Jason O. Watson-US PRESSWIRE

Matt Shaughnessy is flying dangerously close to Chaz Schilens territory. You know, that realm of Raider Nation fan favorites reserved for those that only tease us with their brilliance yet never fully deliver. Guys like Nick Miller and long before him Ronald Curry have all done time in the Schilens zone.

What makes Shaughnessy different is that he’s actually shown plenty of promise in his three years as a pro. So much in fact that Bay Area beat writers were expecting a breakout season in 2011 for Shaughnessy with a potential Pro Bowl berth as well.

As we all know Shaughnessy’s season was over almost as soon as it started. He appeared in just three games and was finally shutdown when it was learned that his shoulder injury wasn’t going to heal during the season.

What was so Schilens about Shaughnessy last year was that he looked amazing in the preseason including an athletic interception in the (as of now) final Battle of the Bay.

The year before last Shaughnessy showed his pass rushing prowess by racking up 7 sacks in just 8 starts. He also showed some real improvement in defending the run.

Now nobody is saying that Shaughnessy’s absence in 2011 was the reason why the Raiders were a dismal defensive unit. But there is no arguing that the team never recovered from losing their best perimeter pass rusher on the line. In 2012 it’s all about staying healthy and humble for Shaughnessy. He’s poised to breakout (again) but he’s also one more injury filled season away from officially gaining full membership in the Schilens club.

Raiders were first to recognize Moore's talent and first to give up on it too.

Many members of Raider Nation were completely confused by many of the decisions made when the Raiders broke camp and cut the roster down to 53. Among the most troubling of all was the decision to cut promising rookie Sterling Moore for underachieving vet Joe Porter.

Porter parlayed a blocked kick in the preseason finale into a spot on the roster. Meanwhile Moore flashed all kinds of potential yet was shown the exit.

As inexplicable as that move was the Raiders went out and topped themselves. Initially they brought Moore back by adding him to the practice squad. As injuries in the secondary began to pile up you’d have thought he might get his shot at playing. Instead Oakland again parted ways with the Bay Area native choosing instead to bring in other options at DB. Eventually Porter was also released giving way for one of the many DBs that suited up in Silver and Black.

Well, it didn’t take long for another team desperate to add to a weakened defense to sign Moore. Just in case you checked out of the NFL once the Raiders’ season concluded then you missed that same Sterling Moore coming up big for the New England Patriots in the AFC title game.

Now before burying the Raiders for their lack of vision it is only right to offer an honest critique of Moore.
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Making a surprise first appearance among the injured was standout rookie Denarius Moore who watched practice wearing a walking boot. No official word yet on what exactly is ailing Moore.

Either Hue Jackson is being extra cautious or his team has some serious concerns.

Jacoby Ford is still nursing his foot injury. If both Ford and Moore are unable to go Sunday then it will be up to the good old combo of Louis Murphy and Chaz Schilens to keep the vertical game alive as Darrius Heyward-Bey has still not been cleared to practice. The good news is that DHB is no longer wearing a neck brace.

Should the Raiders need to grab a receiver off the scrap heap they could always reach out to Nick Miller who is no longer with the St. Louis Rams. Derek Hagan was just signed by the Bills so you can forget about a reunion there.

The Darren McFadden watch continues. At this rate it would be shocking to see him anytime soon. This foot injury is clearly much worse than anticipated. To make matters worse Taiwan Jones was also held out of practice with a hamstring issue.

Looks like it is time for Coach Jackson to revise his mantra: From here out he’ll have to say “next men up.”