August 12, 2008

Oakland Raider musings: Random Thoughts from the Dark Side on the Oakland Raiders preseason week 2

Week one of the preseason is in the books, and the game for week 2 is coming fast. The Raiders added some depth at linebacker by signing a career safety yesterday. Lane Kiffin has expressed concern about a lack of depth. The secretive Raiders actually had their one practice in front of fans, but didn't show a lot. So to start a Tuesday tradition here at TFDS, heres my 10 thoughts in five minutes.

  1. Why don't you give your quarterback of the future more than five passing attempts in his first ever preseason game? There is a lively discussion of this on Rob's story earlier today.
  2. Lesson from the 49ers game: The Raiders can run block, but that was already know. The question is can they pass block? Given that JaMarcus Russell only had five attempts, would it be safe to say that Kiffin didn't have much confidence in them?
  3. Are the receivers really mediocre or is the tandem of Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall really that good?
  4. Andrew Walter seems to have a lead over Marques Tuiasosopo for the number two quarterback job, but if they were to race for it Tui would have it hands down. Its difficult to see Walter breaking off a 30 yard run like Tui did. Maybe if the unthinkable happens, they could do a two quarterback set and Tui could be a slash type quarterback running back hybrid.
  5. "Holding, number 65 offense!" Somethings never change. Thanks for the reminder of the old days, Barry!
  6. If you get the chance next year, come out to the Raider Nation Celebration. The practice may or may not be all that, but its a chance to get acquainted with all the new blood on the team.
  7. Over/under on the number of passes that JaMarcus Russell will throw against the Titans on Friday? 10 and bet the over.
  8. Good call on Todd Watkins by our friend Jeff Little. Watkins looks to be on the inside track to making the team.
  9. The video boards play a clip of the citizens of the Raider Nation stalking positively about the new fan code of conduct. Both Sheildhead and Stonerdude from Raiderhed are featured. Come on, guys.
  10. If you are in the Modesto area, don't forget to come out to Sidelines Bar and Grill to watch Jarrod Cooper exact revenge on Chris Carr Friday evening. That way you can be among Raider fans and support a fund-raiser for "Autism Speaks"

There's the random thoughts for today. Stay tuned to Thoughts from the Dark Side for more coverage of the Oakland Raiders.

Thinking inside the box here at TFDS!

Tags: NFL, Oakland Raiders, Raiders

Discussion

6 Comments on "Oakland Raider musings: Random Thoughts from the Dark Side on the Oakland Raiders preseason week 2"

#2

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Posted by badassraider, August 12, 2008 6:48 PM

dirty sanchez,cleveland steamer.maybe thats where they came up with the cleveland browns!

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#3

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Posted by DevDuck, August 12, 2008 8:30 PM

Patrick Patterson wrote: "Over/under on the number of passes that JaMarcus Russell will throw against the Titans on Friday? 10 and bet the over."

I'll take the under, tyvm. JMR will not attempt 10+ passes until the final week of the preseason.

The primary reason for this is that Coach Kiffin does not yet trust his starting OL, and I don't blame him one bit.

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#4

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Posted by KUSHMAN, August 12, 2008 8:52 PM

yes dev as pat was just talking about... well i mean, if the starting lineup is going to have this many problems pass blocking, then he's obviously going to have to get used to it ahead of time... against haynesworth.. it will be a good test of how the man will take a hit... which is very important... MOST IMPORTANTLY he and his line have to be in the same groove coming into the primetime opener... they desperately need much playing time together because of russell's lack of experience. plus, when you're running 80% of the time... why the hell not throw him in there for another quarter?!

my educated guess is russell will hit 9 of 12 for 110 yrds because of a nicely timed cannon shot downfield to whomever!

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#5

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Posted by Bill, August 12, 2008 10:48 PM

I like Kushman's prediction. I just want to say that the Steelers won a Superbowl with a rookie QB who threw the ball around 15 times a game. Lets compare that Steelers team with our own

Steelers; great running game

Raiders; great running game

Steelers; good passing D

Raiders; great passing D

Steelers great running D

Raiders; ? running D

Steelers 1 great WR and some good ones

Raiders 0 great WR and some good ones

Steelers; great pass blocking O line

Raiders ? pass blocking Oline

I'm not saying the Raiders are going to win the Superbowl. I'm just saying we are not to far off from being a Very good team.

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#6

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Posted by Buffalo/Raiderman, August 13, 2008 12:42 AM

I agree Bill, its just that Lane is a perfectionist, and a disciplinarian.We've needed for that some time now, combined with his style of coaching and relating, we have to be somewhat patient. Things will only get better...

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