Oakland Raiders 20 New Orleans Saints 40
The main thing you can take away from this game is how poorly the Raiders secondary played. It is clear that it's the one weakness the Raiders will have this year along with inconsistent offensive line play. Saints QB Drew Brees tore the Raiders secondary apart, going after Raider's rookie CB Demarcus Van Dyke occasionally in the first half. The Raiders first team offense was effective and moved the ball effectively. The offensive line opened up holes in the running game and played fairly well in pass protection. The score was 17-10 at half time so that bodes well that the Raiders starters were able to compete with a team that just won the Super Bowl the season before last.
Positives:
+ WR Derek Hagan: Hagan played like a Pro-Bowler against the Saints and scored the Raiders first TD of the game. He had 7 catches for over 100 yards. Very impressive thus far in preseason and has probably locked up a roster spot.
+ RB Taiwan Jones: 13 carries for 81 yards and 1 TD. Looking to be the playmaker we all thought he would be when drafted in the 4th round. Him and WR Denarius Moore were absolute steals!
+ RB Michael Bush: 5 carries for 32 yards. Had a good game and is excellent in pass protection.
+ QB Jason Campbell: 12-17 for 150 yards and 1 TD. The 1 INT he threw was not his fault because TE Brandon Myers failed to catch it as it bounced off his hands. Injured starter TE Kevin Boss would've caught that ball. Campbell looked sharp and made his reads quickly getting rid of the ball fast. He was very accurate.
+ MLB Rolando McClain: Rolando has already improved in so many areas after just one season in the NFL. He was excellent against the run against the Saints and looked great in coverage, breaking up a couple passes over the middle of the field.
+ CB Stanford Routt: Still has not allowed a reception in preseason. Looked excellent in coverage against the Saints as usual. You can tell he's learned alot playing from with Nnamdi.
Negatives:
- CB Demarcus Van Dyke: Coverage is not his problem. He's been sticking to his man like glue. The problem is that he's still allowing tons of receptions and doesn't know how to play the ball in the air. Instead of putting his hands up to knock the ball down he continues to run along side WR's in excellent coverage but still lets them get the reception. This is something he can easily learn and work on. But for right now he shouldn't be starting.
- CB Walter McFadden: Why is he not cut yet? The guy is terrible in coverage, can't tackle, and allows a reception every time the ball comes his way. Maybe he can play on special teams but that's it.
- SS Tyvon Branch: Might be the most overrated player on the Raiders. He hasn't improved at all in coverage. Yes, he's a good tackler, but when he allows reception after reception it gets a little frustrating to watch.
- WR Nick Miller: He has been ineffective on both kick returns and punt returns. He won't make the team if he can't contribute there or as a pass catcher. Really has had no impact on any preseason game and his taking a roster spot away from a guy like Derrick Hagan or Denarius Moore.
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