Here we go with the first post, a week after the first pre-season game against the Cardinals and around 3 hours before the second game against the 49ers, here are a few thoughts after watching the last game:
- The zone blocking scheme will do wonders for our running game, there were times against the Cardinals that our offensive line were opening gaping holes for our running backs to make big gains, the system seems to especially suit Rhodes and Echemandu.
- Speaking of Echemandu, the guy is a real find and should make the roster and get significant carries this season, I was especially impressed on one play against the Cardinals when he showed great awareness in switching the ball from one hand to the other and stiff-arming a defender to the ground to gain an extra couple of yards.
Don't get carried away and expect him to start or split carries because he has tough competition in front of him, the number of carries he get will also depend on how well LaMont Jordan adapts to zone blocking which is something I'll be looking out for tonight. One thing I do recommend is you learn how to spell and say his name because we'll be seeing a lot more of him this season.
- Dominic Rhodes IS a Raider, I liked the signing at the time and I like it even more now. I love his style of running and would of expected him to win the battle for the starting RB spot had he not been suspended for the first 4 games. I also love his attitude and the way he really wanted to jump into the black hole after his first TD run, it won't be for the last time either!
- B.J. Ward sure knows how to hit, I really like this guy and the big hitting ability it brings. If you ask anyone who watched most of our games last season the one thing our defense truly lacked then most of them would say a big hitter.
We lost Darnell Bing for reasons that will probably be confirmed when we see him in action for the 49ers, which I presume is for his lack of coverage ability. We gained two big hitters in veteran leader Donovin Darius and out-of-nowhere man B.J. Ward, look for these guys to lay the wood and put fear into opposing offenses this year.
- The QB competition is most definitely still open but I expect Culpepper to win it if his development continues as hoped. The first couple of drives were undoubtedly poor and he didn't look totally comfortable in the pocket, but these issues could be put down to rust and working with the third team offense.
One thing I'm in no doubt of is he looked wonderful when rolling out and throwing on the move, none of our other QB's (that are at camp) have close to his overall ability.
- Walter possesses really good arm strength and looked very strong when throwing from the pocket, it must of been a relief for him to have time to throw for a change. However I think his inability to roll out and throw on the run effectively could see him lose the competition, take notice if Lane Kiffin calls any of these plays in tonights game when Walter is in because he didn't last week.
- Mario Henderson isn't ready to start, there's no doubt this kid has plenty of promise and I expect him to start either next season or the one after but he's not ready yet. This is why Cornell Green is the current RT and rookies rarely start on the offensive line unless they have elite talent or are forced to because of injuries. Although at times Henderson looked very good, at others he got schooled and made big mistakes, including allowing a sack.
- A lot has been said about Robert Gallery, in fact way too much has been said about Robert Gallery. One thing that must be said is he has worked really hard this off-season in an attempt to regain his confidence and ability that once made him a #2 overall draft pick and a can't miss prospect.
His hard work really showed against the Cardinals, I thought he had a solid game for the most part with a few small errors. One in particular where an opposing defender seemed to effortlessly breeze past him and into the backfield, but fortunately Rhodes sidestepped him and turned a 3 yard loss into a 13 yard gain.
On a positive note when he got a block on his man there was no way he was letting him go, he drove defenders forward with power and force which is exactly what he was brought here to do. It's early days in the zone blocking scheme and Gallery's days at guard so expect him to make the odd mistake but hopefully this guy can be a real talent for us and has finally found his position at LG.
- Johnnie Lee Higgins has real big-play ability and will be an excellent deep threat, helping keep the defense honest and giving the team the occasional big gain. Against the Cardinals he made some real nice moves on a punt return and had a brilliant 50-yard catch from Culpepper, I'm expecting big things from Higgins.
That's all for now, hope you enjoyed reading and comments are welcomed... I'm In!
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2 comments:
The jury is still out on Gallery, but as long as he's left in one spot, I think he'll be okay. As you said, it will take some time.
But what about the rest of the OL? The LG position is integral to success, but so are the other positions as well. I'm not ecstatic about Sims, but I'm happier with him than I am with the unknown guy at RT!!
At Center, I'm hoping Newberry kicks the snot outta Grove, dominates the position, and remains healthy.
You say you're happy with the RB's. I am too. But what about the FB position? I highly doubt we're keeping 3 FB's. We drafted Oren O'neil, and he's a good blocker (not so great of a receiver though). Justin Griffith will probably win the starting job. Does this mean Crockett's days are numbered? I don't know. Maybe keep him around for depth at RB until Rhodes returns?
As well, what about the WR position? Pat Kirwin (Sirius Radio) said we need a speed guy. I don't think we do. Rice wasn't a speed guy. Tim Brown wasn't a speed guy the year we went to the SB. In fact, I think we're better off with TOUGH receivers who arn't afraid to take a hit than speed guys who tend to be more frail.
At Tight End, I think we won the lotto with Miller! He caught a bullet from Walter that was a bit high, and still kept the ball away from the defender.
I too want Culpepper to start. I still can't believe Atlanta didn't pick him up. God knows they could've used him! But I'm not counting Walter out yet. I admitt to having a man-crush on Walter. He's got a gun, and I'd like to see him remain with the RAIDERS as a backup.
Special Teams play: no one seems to want to talk about ST too much. Kick coverage appeared slightly better, but we still have to get much better in that respect. We already know that Chris Carr is a threat, and the addition of Johnnie Lee means that we can expect good if not great field position all season long.
Game starts in 2 hrs... GO RAIDERS!!!!!
Enjoyed reading your perspective. Thanks for sharing...
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