massraider said:
Marshawn is a big addition. So many plays Latavius would have been stopped, and he pounded forward. God, he's fun to watch run.
Downing called a nice game. My favorite play was the end around to Patterson, setting up a fake end around/screen to Marshawn later.
I like Mariota, but the difference in passing ability between he and Carr is noticeable. Carr's passes always look like Brees' to me. Catchable and accurate.
Best play of the game was Coop, slippery and fighting after the catch, and shoved over the goalline by the three millionaire angry hippos in the middle of our line. I mean, that's your 2017 Raiders in one play.
Right now, I think Richard is the better player than Washington. Looked real real fast and decisive after the handoff.
With the running game, and Crabs and Coop, is Jared Cook going to just be open and available every play? Serious question. Seems like a nice pickup.
Alexander cannot play RT against the AFC West edge guys. Not sure why he rotated in, but seems like Newhouse will keep that job.
Coop had his drops, I know. I don't care. Michael Irvin and TO dropped balls their whole career. So great after the catch, and WR screens to him are going to be common, I bet.
Vanderdoes looked like an NFL DT already. Just seems really strong for a rookie, like he's got vet strength already, you know?
I wan to see more of Mario out there.
James is the three down guy, and Lee is the two down MLB, Adams in the nickel. James looks better than last year.
Joseph is clearly a good player, Nelson doesn't look any older.
That Adoree Jackson kid is legit.
I didn't get to see the whole game. Watched NFL Redzone to catch as much as possible and saw some other pays from highlights etc. That being said...
Lynch looked more than what I was expecting and near the level of my highest hopes. My reservations about rust and what stastically looked like a decline before retirement are officially put to rest. My only concern left is due to age/running style and ability to go the distance for the season. If we use him right and employ healthy servings of Richard and Washington then I think we are good to go.
I didn't see that play with Patterson but that is the type of stuff I was talking about with him in that he adds more to the offense than what he brings individually. I'm guessing the 2 yard catch on his stat line was a screen that didn't do much? Glad to hear them using him like I thought he should be used.
Carr's TD throw was just beautiful. I mean, two naked super models that are hot of you laying on a Lamborghini Aventador kind of beautiful. Really, I like Mariota too and he will be a good QB for a while for Tenn. I think that they are a playoff team this year. But throwing wise there is no comparison- Carr is far superior. Mariota helps close the gap with his legs but long term I want Carr because like Brady or Brees- those are the guys who have long, long, effective careers. Guys who can run end up normally (yes, there are exceptions) with shorter careers.
I will take a 11.2 YPC from a TE any day of the week and twice on Sundays and triple on Monday nights.... oh yea, and four times that on Thursday nights. Again, I was 'defending' my assertion that Cook was a good TE for us earlier in the thread and again- my thing is that it is not about him being a Gronk or a Graham with the Saints but bringing his 12 yards a catch along the lines with our running game, Cooper/Crabtree while not letting Roberts and Patterson to roam free.... yea, I will take it.
I was confused on that with Vadal. I saw him in there on a highlight of him getting beat and then saw Newhouse jersey in a huddle. Was curious if it was injury or just not being good beyond that one play I saw. Not thrilled about Newhouse but with the rest of our line we can send him help.
I get what you are saying with Cooper but I do care. There were a couple of TD's that he could have had and he should have made the play. It's not the end of the world but he can and should make those.
I didn't see much D snaps. But I did see Joseph break up a TD play. I like that kid. I expect big things from Vanderdoes. I said it before- he was a steal for us. I'm glad to hear it showed up on the game.
Sorry for the going off the back from your post but it helped me put my various thoughts together.... specially with this damn head cold.... and you hit all the points I had. The only other one I had was that I really like Black Jack Del Rio going for it once again on 4th and short. We picked it up- threw three times and did not make it. I was actually happy with the decision to kick the FG- so I like the aggressive calling and knowing we got a O-line and Beast Mode that means we can usually make that short play. But not going over board with it. Plus, I love the "Black Jack" as a nickname for a Raiders coach. It sounds like a Raider nickname beyond the gambling context.