Passing ... Gas
The Raiders appear ... keyword ... appear ready to take on the regular season with a running attack that should feature three running backs: Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush.
But what about the air attack?
It might have been the initial foray into the 2008 year, but what Oakland showed against the 49ers last Thursday isn't going to cut it.
Legs can take you only so far. The Raiders are also going to have to rely on quarterback JaMarcus Russell's arm.
Head coach Lane Kiffin admitted to keeping Russell under wraps against the 49ers concerned that the QB might take unnecessary hits.
Unnecessary? Really?
Isn't that what the preseason is for? To hit and be hit?
Russell only attempted five passes completing two in very limited work. Known for his cannon, Russell was subject to quick slants and dump offs.
At a media conference call, Kiffin said Russell would be given more chances to showcase his apparent skill. Plain and simple here, Kiffin needs to give Russell as many opportunities he can get since he is by all rights, essentially a rookie this year after missing last preseason due to a lengthy hold out.
And from all indications during training camp, Russell has been off and on. Not a good sign heading into September.
Sure, Oakland can gain yards on the ground behind their zone-blocking scheme, but what then? Teams stack the box and tada, the run is probably stopped. They'll need to take to the air and thus far, Russell/Kiffin/Oakland hasn't shown it can take flight and attack with an aerial assault.
Their next preseason game, against Tennessee on Friday at 5 p.m. (the game will be on Fox, I set my DVR) should give Russell and crew to see if they can make an impact through the passing game.
It will also give Oakland a chance to see if their run defense can plug opposing offenses.
After watching Titans' rookie tail back Chris Johnson burn the Rams defense for a tantalizing 60-yard burner, Oakland should get excellent competition to see if they stand a chance. Johnson, if you remember, was the fastest rookie running back during the combine.
This one should be fun.
Comments
Coaches learn very little about their first teams during the preseason, especially on offense. Defenses are vanilla. Coordinators don't want to show anything they plan to use in the regular season. It amuses me that Raiders fans take the preseason so seriously. But when you've had five consecutive losing seasons, I guess the preseason is the best time of year for your team. The Raiders were champions of the preseason in 2006, then lost the regular season opener at home to the Chargers 26-0. Later in that season they were again shut out on Monday Night Football -- the only team in NFL history to accomplish this feat. They finished that season 2-14. But they had a great preseason.
Posted by: Andrew Bird | August 11, 2008 07:18 AM