Silver and Black Report

QUARTERBACK

JaMarcus Russell: In his first home opener, last year’s 1^st overall pick did not disappoint completely, especially considering that this will be his first full year as a pro. His 17 completions in 26 attempts were encouraging. The 180-yards are putrid, and if Oakland wants to improve this offense, he has to toss for more yardage, but what was far better is the absence of interceptions. The football coming out of his hand on the opening drive was a miscue that was facilitated by the pressure provided. Russell was able to get the ball down the field on a well executed 3^rd and 1 play action bootleg that Ronald Curry bobbled, and another play, he nearly missed hitting the Raiders best wide receiver on a deep route. The touchdowns to Ashley Lelie and Curry helped pad his stats. Ultimately, its about winning and leading your club…

GAME GRADE: B-

RUNNING BACKS

Justin Fargas: He is a pros pro. Regardless of score, situation or where the team is in the standings, Fargas runs hard and gives it his all. His 18 carries for 97 yards don’t indicate how determined he is when he has the football tucked away in his arms. Oakland needs a roster filled of players like Fargas.

GAME GRADE: A

Darren McFadden: He started and got the game’s first carry, breaking into the Bronco secondary for 8-yards. His 5.1 yards per carry were impressive, but not nearly enough to keep the Raiders in the game. His explosiveness is evident, and as the season approaches, it will be fun to see how Lane Kiffin utilizes him. At one point, lined up at quarterback, McFadden handed off to Fargas, as he did often at Arkansas.

GAME GRADE: C+

WIDE RECEIVERS/TIGHT END

Ronald Curry: After getting behind a defender, Curry bobbled a deep toss in the 2^nd quarter that could’ve lead to a big play. Curry must make those plays for his young quarterback and play more consistent football. Oakland will be desperate to move the chains, especially if they get into those arduous 3^rd and longs.

GAME GRADE: D

Ashley Lelie: Against his former team, Lelie compiled 3 receptions for 37-yards and a touchdown. If Oakland can get anything out of him, it will go a long way in helping this team improve their aerial attack.

GAME GRADE: C

Zach Miller: The Raiders need to find a way to get him involved in the passing game. Problem is, Miller is probably their best blocker on the edge.

GAME GRADE: C

OFFENSIVE LINE

Cornell Green started at right tackle, a position that was up in the air during the pre-season. At times, Russell had happy feet in the pocket. And with an offensive line that is far better at run blocking than pass protecting, this will be an issue for the Raiders all season. Denver attempted to pressure Russell with blitzes, and it worked disrupting the timing and flow of the Raiders passing game.

GAME GRADE: D

DEFENSIVE LINE

Denver ran the ball for 142-yards, continuing the woes of the Raiders defensive line against the run. Whenever Selvin Young and Andre Hall needed the big yardage on the ground, they were able to attack the interior of Oakland’s line. Tommy Kelly was non-existent and any pass rush was neutralized by Mike Shanahan’s crafty play-calling, moving Jay Cutler out of the pocket and keeping him in rhythm with a good mix of run and pass plays.

GAME GRADE: F

LINEBACKERS

Kirk Morrison: Was a victim on the 72-yard pass play from Cutler to Tony Scheffler. The defensive captain and his teammates looked overwhelmed all night as Shanahan dictated all night what occurred on the football field.

Thomas Howard: The speedster was active early, especially when stuffing a wide receiver screen, but his quickness was neutralized by the effective zone blocking of the Denver offensive line.

GAME GRADE: D

SECONDARY

DeAngelo Hall: Eddie Royal dominated the former Atlanta Falcon, giving him fits all night on short and deep routes. Hall fell victim to the rookie on numerous double moves and was even flagged for unnecessary roughness penalties twice on the same drive.  A horrendous night overall for Hall, who stated this weekend to SBReport, “It’s a good thing I don’t mess up [smiling],” when asked about how the Raider fans in the Coliseum react to players that don’t perform well.

Gibril Wilson: Another Raider making his debut that didn’t play well. He was exposed in the passing game and made little impact to the Raiders run defense.

Michael Huff: The free-safety displayed Schweigert-esque aptitude on Darrell Jackson’s 48-yard touchdown reception. Huff was the last line of defense and his missed tackle sprung the receiver free.

GAME GRADE: F

SPECIAL TEAMS

Johnnie Lee Higgins got Oakland going early with a huge 58-yard kickoff return after Denver’s opening scoring drive. But that was it…

Tyvon Branch gave a great effort in trying to pin the Broncos near the own end zone in the 2^nd quarter, but the play was called a touchback.

GAME GRADE: C

COACHING:

Rob Ryan’s defense was mesmerized by Shanahan’s play calling. The Denver head coach was masterful in placing his young passer in situations he could succeed. Kiffin attempted to add juice to the Raiders offense with a reverse to Higgins (which was botched) and some “trickeration” with McFadden line up at quarterback on one play. But it is clear that without Javon Walker, Russell’s learning curve, issues with the offensive line, and a early deficit, the Raiders will have problems putting up points in 2008. Especially if they have to abandon the run and play from behind during contests.

GAME GRADE: D