Raiders-Cowboys: Analyzing Oakland's 31-10 Victory

With the first preseason game in the books, the Oakland Raiders now have their first test out of the way.

Coming into this game, several things had to be addressed. Would the Raiders be able to move the ball? Would the defense be able to hold up? Could the players limit penalties or foolish actions that have limited their ability to score in the past?

After last night's game, the Raiders learned that while they can do much, they can also do much, much more.

The answer to the first question, can we move the ball, was obvious.

In the air game, JaMarcus Russell passed for 50 yards on six completions. On one drive, the Raiders were helped by a pass interference call, moving upfield by 47 yards. As the second team rolled in and players started were being replaced, the yardage continued to add up, with Bruce Gradkowski gaining 161 yards with a touchdown pass.

Another QB later, and Charlie Frye was in the game, compiling 80 yards and another TD on seven out of 12 passes. Overall, Oakland had 291 yards passing, with only one sack allowed.

On the ground, the Raiders ran through the cycles.

The Raiders gained 176 yards on 26 plays, with two TDs coming on the night. Darren McFadden rushed only four times but had 63 yards, including a breakout 45-yard scramble late in the first quarter. Gary Russell picked up the second most yards, 44 on 11 carries, plus a TD, followed by Louis Rankin's 31 yards and Michael Bush with 18 on two carries.

The big item to remember is that Dallas played with its first team in the first quarter. Once the second string entered the game, the game would obviously get easier, which it did.

The second question, regarding our offense, showed a few question marks.

On the first drive, the Cowboys were swamped right out of the gate, with Greg Ellis remembering his former teammates. Once the drive was done, so was Nnamdi Asomugha.

The result was a little surprising, but obvious, as Stanford Routt was gutted by Tony Romo's passing game. On four completions, Routt's lackluster ability was on display, helping the Cowboys score their only touchdown of the night.

Along the lines, some instances of better tracking of the football, finding ways to break down sweep routes, or better formation design may help limit opponents' running games. Felix Jones was slowed down a bit, with 14 yards and a single catch, but with the team this early along, adjustments can be made.

In the terms of question three on penalties...you could have asked if they were playing flag football out there.

The two teams combined for 25 penalties, ranging from the boneheaded holding call on Cooper Carlisle to the "oops" by Seth Wand. The Cooper penalty was a lingering problem from last year, as it probably killed the chance of a TD, moving us from a 2nd-and-goal at the two to a 2nd-and-goal at the 12.

At least you could say the Cowboys were equally gifted at getting flags, as several penalties helped Oakland's drives, to the frustration of Wade Philips and Jerry Jones.

What does this all mean for the Raiders?

For one, the team needs Asomugha's skills. If he had remained in the game for a full quarter, it's a question if the Cowboys would have even reached the end zone. If the penalties can be reduced to the point where they won't kill drives at the wrong time, it could lead to more points.

Secondly, some players did well to help their efforts to make the final team.

Nick Miller, who has been impressive in camp, hauled in a 48-yard pass, just missing a TD.

Louis Murphy helped his cause with two catches for 40 yards, including a 22-yard pickup.

Probably the biggest surprise for most was Michael Huff making the only interception of the night, plus David Dixon recovering a fumble.

As for those who didn't help their chances, starting off the list would be Stanford Routt. He may be good as an emergency starter, but he was burned repeatedly by Romo's passing game.

Cooper Carlisle would be on this list, but due to the lack of options in replacing him (Mark Wilson and Marcus Johnson...who?), it isn't really practical to swap him out.

Seth Wand, with his penalty, is already considered a long shot to make the club.

Jason Horton, another long shot, was slapped with a PI call late in the game.

Next game up for the Raiders will have them staying in the area, but going to Candlestick for a matchup with the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, Aug. 22, 5:15 PM local time.

Again, the Raiders won at home to start the preseason, 31-10.