August 26, 2008
Preseason week three Oakland Raider ballers and busters: Thoughts from a Reader's Side
Everyone's favorite denizen of the Dark Side, LDizzle, reemerges from the comment box to share his thoughts on Saturday's game. In what we hope will be a weekly feature here on TFDS, he shares his "ballers and busters" telling us who he thinks rocked the house, and who should have stayed home.
Raiders Preseason game 3: Ballers and Busters
By L Dizzle
Special to Thoughts from the Dark Side. (editor's note, this article was written before the announced cuts.)
This was the third game of the preseason which is supposed to be the most telling game for how a team will perform in the regular season. Raiders fans can only hope that is not the case. The offense played nearly 3 quarters as stated by Lane Kiffin earlier this week. And after three quarters, the Raiders offense had yet to put a point on the board. Granted there was a TD that was called an incompletion and a missed field goal by our fill-in kicker. But nonetheless, there was no official points scored. And that is not good at all.
It would seem to those who watched the game, as well as for those who didn't, that there isn't much positive to say about it. And for the most part that is correct. Nearly all of the confidence that was gained in this team's offense last week was lost this week. And while the Cardinals fans shouldn't take much good from this game either, for the Raiders, it was a mess. You will notice that there are no running backs on this list. That is in stark contrast to last week in which there were four running backs who made the list. The offensive line is most to blame for this which will become very evident once you get to the "Busters" list.
With that said, Here is my list of Ballers and Busters.
Ballers
Gene Upshaw- Upshaw's presence was felt throughout the night as his plays on the field and his words off of it were shown at every commercial break and at halftime. There was a great tribute to his legacy as the broadcast began and a moment of silence before the start of the game. He will be sorely missed and his image is one that should make all who don the Silver and Black proud. Al Davis had a few words to say about him and the ones that stuck with me the most were "We loved him and he loved us".
First Team Defense- I will point them out individually in a moment but for now I really have to put them on this list as a whole. They were truly fantastic. With the offense sputtering and inconsistent, the whole first team kept the Raiders within one score by holding the Cardinals to one field goal in the first half. They held the Cardinals to 87 yards and had three interceptions.
Tommy Kelly- He was a man possessed in this game. I think he was summoning Warren Sapp even though Sapp is retired, not dead. He tipped one pass in the first quarter and shortly thereafter got his hands up which caused Leinert to throw too high for his receiver to catch it resulting in an incompletion. In the 2nd quarter he stuffed the running back at the line and forced a fumble. Then on the next play came up the middle so fast that Leinert had to get rid of the football which resulted in him throwing it right to Rashad Baker for an interception. The first play of the third quarter he blew through the line again to tackle the running back as soon as the ball was handed off. He was called for a bogus face mask but since we know it was bogus and this is preseason, it doesn't really matter.
Gibril Wilson- How he manages to be up in the hole stuffing the running back so often blows my mind. How he can read the play, get to the hole so quickly and then smack the running back in the mouth is something to behold. I counted at least five stuffs on running backs in the first half alone. Oh GOD thank you for bringing us Gibril Wilson. Oh and I suppose thank you too Al Davis.
Nnamdi Asomugha- It is just getting old putting him on this list every week. He only had one pass thrown downfield his way and he batted it away like a kid trying to reach in the cookie jar. He had two nice run stuffs and blew up Larry Fitzgerald in the open field when he caught a pass in the backfield, for a loss. The rest of the time the Cardinal QBs had enough sense to stay away from his vicinity.
Derrick Burgess/Stanford Routt/Michael Huff- I have to group these guys because they combined for a few really great plays. Midway through the 2nd quarter Burgess pressured Leinert which caused him to throw an interception to Routt. On another play Leinert attempted a long ball but his receiver was blanketed by Routt which allowed Huff to swoop in and pick off the ball. That is team work.
Zach Miller- Yet again he is Russell's favorite target. And rightfully so. He catches everything anywhere near him and has a knack for getting open. He had two nice catches in the 1st quarter and then a TD catch that was called out. But when watching the replay his knee touched inbounds and as the announcers said "one knee equals two feet" THAT was a touchdown. He also had a nice block as well as pushed the pile on a tough run by McFadden in the 2nd quarter. He is spectacular AND gritty. Gotta love that.
