Silver and Black Report

Wimbley in action for the Raiders

Linebackers Kamerion Wimbley and Slade Norris had starring roles in the Oakland Raiders 32-17 victory at Chicago. Wimbley, acquired from Cleveland during the off-season, tallied 4-sacks as a nickel pass rusher and Norris recovered a bobbled punt in the end zone for a score and then blocked a punt that lead to a safety.

Wimbley’s emergence is imperative, as the Raiders reshuffled their linebacker unit this unit in order to get more versatility and play making ability out of that grouping. So far, Rolando McClain has done everything the coaches have asked of him and Trevor Scott has continued his steady development. But if Wimbley plays at a level like he demonstrated last night, Oakland’s front seven will be a menace.

Matt Forte’s 89-yard run was an exhibition in great run blocking by the Chicago Bears. Oakland’s front seven was neutralized and once Forte got into the secondary, Michael Huff took a bad angle to the ball carrier and eventually was danced around the paydirt bound Bear.

Oakland’s offense showed some resiliency converting a 3^rd and 19, which led to the opening score. Michael Bush’s 24-yard screen was a pivotal play. Bush’s hands have always been raved about, but rarely used. And with the offense being more versatile in its playmaking, Oakland was able to pull that play off without worrying defenses pinching down around the line of scrimmage. Last year, no way they would have converted that third down.

Johnnie Lee Higgins may have bought himself more time on the roster. The WR/PR who has been challenged by Yamon Figurs had one catch for 18-yards. Not an impressive evening, but Figurs was non-existent against the Bears.

Michael Bennett continues to be the Raiders most productive offensive player this pre-season. He added 64-more yards rushing (including a 44-yard scamper) and 14-yards receiving to his stats.

“The last game I had a couple of jitters before the game started, the first time with a new team, but this time I was just out there playing football,” Jason Campbell said. The former Redskin sneaked in for a score but also had two turnovers.

Samson Satele left the game with an ankle sprain and coach Tom Cable would like to see more cohesiveness in the offensive line. Pre-snap penalties and missed blocks will be on his agenda to get this group in order for the all-important third pre-season contest.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist