1. Dallas at Oakland

Dec 23, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) in the huddle against the New Orleans Saints at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas was third in the league in passing last season (I see you earned that new extension Romo). So this game will be a nice test for the secondary. Freshly signed Tracy Porter will have a chance to showcase his abilities or lack thereof against a team who passed for close to 300 yards a game. Assuming Reggie McKenzie drafts a corner or two, it should prove to be a good chance to see how truly explosive NFL passers can be. I am also personally excited to see how Taiwan Jones plays in his first NFL season as a cornerback.

2.  Oakland at New Orleans

November 18, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) talks to his teammates in the huddle during the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

The Saints are friendlier with the end zone then Bill Clinton is with his secretaries. Third in the league in points and first in passing, the Saints will prove to be another challenge for this Raider defense. Other then watching the secondary, it will be interesting to see how the Raider’s generate a pass rush against future hall of famer Drew Brees. The former Charger may be the toughest foe to face all preseason long.

3.   Chicago at Oakland

Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Michael Bush (29) celebrates scoring a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Bush will have a chance to revisit Oakland with another great rushing team. Tenth in the league in rushing last year, the Bears will test what the Raiders have been historically bad at. Stopping Matt Forte and the former McFadden backup will show Raider Nation how the new front seven will fall apart or come together. Miles Burris will be a returning Raider to watch as he enters his second season in the league.

4.   Oakland at Seattle

Aug 11, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) (left) and Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Flynn (15) (right) enter the field during warm ups prior to the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Tennessee Titans at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Tennessee 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Of course everybody knows what the storyline of this game will be. Matt Flynn will return to Seattle and face the number one defense from 2012. This game will test the entire team as Seattle’s offense was ranked number 9 in the league. Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson will test how the defense plays against mobile quarterbacks and versatile running backs. The silver and black’s offense must find the end zone in a great preseason finale that is sure to be a shootout.

I hate the preseason. It is a month of anticipation, getting just glimpses of your team. Every week makes you just hungrier to see the real thing. Not to mention saying prayers every night in hopes nobody ends up injured (an all to common problem in Oakland). The best part of the preseason is the end of the preseason. An end that is ushered in by an Autumn Wind.

Carson Palmer’s interception problem reared its ugly head twice today. As if that was unexpected. With no Darren McFadden and no Mike Goodson the Raider’s reliance on Palmer was about as expected as a Twilight movie. Palmer was in a fight that he could not win. Tom Brady has Wes Welker, Rob Gronkowski, and Brandon Lloyd. Drew Brees has Jimmy Graham, Marquis Colston, and Darren Sproles. Blaine Gabbert has, well nobody, but Oakland sits in the same position. Heart or no heart Palmer is part of a team that would make Rudy vomit in his varsity jacket.

Oakland’s defense proved to in fact be just an extension of the New Orleans Saints offense. The Saints successfully planted Dennis Allen in the Raiders organization in hopes of sabotaging the Raider’s game today. At least that is the only explanation one can fathom for how the defense has been playing lately. The start of the second half summed up the entire day for the Raiders. A huge kick return followed by a Mark Ingram touchdown scamper. Just like those two plays the Raiders spent the day being dominated by a mediocre running game and the constant big play threat of the Saints. Tackling this problem was obviously not on Jason Tarver’s to-do list. In fact tackling wasn’t on any Raider’s to-do list. A great defense must start with heart, and heart has clearly gone the way of Hue Jackson.

On a more positive note there are some bright spots for Raider Nation to be hopeful for. Marcel Reese led the team in rushing and receiving once again proving his versatility. Reese’s performance didn’t win the game and it cannot save the season. However, Reese could prove as a more utilized weapon in the Raider’s offense next season. He could also serve as great trading material for a first round draft pick or an experienced veteran who can tackle. Reese would be more then wanted on teams like the New York Jets or the Detroit Lions who could more then use a spark for the running game.

Sadly the 2012 season is probably over. As unpredictable as the AFC West is the Raiders are more then likely playing for the draft now. This will be seen on Sundays as the Raiders will probably continue on the path of shame they have chosen. Unfortunately the proud Raider Nation must once again suffer through a rebuilding season, and like any other the most faith full of fans will suffer with the pride of a super bowl winner.

Nov 18, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders coach Dennis Allen (right) and New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) after the game at the O.co Coliseum. The Saints defeated the Raiders 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

Injury reports courtesy of Fox Sports.