Ricky Brown- Making the list again for his playmaking abilities. He is simply all over the place making tackles. He is equal parts instinct, speed, and passion. He is also the MVP on special teams.
Chris Johnson- Congrats Chris, this is the first (and hopefully not the last) time I have ever praised you for your play. Last week you were always around the guy catching the ball but were never quite good enough to keep him from catching it in the first place. This week, you seemed to have tuned up your game a bit as you defended two passes (one of which was to Fitzgerald) and had a tackle for no gain. For someone I have hated for a while, you seem to have shown why Kiffin saw potential in you. Keep it up.
Javon Walker- He cracks the list with three catches in the game. He still doesn't look as good as Curry, Watkins, or Schilens but showed the ability to get open and catch the ball. He may be well on his way to returning to his Pro Bowl form.
Busters
The Oline- They are the main reason why Russell could not get set and throw. The pocket was always collapsing, and they weren't doing very well at opening up holes so the running backs could never seem to get on track. Russell was running for his life all game. The main culprits were:
Kwame Harris- In the first quarter there was a designed screen that he just screwed up. He was supposed to slow down his man before he broke upfield but he just let him run by him and Russell had to rush the throw to Fargas and it was incomplete. He was called for holding shortly thereafter. The half ended with him giving up a sack. Then midway through the third he gave up another sack.
Cooper Carlisle- Was called for holding on the final drive of the first half. Then midway through the third quarter he gave up a sack.
Cornell Green- In the 2nd quarter JaMarcus Russell miraculously escaped being sacked and ran 15 yards for a first down which would have put them in great position to score...if Green hadn't lined up incorrectly causing an illegal formation penalty. Then after the Raiders picked off the ball and were in scoring position again, he was blown off the line by Clark Haggans which meant the Raiders had to settle for a field goal...attempt which was off the upright. Foiled again.
Sam Williams- First sight of him was whiffing on a tackle of the Cardinals third string running back Chris Vincent for a long run. Then he was floating in space when his man, TE Leonard Pope, was wide open in the end zone for a touchdown. He gave up another catch to a fullback in the 4th quarter. It is window dressing to mention he had a couple of nice tackles at the end of the game. By that point the damage had already been done.
Jay Richardson- He was routinely handled on the block as well as out of position. He was pushed aside for at least two nice runs including the long TD run by JJ Arrington in the 3rd quarter.
Jonnie Lee Higgins- After last week, he needed to come up big to show he could be a valuable asset to this team. He didn't. He caught a simple short pass in the 1st quarter and had one decent return to the 32 in the 3rd quarter. Every other return, he was tackled by the first man to get downfield or near him. That won't get it done.
Michael Waddell- tsk tsk tsk. He makes my Buster list again for giving up another long touchdown. This time he fell down. He also seems allergic to hitting. When he is the one who must make the tackle he simply tries to grab on and slow the guy down until another defender can come in and knock him down. He may not be on this team by midweek.
John Alston- Overall he wasn't terrible. But he was juked by Cardinals third string QB St Pierre who ran right by him for the 1st down. That play all by itself is enough to make this list. Also when the Cardinals got tricky and kicked an onside kick he was nailed when he got near the ball. Only an offsides on the Cardinals kept that from being a successful onside kick for the Cards.
Hard to believe there are actually more Ballers than Busters in a game in which the Raiders lost 24-0 but that just goes to show you how important the Oline as well as one of two defenders are in completely changing the outcome of a game. I am trying to remind myself that Kiffin said he was going to be focusing on the passing game after focusing on the run last week. When the season begins there will be a nice mix of both which will keep the defense on its toes. So with this first team defense playing this well, the offense could settle down and grind it out. Or it could be shades of 2006 all over again (shudder). Let's not get carried away.
LDizzle is a regular contributer to Thoughts from the Dark Side
Discussion
32 Comments on "Preseason week three Oakland Raider ballers and busters: Thoughts from a Reader's Side"
#1
Posted by Bill, August 26, 2008 12:05 AM
Good point LDizzle about some of Russell's passes being to low. I have a thought on this too. When Russell played against the Jags last year his passes were, well, ah.... Really bad? He was just hucking the ball all over the field and alot of them were sailing high and to the other team. Then in the next game against the Dolts I noticed that alot of his balls were lower to the ground type that only his WR could catch or noone at all (which was the case sometimes). I wonder if this is a lil bit of coaching. Mabey our coaches would rather have an incomplet instead of the INT. I looked at some of Russell's games from LSU and did not see these low balls being thrown from him. As a side note, what is up with all the haters commenting under diffrent names? We know who you are. At least the 5th JA stands by his name. The rest of you haters are cowards.
#2
Posted by Bill, August 26, 2008 12:15 AM
Alias, If you knew anything about football then you would know what the preseason is for. Kiffin wanted to see us move the ball in a pass only situation. Like when we need 1 or 2 points to win the game. He WANTED the Cards to know we were going to pass. Thats what happens in those type of situations. I think we did really well for the situation that we were in. For about 3 drives we would of won the game if the above situation was a last ditch effort to win the game. This is what coaches do in the preseason. Quick, tell me this. How many preseason games have the Colts won in the last five years?
#3
Posted by Bill, August 26, 2008 12:20 AM
Hey Kush, all of my jerseys are for defensive players. But my son plays QB, so I guess he will be getting a Russell jersey pretty soon. The season is less then two weeks away. If your a Raider Fan then the hating must end. Have some faith Nation! If we are at the midway point and sucking it up badly then thats the time for gloom and doom. But that is not going to happen.
#4
Posted by Alias, August 26, 2008 12:27 AM
Yo, Bill, you come up with any of that on your own, or do you just like to report commentary you hear on the NFL Network with former players as analysts? The thing about the Colts losing more pre-season games yet winning the most regular season games over the same period is old news, like 2 days. People like you remind me of coaches in the NFL. You cannot think for yourself, but, when you hear something that sounds good, you are more than happy to repeat it and pon it off as your own.....
If I want to use an Alias, I will. I thought it might piss you off, that's why I did it.
How do you like them apples?
#6
Posted by Alias, August 26, 2008 12:33 AM
The fact of the matter is YOU know I am right about Kiffin and his team. That is why you are upset. You will continue to feel this way, the entire season. What all of you Raider fans desire will not reveal itself until you start thinking with your heads, not your hearts.
A real Raider fan calls a spade a spade. He doesn't sit around and hope his team will win when he knows they don't have the right stuff to even avoid 10 losses.
The truth is, you can't handle the truth!
#7
Posted by Junior, August 26, 2008 6:19 AM
I find it odd that you left out Cooper who was seen getting juked on one long run in the 3rd quarter and basically watching Arrington run by him on the long touchdown. I know he's not a starter (or on the team anymore), but you could say the same about Waddell (hopefully).
Cooper's a great special teamer and it might make sense to bring him back depending on who else they sign, but man he was horrible on Sunday.
Just my opinion on someone to add to the Buster list.
#8
Posted by Junior, August 26, 2008 6:25 AM
Good analysis, but in my opinion you missed a Buster.
Cooper was horrible, and seen getting juked/ran by on several long runs including Arrington's long TD. I am not surprised he was cut. Hopefully Waddell will follow him out the door.
That said, I do appreciate the way Cooper played special teams and the effort he gave the Raiders over the years. I would not be surprised to see him back on special teams. As long as that is where he stays.
#9
Posted by Junior, August 26, 2008 6:27 AM
My bad, the first post gave me an error message and didn't show up originally. I apologize for the double posting.
#10
Posted by BlakSean, August 26, 2008 8:24 AM
Why was Cooper cut but not waddell? Waddell has been invisible covering guys since practice started.
#11
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 26, 2008 8:53 AM
yes good analysis.. yessir the o-line proved it's only one sided.. they're only run blockers when the offense runs for 3 downs.. that seems to be the only time they can get in a good rythum and make some good blocks.. once you change it up and force them to passblock more often.. they just crumble... CMON TOM CABLE WE NEED THAT MAGIC YOU SHOWED US LAST SEASON!!
#12
Posted by Cujo, August 26, 2008 8:54 AM
Cooper actually retired, he had gone in and talked to Kiff about wanting to retire, so that's why he was cut.
#13
Posted by Bill, August 26, 2008 8:58 AM
LDizzle, You did the Raiders right here my man. I also agree with Junior about you forgetting Coop on the Busters list. I would also like to see Russell on the Baller list. Why, you might ask? We all have to remember that Russell is still very green in the NFL. How well did either Manning do in there 4th game EVER in the NFL? Russell looked great, his passes had smoke comming off of them. QBs look to throw the ball with as little arch as possible (except on certain passes). Did you all notice Russell's arch? It was not even there, the ball was like shot out of a gun. He showed he could fire the ball into the littlest of spaces, ala Brett Favre (only to have them dropped) He showed he could move to avoid the rush, ala Rich Gannon. Did you notice his command of the huddle? Plus how well he took a bad play? The guy is the real deal and I can't wait until he starts showing the NFL that he is a top five QB.
#14
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 26, 2008 11:08 AM
yea you're telling me bill.. that's why i got his jersey.. i know he's going to be worth that first overall pick.. theres no doubt that's he's the man... i just hope we can get a badass WR with incredible game breaking speed to go with that smokin cannon shot.. and once again.. boldin would be that guy. SKELETOR, IF YOU HAVE ANY BRAIN CELLS LEFT.. YOU WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN!!! :P
just win baby!
#15
Posted by Alias, August 26, 2008 11:09 AM
The only buster you left out was Coach Kiffin, who is dying a slow death.
"Unfortunately, I saw what I already knew," Kiffin said, in part. "If we try to just throw the ball around, you are going to get penalties, you are going to get your quarterback hit, he is going to start running around a lot. And he will be in trouble."
Is this guy for real? Why would you just throw the ball around? Could he have, I don't know, maybe, mixed it up a little? You don't have to tell the whole world you're going to pass and then go out and actually do it. This puts your Offensive Line in a lose/lose situation. Doesn't help your QB or you WR's. I mean, one could make an argument that our coach is responsible for Carters injury. I know its a stretch, but hey, no one else in the league lost 2 starters in the span of 5 minutes.
I mean what is this guy trying to do? I'll tell you.... He is trying to get fired, anyone who can't see this is blind. Kiffin is in essense sabotoging this whole season, all the while indirectly placing the blame on the man who feeds his family. This war is going to end soon, and Kiffin will be the loser. It's too bad he took this year's team along with him.
Mr. Al Davis remains undefeated.
End of story!
#16
Posted by LDizzle, August 26, 2008 11:19 AM
I left Coop off of the Buster list because he actually had an equal amount of good plays as he had bad ones. He had some good hits, a tackle on a return, and aided on tackles at the line.
I had considered putting Russell on here as an "honorable mention" because his scrambling ability saved this team a lot of lost yardage and he did fit the ball in some tight spots. However, after starting the game 4 for 4, he missed a lot of guys on passes and threw a couple of passes into the ground. I do agree that he is better than some QBs have been at this point in their career but that is not quite the point on the list. I can't put him on here when the offense scored no points whatsoever in 3 quarters of him behind center. Just can't do it.
#17
Posted by azraider37, August 26, 2008 2:11 PM
I have to agree with alias to an extent. Why do you come out and say that you are going to game plan this game like it was the regular season, giving us all the impression that we will be getting some what of a preview of this years team. Then you come out with that garbage, and set most of the players up to fail, it was frusterating. However, to say the coach or the play calling had anything to do with our injuries is way out there. It was a kickoff and a routine pattern, how's that Kiffin's fault.
I agree with Dizzle. 0 pts in three quarters against AZ in Oakland, you can't give props to the QB. Russell was solid, but not that good. He started good and did well avoiding the rush, but a lot of his throws left a lot to be desired.
#18
Posted by Your Reality Check, August 26, 2008 3:17 PM
Kiffin has proven he doesn't think well on his feet.
See, reporters asked the 'Are you concerned about the passing game? You're concentrating on the run, and not the pass. Is that because you aren't comfortable with Russell passing?"
Lame: "We're going to pass, pass, and pass this game".
Was STUPID of him to announce to all he's going to just pass. IF he wanted to see how the passing game would work, you call more pass plays, and see how the offense does. IF he wanted to state "If they know we're passing, as in 3rd and long situations, and they're lined up to defend the pass, I want to see how Russell does"??
Then he found out. Found out, in the ONLY important game in the preseason, that the oline, qb, and wr's struggled.
I mean, most set up the team to get on a nice roll for the 3rd game. To go into the final week before the season starts feeling good, feeling confident.
Instead Lame sets them up so they can have the 'that was embarrassing" comment to dwell on.
Way to motivate Lame.
You rock, lol.
Ok..a reason to smile.
Your previous LT, who's slight was false starts, is now our backup tackle.
OUR previous tackle, who's slights are false starts, holding penalties, and allowing the qb to get creamed, is now your STARTING BLINDSIDE TACKLE.
See?? told ya you would smile :)
#21
Posted by Alias, August 26, 2008 5:56 PM
Reality Check....
Such a good post I had to say it again....
100% Correct....5 Stars
LOL @ LAME
#22
Posted by LDizzle, August 26, 2008 8:13 PM
Alias = Reality Check. He is such a little geek he is congratulating himself.
Also just because using the Colts preseason is old, doesn't mean it isn't a perfect example. I was one of the first to criticize Kiffin for telling the media we would pass because we can't get an accurate judgement of how we will play in the regular season if the defense knows what is coming. But this is still the preseason and haters putting stock in it just shows how little they have to cling to. Hating is like burning down your own house to kill a rat. So you go ahead and keep burning down your own house. I will stand outside and roast marshmallows over it.
#23
Posted by KUSHMAN, August 26, 2008 8:14 PM
lol... funny stuff guys.. esp you horses ass keep suckin mikes dick you belong together... HAHA @ THE DUMB HATERS... really guys keep it up no one cares... LMAO
#24
Posted by Your Reality Check, August 26, 2008 9:47 PM
# LDizzle says:
August 26th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Alias = Reality Check. He is such a little geek he is congratulating himself.
Y-R-C: Damn you abuse the right to insert your head up your ass. You're like this little insecure child, posting inane bullshit, hoping for acceptance while feebly trying to say something that makes sense.
I told you this before, dumbass.
Raiderfans can't stand me because I'm a Niner fan and I routinely prove I've forgotten more about the sorry Raiders than they could ever know.
Raiderfans can't stand you because you're an idiot.
Both of the above scenarios will continue on, unabated.
--
Also just because using the Colts preseason is old, doesn’t mean it isn’t a perfect example.
Y-R-C: Yeah it does. Means you can't think on your own. You're reduced to sorry comparisons that have nothing to do with the fiasco known as the Raiders.
3 weeks ago Raider fans were sprouting off nonstop shit about how the Raiders are going to kick ass.
Now you're reduced to begging that everyone pretends they really didn't see what just happened, and that it didn't "matter".
Scores don't matter.
Personal play does.
You should be worried.
If you weren't so damn slow, you would be.
===================================
I was one of the first to criticize Kiffin for telling the media we would pass because we can’t get an accurate judgement of how we will play in the regular season if the defense knows what is coming. But this is still the preseason and haters putting stock in it just shows how little they have to cling to.
Y-R-C: Yes, LAUGHING MY FUCKING ASS OFF AT YOU..AGAIN.
Pay attention, clownly one.
Yeah, Kiffin blew it in that he set up Russell AND the team to now have doubts..not to mention the fans.
However, HAD RUSSELL AND THE OFFENSE LOOKED GOOD, everyone would be happy as hell. Confidence abounding, knowing that the D knew you were going to pass, yet they still couldn't stop you.
Now???
Now when it's 3rd and long? Or when the Raiders are behind towards the end of the game, and you HAVE to pass??
Doesn't really give you warm and fuzzies, does it, shit for brains??
(This is about the time you wave that white flag, Ditzle. Wave it proudly, like no only spineless poster can.)
===================================
Hating is like burning down your own house to kill a rat. So you go ahead and keep burning down your own house. I will stand outside and roast marshmallows over it.
Y-R-C: THAT IS THE DUMBEST ANALOGY I'VE EVER HEARD. Dude...that makes zero sense. I DARE YOU TO TRY AND EXPLAIN HOW THAT STUPID TAKE applies, in any way, shape or form???
