Raiders Game 1 Analysis
The Raiders Post
Ok after taking a couple days to cool off and collect myself, after such a close loss. A game in which a bad booth call could have made a huge difference in the outcome of the game, I am ready to provide my analysis.
The Good
The Raiders run defense was much improved, with the addition of Richard Seymour. LT ran for only 55 yards after averaging 119 yards against Oakland throughout his career. His back-up Darren Sproles managed only 23 yards on 9 carries for a 2.6 yard average.
The corners and safeties played lights out. They challenged the receivers on every catch and shut down a number of potential big plays.
The offensive line dominated the Chargers defensive line throughout the game; allowing only one sack from a defense that has historically pushed our line around.
Louis Murphy looks like a legitimate down field threat and a solid receiver.
The Bad
When the game was on the line, the linebackers were playing too soft dropping to far back in coverage and giving away too many yards to the underneath passing game of San Diego.
Darrius Heyward-Bey did not make a single catch in the game.
The Ugly
JaMarcus Russell has absolutely no touch on the ball. He couldn’t hit a RB in the flat or a receiver on an out pattern if his life depended on it at this point in his career. He has a cannon arm and can toss it long but has no touch. The long reception by Murphy was completed because Murphy was able to locate the ball and run under it for the catch. I would loved to have seen the ball drop right over the receivers right shoulder rather that have the WR have to go after it. Hopefully as the season progresses so will Russell’s accuracy.
Summary
Before the season started I predicted that the Raiders would go 6 -10 this season. That was before they acquired Richard Seymour and seeing how he helped instantly improve our run defense. With the addition of Seymour and barring any major injuries I would bet the Raiders get at least 8 wins and would not be surprised if they broke .500 if they can stay healthy and on track.
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