Titans 38 - Raiders 13
This opener at Tennessee was a sad reminder that the pre-season is completely meaningless. The 2 biggest concerns going into the opener reared their ugly heads:
** OLine Pass Protection and WRs production **
The Raiders OLine looked inept and could not protect Campbell. In particular, "Super" Mario Henderson almost got Campbell killed ... again. During the preseason vs. SF, Henderson whiffed and allowed DE LaBoy a “kill-shot” on Campbell’s blind side. Both Walker and Henderson were turnstiles when facing speed rushers. If it wasn’t for Campbell’s mobility, there would have been even more carnage. On top of poor pass protection, the OLine was very undisciplined with countless penalties and miscues on center exchanges.
The WRs were non-existent, non-factors in the passing game. 8 total receptions for 58 total yards. When your QB is scrambling for his life, the WRs need to have more awareness to make themselves available by breaking off and improvising their routes. It becomes a school-yard fire drill where the WR needs to become a viable target.
Total WR Production vs. Tennessee:
-> Murphy 4 receptions - 28 yards
-> Figurs 2 receptions - 17 yards
-> DHB 1 reception - 11 yards
-> JLH 1 reception - 2 yards
When your #1, Top WR, accounts for 28 measly yards in the passing game, it is not a good sign.
Sure it is only 1 game but it was an epic failure and uncompetitive football on all counts. All 3 units (offense, defense, special teams) played poorly. Basic football fundamentals (blocking, tackling, stopping the run, getting open and catching the ball) were sorely missing.
I'm hopeful that we will correct and tighten up our pass blocking plus find a way for our WRs to be legit, productive pass catching threats.
posted by Calico Jack at 5:32 PM
7 Comments:
CJ,
The WR though young and lacking in experience are not going to be able to do anything until the O-line is fixed. I think WR is an overrated position especially compared to the o-line. Campbell also looked shaky regardless of the fact that he was under attack all day.
Cable is an ass. Who in their right mind starts a rookie at center on the road, with a new qb, in the first game of the season. This is especially a bad move considering the last time Veldheer played center was in high school. Really terrible decision. Even if has more upside than Satele ease him into the position against someone like St. Louis at home.
The Raiders D is the only promising part of the team and you saw how they played---I am nauseous
Florida Raider
I'm with your analysis 100%, CJ. It all hurts, but what really kills me is the inability to stop the damn run.
If a team can't stop the run, it will get run over, and will have the pace of the game dictated to them. What a bunch of punching bags they were.
I'm looking for some serious improvement next week.
Oops, can't sign in on cell. That post was me. Tooz 72
Tooz -
It all comes down to the basic fundamentals of solid football ...
stop the run, run the ball, pressure the opponent's QB, protect your QB, tackling, blocking etc.
I hope the Raiders are pissed off AND embarrassed by their performance vs. Tenn and take it out on, the Lambs. If DC Marshall doesn't blitz rookie QB Bradford, he is just plain stupid.
What I can't figure out is, Cable is an O-line coach,right? How is it possible that it's the weakest link on this team? It's like a patchwork quilt that looks like sh--. You got a rook at C who is, what, a left tackle...Gallery has played seems like every position..how are they all supposed to gel and protect Campbell, and open holes for the backs? Not to mention Henderson. My God, he's not protecting Campbell, not trying to recover Campbell's fumbles, and not trying to tackle the opposing team when they do. Discipline dude, discipline.
If the Raiders lose to St Louis, I hope Cable is the fall guy. Cause I can't watch another season like last year. Not giving up hope, not by a long shot, and this team is in my blood but god, I don't think any of us can go through year 8 of misery. Thanks for the forum, CJ
Danna
The problem is the Raiders have a total lack of talent if you look at the situation honestly there are only two above average players on the entire team: Seymour and Nmandi. There are a few average players (Gallery, Bush, Wimbley) and the rest are garbage (Henderson, Routt, Kelly, Huff, Campbell, etc, etc.) or unproven (McClain etc.)
So as bad as Cable is the real problem is the team lacks talent across the board
Zeke
One bad game does not a season make. They looked very strong in pre-season. I know they've got a better caliber of play in them, and the Rams are in town on Sunday. It should be a good game to execute on fundamentals and build some confidence.
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