LMAO..damn..before you hit "Submit Comment" you might just want to read first. Had you, you would have wisely cut that stupid crap out.
#25
Posted by Bill, August 26, 2008 9:47 PM
Nice post COWARD, I don't have NFL network or cable. My point was that the preseason mean nothing. Here is another question for you. When the Raiders last won the Superbowl, how many preseason games did they win that year Jack Ass?
#26
Posted by Alais, August 26, 2008 10:40 PM
Hey Bill,
When you're diverting attention away from the obvious, do you always do it by asking your opponent a question?
On a side note....you should really get NFL Network, although its becoming more and more biased by the minute, still the best channel on television!
#27
Posted by Your Reality Check, August 26, 2008 10:43 PM
Damn Bill...I forgot.
I have to dumb down my comments so you can grasp them.
NO ONE'S TALKING ABOUT WHO WON, moron.
I said it before the season starts, preseason wins or losses MEAN SQUAT.
Also stated you see how individuals do.
In that regard YOU'RE IN DEEP SHIT.
This preseason? Your qb STILL has questions. Your WR?? It's a disaster. Your O line? WITH ALL OF THE STARTERS IN??? Should definitely be worried.
Defensive line is porous when EVERYONE IS IN.
Kickers are injured and haven't performed yet.
Individual performance. Not looking good.
Oh..but hey, sure..for fun? LET'S GO BACK OVER A QUARTER OF A CENTURY WHEN THE RAIDERS LAST WON A SUPER BOWL, lol.
Wasn't like....Reagan president then?
Thanks for the setup Jack Ass.
Oh..hey..maybe you can help Ditzle figure out what the hell he meant on that sorry analogy above??
Any ideas??
#28
Posted by LDizzle, August 26, 2008 11:02 PM
Looks like Alias has been changing his name so much he forgot how to spell it. HA!
#29
Posted by Bill, August 27, 2008 7:29 AM
Hey haters, I guess every time I make a point it goes over your lil feeble heads. You two just keep talking the same trash and not making any football conversation at at. Niether of you have answered either of my questions. Why? Don't know the answer? You two only know fear and envy which comes out as hate on your part.If you guys/girls knew anything about the Game of football mabey we could have a reasonable conversation. Its pretty sad to go to a sports site and bash the fans of a said team. For what? Its true when they say misery loves company. I'm just not going to let your hate ruin my expectations for my team at the beginning of the season. You all want tgo debate football I'm all for it. If you guys just want to spit out witty trash talk with no relevance to football then why don't you all go back to the AOL under 13 chat rooms. I'll give you one more chance to answer a real football question. I'm betting niether of you can/will answer, but here is goes. What does this play call mean?
Zebra zebra right ace wing motion 8 toss
Lets see if you smart asses really know anything about football.
#30
Posted by Alais, August 27, 2008 11:52 AM
LOL.....
If the chatter regarding the Raiders was up to par, even boardering on some sort of truth, I would mirror that truth by spelling my Alias correctly. When I first entered this forum, I was myself!
There is always a motive.....
My next handle will be The Puppet Master, which will be my 4th.
If someone can correctly identify who I am, I will admit it.....
p.s.
MY EGO is BIGGER THAN YOURS!
#31
Posted by Coach Elkins, August 27, 2008 1:04 PM
Dude, who do you think you are?
Everyone here knows that it doesn't even matter what name you post under, only that the information brought to the table can be substantiated with some sort of fact or truth.
The moderators of these sites know who all of us are; they probably sit around and laugh at us trying to appear to be big-shots hiding behind some screen name.
Personally, I cannot wait until we all have each others I.P. Addresses, then we will each know who we're talking to, then people can and will be held accountable for their statements.
Question:
Who is more to blame?
The guy who gets caught by a spy.
or
The spy who has to spy on his victim in order to catch him,
I say the latter!
Check
#32
Posted by NFL Preview Part One: The AFC West «, August 28, 2008 7:46 PM
[...] improve a defense that allowed 145.9 rushing yards per game, second worst in the NFL? If he does (and early indications are that he is), along with the rest of the front seven, this will be a defense to be reckoned [...]
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