With Schilens On The Shelf, It's Miller Time!

With the recent injury to our emerging go-to receiver, we'll likely be seeing a lot of what you see in the picture.  "Russell to Miller."  Zach has been Jamarcus' security blanket since Russell stepped onto the field.  Every time he needed to make a play he looked to his sure handed TE. 

Miller is entering his 3rd year in the league and has put together a solid start to what looks like a promising career.  He had a solid rookie campaign and emerged as one of the best TE's in the game last year.  He is very smart and always finds the soft spot against zone defenses.  He is a tough matchup against man as well because he's too big for DB's and is too quick for most LB's. 

In 2008 he led all TE's in 20+ yard receptions with 16.  Only seven other players had more in that category than he did and those were WR's.  He had more 20+ yard receptions than big play WRs like Randy Moss, T.O., and Anquan Boldin.  Impressive statistic considering he was in just his 2nd season with a QB in his first year as a starter.  Not to mention the whole Kiffin thing that was going on.

Zach Miller has the best hands on the team and will be seeing a lot of passes coming his way in 2009.  Hopefully he works his magic against SD in the season opener.  He had two of his best games against the Chargers last year with 5 rec for 95 yds and a 63 yard TD catch.  In the 2nd game against SD he hauled in another eight passes for 64 yards. 

Don't panic Raider Nation.  Zach Miller is going to have a "breakout season" this year and he and the rest of the guys will hold it down until Chaz gets back. 

RAIDERS 4 LIFE ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !