Silver and Black Report

Louis Murphy on the move against the Saints

QUARTERBACK: C -

Again, JaMarcus Russell’s statistics don’t tell the entire story of what occurred during the game. He ended 12-of-18 for 153 yards, but he did not lead the team to any points and the offense was stagnant the entire first half. In the first half, the offense tallied only 60-yards of offense and three first downs. On the game’s first play, Russell connected on a slant with his prized rookie and then he followed that with a composed play-fake and pass to his favorite target for 35-yards. On the second drive, his pass on 3^rd and 7 was floated down the sideline to Darrius Heyward-Bey and should have been intercepted. Russell was accurate today for the most part, as displayed on a 3^rd and 7 in the 2^nd quarter when he found Louis Murphy for first down yardage, but the target was not able to make the catch. Russell was a victim of his un-proven wide-outs. But ultimately, he has to put points on the scoreboard and help his teammates get better with his elevated play. On another 3^rd and 7, he had an open Johnnie Lee Higgins, but he put too many RPMs on the short toss that was not handled due to the lack of touch. Jeff Garcia ended 9-of15 for 111 yards and a touchdown. On his scoring pass, he had defenders coming at him, as he let go a strong throw towards the sideline.

RUNNING BACK: C -

Justin Fargas did not play and was out. Michael Bush got the start, but was non-factor with three touches total for 9-yards. Darren McFadden continues to prove that he is the most dynamic presence on the team. Upon entering the game, the speedy rusher jolted through the Saints defense for a big gain that was ultimately negated due to a flag. His three official carries were un-eventful, and he had a fumble that was recovered and returned deep into Raider territory. Oren O’Neal looks slow to holes and at times is a hindrance to the runners who are trying to get up the field. Gary Russell ran for 42-yards and contributed on special teams.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS: D+

Zach Miller had a game of ups and downs. He recorded 5 receptions for 74 yards, but his blocking was not up to par today and his hold infraction negated a big gain by McFadden. Louis Murphy (3 rec. 84 yards) had a drop and was stripped on a big gainer after making a nice catch in the 3^rd quarter. The rookie out of Florida also had an up and down game, looking uneasy at times and very skillful other times. Darrius Heyward-Bey worked on his shorter routes today, hauling in a slant on the game’s first play for 12-yards. The CB defending him on another slant almost jumped the route for an interception. Jonathan Holland’s 43-yard touchdown reception and run was the best play of the night. Higgins dropped a possible big gainer in the 3rd quarter.

OFFENSIVE LINE: D -

Again, they were not able to pave lanes for the first team rushers and were slow at the point of attack. Oakland ran for 1-yard in the 1^st half. The pass blocking took a step back today, as Russell and Garcia had defenders around them and had to move in the pocket often. Robert Gallery was infracted for a hold at the end of the half; a few plays later, Russell was sacked. Cornell Green was up and down and Samson Satele does not appear to get any push in the interior. On Garcia’s touchdown pass, the pressure was coming.

DEFENSIVE LINE: F

William Joseph and Gerard Warren are one of the few players that can boast about having a solid play here and there at defensive tackle. The best player along the interior today was Desmond Bryant. He got penetration and was disruptive on a few plays; recording a sack and helping on a couple of runs that tallied little yardage. Trevor Scott brought the heat at the end of the 1^st half; forcing Mark Brunell to throw away a pass out of the end zone and then facilitating a turnover on the ensuing play with his closing speed toward the passer.

LINEBACKERS: C -

This unit struggled in space all day. Ricky Brown had a couple of stops that were note-worthy. But overall, Thomas Howard and Sam Williams were not effective. Jon Alston continues to cruise on easy street, not making any stellar plays and looking more and more like a back-up or one-dimensional special teamer. Brown and Howard are one of the few players on this side of the ball that play with fire.

SECONDARY: F

Toyed by Drew Brees all day, the defensive backs and safeties were horrendous today. Hiram Eugene missed various tackles that sprung New Orleans’ rushers for substantial gains. He also was victimized on deeper routes and useless in coverage. The interception he recorded was forced by the pass rush and right into his hands. Stanford Routt missed a tackle that sprung Robert Meachem for a 71-yard gain and his coverage was abysmal was flagged twice while trying to cover Lance Moore. Chris Johnson allowed free-releases all day and was soft against the Saints’ receivers. He showed hustle and used his world-class speed chasing down Meachem on Routt’s missed tackle. Overall, the secondary missed too many tackles and blew too many assignments against a team who is a machine on offense. Michael Hawkins delivered a nice hit in the 4^th quarter.

SPECIAL TEAMS: B

Gary Russell, Jon Condo and David Nixon had a few nice tackles on punt coverage. Nick Miller recorded 105 yards on punt and kickoff yards, but does not appear to be a threat to Justin Miller. Ricky Schmitt looks to be a solid punter, but with Shane Lechler on the roster, and the Raiders hoping to have the all-pro ready for the opener, the rookie from Sheperd could be attracting suitors elsewhere.

COACHING: D-

Tom Cable’s team looked over-matched all day. Just like they did in the regular season meeting last year in New Orleans. The defense took a step backward on all facets and the offense also regressed. At home, you expect the Raiders to give a better effort. John Marshall’s unit could be kept off-balance all season if they continue to have issues stopping the run. The back-end of the secondary is lacking talent and has young players that are inexperienced.

NOTES:

• TOTAL YARDS: New Orleans 536 Oakland 316
• PASSING YARDS: New Orleans 304 Oakland 264
• RUSHING YARDS: New Orleans 232 Oakland 52
• Time of Possession: New Orleans 39:27 Oakland 20:33
• 1st downs: New Orleans 31 Oakland 9
• 3^rd down Conversions: New Orleans 8-16 Oakland 1-10