Oakland Raiders Vs San Francisco 49ers: A Coach's View of The Raiders
The preseason version of the "Battle of the Bay" took place in Oakland on Saturday as the Oakland Raiders played host to their rivals from across the bay, the San Francisco 49ers.
It was an exciting game filled with spectacular plays and big hits. The final score wasn't what Raider fans had hoped for, but it wasn't all bad. Fans got their first look as several key players that made their first appearance of the 2010 season.
There was a scary moment for Raider fans as Jason Campbell went down hard and was forced to leave the game. The injury to his throwing shoulder is being reported as merely a "stinger." Anyone that has ever had a stinger knows that there is nothing "mere" about it.
It's very painful, but Campbell should be back in time for the start of the regular season.
So what went right and what went wrong for the offense? Those are the questions I will attempt to answer in the following slide show.
The Running Game Still Needs Some Work
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This picture shows one of only a few bright spots in the Raiders' rushing attack. This celebration was the culmination of the Raiders first possession of the game as Michael Bush punched it in from one yard out after the Raiders drove 81 yards—mostly through the air.
The Raiders mustered only 55 yards on 19 carries for just a 2.9 yards per carry average. This was partly due to the offense not being in rhythm all day, and partly because the 49ers are very stout against the run.
It seemed as though Hue Jackson gave up on running the ball as the game wore on. He only called 19 run plays as opposed to 30 pass plays.
According to head coach Tom Cable in his post game press conference, the running game was "hit or miss, especially early in the game."
That about says it all.
Jared Veldheer Still Has a Lot To Learn About Playing Center
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Rookie Jared Veldheer got the start at center this week, and didn't play horribly, but wasn't spectacular either.
Veldheer did a better job than Satele or Morris had previously, but he still has a long way to go before we can call him an NFL-caliber starting center. He made some mistakes in the protection calls early, but seemed to make the proper adjustments throughout his playing time and didn't get beat the same way again.
We'll have to wait and see if the coaching staff will allow Veldheer to continue to work with the first team, if this young rookie can learn the nuances of a new position, and if he can help the Raiders win in the future.
Right now, it's just too early to tell.
Marcel Reece Is a Good Receiver, Not a Good Blocker
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As I stated in the postgame article after the Bears game, the fullback spot may be the most hotly contested on the team.
Marcel Reece is clearly the best offensive threat from the fullback position the Raiders have. Reece once again made his case with a great day receiving making two catches for 45 yards.
However, Reece has some serious deficiencies with the blocking aspect of the game. On the first sack by 49er linebacker Travis LaBoy, Reece was taxed with blocking him—and wiffed badly.
On another occasion, a run play was called between right guard and right tackle. Robert Gallery pulled from his left guard spot into the correct hole and sealed the inside linebacker. Reece was supposed to go into the same hole to block the outside linebacker or safety. Instead, Reece charged into the wrong hole between right tackle and the tight end and block no one—not a soul.
The play was stuffed by the player that Reece should have blocked.
If offensive coordinator Hue Jackson decides that he needs an offensive threat at fullback, rather than a blocking specialist to make his offense effective, then Reece appears to be the guy. If Jackson decides that he needs a more "complete" fullback, he'll have to look elsewhere.
Of course, the coaching staff isn't going to let on what kind of fullback they want, so we will be left to wonder until the final cut day.
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Bruce "Almighty" Leaves No Doubt Who The No. 2 Quarterback Will Be
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Once Raider fans were able to breathe again after witnessing Campbell being carted off the field with a shoulder stinger, they were finally allowed a look at perennial fan favorite Bruce Gradkowski.
Gradkowski did not disappoint.
"Bruce Almighty" came in and played extremely well, directing the offense with a 14-of-22, 202-yard, two-touchdown performance.
This great showing from Gradkowski sent a message to both Kyle Boller and Colt Brennan that the battle will be for the third string—not the second string.
With the injury to Campbell, Gradkowski could even see himself starting earlier than expected. Should Campbell be out for any length of time, the starting job will be in good hands.
Raider Nation should be happy to see Gradkowski back on the field.
Darren McFadden Is a Receiver More Than a Runner
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Finally over his hamstring issue, Darren McFadden saw his first game action of the preseason.
He had moments where you could see the explosiveness he showed in college. McFadden looked a lot better as a receiver in space than he did taking the hand off.
Two receptions for 16 yards doesn't really exemplify how good he looked one on one with a defender in the open field. He caught the ball well with his hands and made the first man miss on both catches. Had Louis Murphy not lined up illegally, McFadden would have had another catch and run for about 18 yards.
