Storyline: If key positions develop, then this team could battle for a .500 record. And, if everything drops their way, a playoff spot is possible.
First impressions may not mean everything, but they do count for something: you only get one shot at them. And while it was only a preseason game, the start of Jack Del Rio’s Oakland Raider tenure seems very professional.
Courtesy: justblogbaby.com
The team was disciplined (only two penalties for 22 yards), well organized, was physical in the trenches, and seemed to have a cohesive plan on both offense and defense. The entire team seemed, well,…like an actual NFL organization–very un-Raider like compared to the previous decade.
The bar is not set very high coming off a 3-13 season, but this Raider team actually has young talent sprinkled throughout the roster. If key positions develop, the team could battle for a .500 record. And, if everything drops their way, a playoff spot is possible. Playoffs may just be a pipe dream, but it’s early preseason and every fanbase deserves some hope.
Of course, the record ultimately depends on the coaching staff and the quarterback, as it does in every NFL city. Del Rio is off to a good start. His calm demeanor and “been there, done that” approach seems to have soothing impact on the team. Maybe it was the slick, ultra-casual, black t-shirt he sported on the sideline–embossed with only the Raider’s shield on the front. So far, Del Rio seems like the anti-Dennis Allen.
Derek Carr seemed steady in limited action, but did have a critical interception in the End Zone to kill a drive. The Raiders have given Carr some weapons this year, so his progress will greatly determine how many wins the Raiders can get. This is a coach/quarterback league and maybe, just maybe, the Raiders finally have the two men who can end this 12-year playoff drought.
Game Observations
Did the entire Raider Nation have flashbacks? I’m talking about the thumping Nick Foles and the Eagles gave the Raiders two years ago at the O.co after the first two plays of the game? Or, maybe, think about the 52-0 shellacking by the Rams last year? Me neither. Let’s move on.
Courtesy: hngn.com
Welcome to the NFL, Mr. Cooper! The Raiders WR corp is deeper than it has been since Tim Brown and Jerry Rice were running routes. First-round pick, Amari Cooper, and free agent Michael Crabtree, are instant upgrades as starters and the depth at the position is unreal. Seth Roberts, Brice Butler, and Kris Durham all flashed in the game and they are running in the 6th through 8th spots right now.
Khalil Mack is ‘pure beast’ material. Mack dominated left tackle Greg Robinson on consecutive plays to blow up the Ram’s second drive. I say conserve Mack as much as possible this preseason. Wait to unleash The Monster when the games actually count.
A few young guys flashed from the defensive front seven in the game. 2015 5th round pick Ben Heeney was a pursuing machine. He was simply everywhere when the second units came in. Shelby Harris had a sack against the first unit and seemed active. Benson Mayowa, Ricky Lumpkin, and Leon Orr all made a few plays.
On a negative note, 2015 2nd round pick Mario Edwards Jr., played a lot but didn’t catch my eye with any plays. Maybe he was simply carrying out his assignments, but there were no big plays made. This was the knock on him at Florida St.
After a nice showing by starting RB, Latavius Murray, nobody came in and flexed their muscles for the backup position. Trent Richardson looked OK, but he missed an obvious hole in the Red Zone, which would have been an easy TD. Taiwan Jones was also OK, but his ball control and limited reps scare me more than his speed impresses. Free agent rookie, Michael Dyer, has had a good camp, but nothing was working for him Friday night.
Bill Musgrave with Jack Del Rio (Photo courtesy of newslocker.com)
Even though there aren’t any gameplans built for a preseason contest, I was impressed by the first look at Bill Musgrave’s offense. From his time in Jacksonville and Minnesota Musgrave is known to be committed to the running game. I think that’s a plus, given the Raider’s huge offensive line and with Murray looking like a possible ‘Bell Cow’ RB (new era version, of course). But it’s the quick passing game that has me excited. A blend of power running plus some passing principles (from his Chip Kelly years) may fit right along with Carr’s strengths from college.
Player of the Game
I’m going with Amari Cooper in his NFL debut. He showed the hands and route-running the team has been raving about since drafting him. He was an instant impact.
Let’s hope Coop only builds on that first impression through the 2015 season.
