Titans 17 – Raiders 16: Post-Game Thoughts on Russell, Miller & Higgins
After a lackluster aerial performance in their first pre-season game, the Oakland Raiders decided last night to feature what could be their best pass-and-catch combo.
The Silver & Black lost 17-16 in Nashville, but draft mates JaMarcus Russell and Zach Miller looked in sync as the Raiders showed a glimpse of what the duo can do.
Miller navigated around the Titans coverage, Russell showed off his athleticism and big arm and all of the sudden, after a scoring drive in which both connected three times for 46-yards and a perfectly executed 10-yard touchdown play, things don’t look so bad in Oakland in terms of their passing game.
Is there a lot of work yet to be done? Obviously, and the Raiders are still waiting on Javon Walker to produce and hope to get a dynamic weapon incorporated in the offense in Darren McFadden.
As for Russell, feeling comfortable with Miller has been apparent since their arrival, and the rapport developed on the field will pay its dividends as both develop together.
”I figured that out from my first time playing,” Russell stated. “He has a knack for getting open. Once you put it in his vicinity, he’s going to catch it.”
Miller’s blocking was surprisingly dependable in his rookie season. But now its time to get him involved in moving the ball down the field. And he’s ready for the task stating; “I hope to see that for years to come.”
RUNNING RAIDERS
Oakland continued their running barrage, piling up 224 yards at a 6.1-yard per carry rate.
Last week, Louis Rankin’s performance and 72-yard scamper was surprising, displaying the depth of the Raider backfield after the expected trio of Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden and Michael Bush, who look to be the ball carriers that will get the most reps during the season.
Adimchinobi Echemandu yesterday became the latest running back to come off the bench and provide a highlight reel run with his 71-yard outburst.
Michael Bush got more work in, leading the Silver & Black with 14 carries last night and producing a productive 59 yards. Rookie Darren MacFadden continued to impress with a 7.3 yard per carry average on his 6 touches on the ground.
SPECIAL TEAMS – Sebastian and Shane who?
Aaron Elling had a solid showing going 3-for-3 on his field goal attempts, featuring a 56-yard boot at the end of the half.
Recently signed punter Glenn Pakulak had six punts and averaged 47.7 yards on his attempts with a long of 71-yards.
OH NO JOHNNIE LEE…
A week after looking like the clear cut favorite to take over punt return duties with a stellar game versus the 49ers, Johnnie Lee Higgins demonstrated why his inconsistencies and decision making puzzle the Raiders. He fielded a punt in the 2nd quarter on the 6-yard line, attempted to change direction several times with tight Titan coverage down the field and fumbled into the end zone leading to Tennessee’s first score last night.
