Raiders Beat Dallas 31-10: Game Comments

Ok, guys, game one in preseason is done!

What did we like?  - a few things

1. Russell showed some poise, no panic going six-for-nine. Made good decisions, ran a bit, threw with accuracy. Gradkowski apparently really wants that third QB spot, he looked great, showing patience, poise, and accuracy. Way to go, dude.  Frye looked decent too but at this point has to be on the outside looking in.

2. WRs and TEs caught the ball, blocked well. Nick Miller's bobbled grab! Nice, very nice. Chaz looks to pick up where he left off last year. Amazing seventh rounder will start for sure. Darrius looks small to me, but that is likely because some other WRs are huge. I don't know why Darrius didn't play a bit more but I guess his time will come.

3. RBs blocked very well and ran very well. Man, we have some talent here. I would have preferred on McFadden's long run if at the end of it he slammed on the brakes and tried to cut back inside to score, but, hey, it's preseason.

4. Nnamdi of course played very well. One awesome tackle where he beat his blocker in about a half second and tackled the RB for a loss of one. I get tired of people calling him the best cover corner...Deion was a cover corner, Nnamdi is a great all-around corner playing the run equally well as the pass.

5. Michael Huff's pick!  This guy's talent has to start showing. According to announcers the Raiders say he is having a great camp. This just has to help our chances even if he plays just nickel and doesn't start.

6. O-line looked decent , especially Satele (love the braid, dude). No Gallery? I didn't know he was injured. I was surprised Green started where is Khalif?

7. Simply awesome punting by both guys- some of those short punts looked like hit and stick nine iron shots. 

What didn't we like - a few things

1. Dallas's starting O-line manhandled our D-line - this has to get fixed.

2. Some missed tackles - Ugh

3. O-line penalties - someone should tape up Carlysle's hands - two holding penalties  - these are drive killers.

4. Secondary penalties; three on No. 27 (I forget his name and I'm sure by seasons start I won't need to remember it)

All in all, It looked a lot like last year, but with some offensive improvement. It's early and there is promise, but if our starters can't stop the run, we are in for a long season.

Now very few teams have the O-line size and talent that Dallas has and they also have some great backs. Hopefully this gets fixed before we play for real.

What did you like and what didn't you like?