When taking the hand off, McFadden showed decent (not great) vision. Just like last season, he looked good getting to the edge, but couldn't make anything happen between the tackles. He had seams to run through, but simply allowed himself to get tripped up too easy.
McFadden carried the ball seven times for just nine yards.
Hopefully for the Raider faithful, offensive coordinator Hue Jackson will see how well McFadden did in the passing game and utilize him more in that role when the regular season begins and rely more on Bush and Michael Bennett for the rushing attack.
Marion Henderson Struggles With The Speed Rushers
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The concern at left tackle continues. I realize that I said Mario Henderson was a serviceable option on the quarterback's blind side, and I stand by that. However, Henderson must improve his ability to block speed rushers if the Raiders hope to be successful.
On the play that injured Campbell, Henderson allowed LaBoy to blow right by him, barely laying a hand on him. This is troubling considering the Raiders' schedule is filled with teams that can really get after the quarterback.
Henderson did fine against Pro-Bowler Julius Peppers last week, but for some reason, LaBoy gave him fits on Saturday.
Raider Nation must hope that head coach Tom Cable and offensive line coach Jim Michalczik can get this aspect of Henderson's game fixed before the season starts.
Louis Murphy Continues To Grow, But Still Has Room to Improve
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Along with Zach Miller and Michael Bush, Louis Murphy was one of the bright spots for the Raiders' offense in 2009.
Murphy continues to show that he is learning the playbook, but also shows some inconsistency. He made some great catches, including a 74-yard touchdown in which he beat the 49ers safety on a very well executed seam route.
Early in the third quarter, Murphy dropped two routine passes from Gradkowski. One of them went right through his hands, he allowed the ball to get to his body on the other.
He's young and it's preseason; I have every confidence that Murphy will continue to learn and improve as he has shown a great work ethic and a passion for the game.
The Reports On Darius Heyward-Bey's Improvement Are Not Exaggerated
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If you were to compare film of Darius Heyward-Bey from last year with film of him from this year, you would swear it's a different player.
From the number on his jersey, (12 last season and 85 this year) to the way he is running routes and catching the ball are all very different. Heyward-Bey made some great catches in traffic, and some critical plays on to convert third downs.
He has proven that he is a relentless worker and it is showing on the field. Assuming his rate of improvement continues as it is, Heyward-Bey is bound to live up to the expectations placed upon him as the seventh overall pick.
Injuries May Become a Problem
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This picture shows some real class from 49ers head coach Mike Singletary as he is visibly concerned for Jason Campbell's health.
Campbell isn't the only offensive first-teamer that was injured in Saturday's game. Running back Michael Bush also suffered a broken thumb.
The Associated Press is reporting, "Coach Tom Cable said Sunday there was a 'good chance' Bush would be ready to play Sept. 12 in Tennessee and that he would likely not need a cast on the finger." Bush will undergo surgery later this week to repair the damage.
Campbell suffered a stinger in his shoulder, but there might be more to it than that.
A report from CBSSports.com states: "...He also fell on his throwing wrist on the previous series, coach Tom Cable said Sunday. Cable said the wrist injury is 'probably' a bigger concern."
As of the writing of this article, the outlook for either player is still unknown. We simply won't know for sure until after this article is released and the team further evaluates them both.
If You Wear Silver and Black, You Will Be Penalized
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I'm going to take a little "authors privilege" here by discussing something that effected both sides of the ball, rather than sticking to the offense.
Apparently there is a rule in the NFL that states it's illegal for a player to break up a fight. That is exactly what left tackle Mario Henderson was doing when he was flagged for unnecessary roughness. He didn't hit anyone, tackle anyone, or "rough" anyone.
All he was trying to do was break up a fight near the sideline.
Nnamdi Asomugha was called for defensive holding for playing perfect bump and run coverage. He engaged the receiver for the first five yards, then turned toward the ball—just like you draw it up. This also appears to be illegal.
Rookie cornerback Walter McFadden fell victim to the yellow laundry as well. His infraction? Playing great coverage on the sideline.
I know it's very "Raider fan" of me, but I don't care. This has been an issue for many years and it's high time the officials were held to the same code of conduct as the players.
There—I got that off my chest! Thank you for listening.
That's That
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It seems to me that the Raiders' first team beat the 49ers' first team. It wasn't until later in the game when most of the offensive line, wide receivers, defensive line, linebackers, and secondary were out of the game.
The score wasn't what Raider fans would have liked, but in the end—it's preseason.
I feel like there are still some holes as I've pointed out in this article—but, there were some good signs as well. The coaches and players collected a lot of data from this game to build on.
So, what do you say? What did I miss? What did I get wrong? Let me hear your thoughts in the comments.
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