Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) carries the ball during the third quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Offense
Matt Schaub looked comfortable in the pocket, he was trying to throw some back shoulder throws that the Raiders receivers aren’t used to. Seriously, how often has a Raiders QB thrown a back shoulder throw in the last 10 years? Hardly ever. Schaub also threw some pretty good passes, albeit into tight coverage at times, but the passes were on the mark. The receivers dropped the ball. Already the controversial statements are being made about the production that Schaub and Derek Carr had in Pre-Season. Well, Carr was in the game longer. Plus, Carr was going against second and third team defenses. It’s too early to start that Raider Nation, way too early. If that was the case, then we’d start to hold Matt McGloin up on a higher pedestal than both Schaub and Carr.
The offensive line held the pocket very well. As a matter of fact, they were one of the units that looked the best to me all night. Plus, their run blocking was better than last year, by far. Yes, they had some penalties, but that’s to be expected in their first game. From the first string to the third string, I thought the OL did a very good job most of the night. Schaub wasn’t sacked at all. Carr got sacked, but he held onto the ball too long. McGloin was also sacked, but he failed to step up into the pocket soon enough. Small potatoes folks. Overall, the Raiders OL was one of the best units all night.
It was drop the football night for the Raiders WR’s and TE’s. Several balls went through the hands of the players, and the balls were very catchable. I’m sure this will be addressed immediately by the Raiders coaching staff. No, it’s not time to bring in Jermichael Finley. The Raiders are fine with who they have for now and the time is not now to make a panic move.
Darren McFadden, Maurice Jones-Drew, and especially Latavius Murray all looked really good. They were running hard and finding the holes. Plus, Murray showed off his very good hands by catching a ball thrown way behind him with one hand. This group looked to be the most ready to start the season.