Silver and Black Report

The physical play of the Raiders on both sides of the ball

Oakland set the tone early with their powerful ground game. After the 1^st quarter, they had a dominating 81-yards rushing. On the other side of the ball, San Diego was only able to produce 9-yards on the ground. Tom Cable’s offensive line pushed aside the Charger’s front seven in the first half, which allowed Darren McFadden and Michael Bush to combine for 105 yards at intermission. Mario Henderson mauled Shawne Merriman at times; Robert Gallery, Chris Morris and Cooper Carlisle shoved aside any Charger opposite them and Cornell Green played over his head on occasion. Oakland’s defense also flexed their muscle with hard-hitting and relentless pressure. Tyvon Branch looked every part of a strong safety when around the line of scrimmage, Richard Seymour, Greg Ellis and Trevor Scott brought the heat and Tommy Kelly and Gerard Warren actually looked stout in the trenches. Oakland has not played with this physical nature in a long time. Did they wear down as the game ended? The linebackers getting depth in their coverages late and John Marshall hitting the brake pedal as time expired was disappointing, but overall, San Diego will feel the effects of the brute play of the Raiders this morning.

VERDICT: GOOD

The new acquisitions on the defensive line

Greg Ellis and Richard Seymour tallied all three Raider sacks. Seymour played every position along the front-four, was disruptive, and his utilization drove San Diego’s offense nuts. His play appeared to have elevated the performance of others and solidified a line that was in desperate need of a force in the interior. Ellis was the steady veteran he always is. Whether on run defense or chasing Philip Rivers down, Ellis provided more than what Derrick Burgess had in his last two campaigns in Silver & Black.

VERDICT: GOOD

JaMarcus Russell’s up and down night

At times, Russell hindered the offense, missing wide-open targets and looking like the passer still in development. Other times, he looked poised, steady and like a quarterback evolving. His 57-yard bomb to Louis Murphy in the 4^th quarter was clutch, especially after his accuracy struggles and missing a few plays on that same drive after a sneak in which he hurt himself. Ultimately, he has to make more positives plays to help this team perform at a higher level. The touchdown to Murphy, which the referees overruled, was a nice flash.

VERDICT: TIE

Darren McFadden getting his touches

Oakland has to continue to feature this dynamic talent. He is a scary weapon that can provide some moments of excitement. The Raiders used him well on runs, splitting out as a wide receiver and motioning him all over the formation. More screens to the speedster should be mixed into the game plan. There is no denying that he can run the ball between the tackles as well, as he can handle the pounding with his chiseled frame. Ball security is an issue, but until further notice, he should be the main ball carrier on this offense.

VERDICT: GOOD

Special Teams, not so special

Last year, the Raiders played well on coverage units. In the opener, they allowed momentum-swinging plays to the diminutive Darren Sproles. After Oakland took a 7-0 lead, on the ensuing kick, Sproles busted a 66-yard return. Then when they took a 10-7 lead, Sproles replied with a 59-yard burst.

VERDICT: BAD

John Marshall’s debut

For the most part, good, but the first year defensive coordinator inexplicably dropped his linebackers deep into coverage, allowing key yards late in the 4^th quarter to Sproles out of the backfield. Oakland forced a turnover in the 1^st half after the Chargers drove deep in their territory, a fumble by LaDainian Tomlinson; his first in 993 touches. The front-seven played physical and was disciplined. But the breakdown late could have been prevented scheme wise after the Raiders punished the Chargers all night.

VERDICT: TIE

NOTE: Game Grades will be posted soon…

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist