energy and effort.

That's all I got for now.  I can't wait for Sept. 14 to get here!

RAIDERS4LIFE ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !