Silver and Black Preseason Update:
New Head Coach Begins Career with rocky Preaseason.
The Oakland Raiders limped out of preseason ranked 32nd in both offense and defense
By Sean Thomas
Oakland - When it looked like the beginning of the football season couldn't get uglier after the firering of Head Coach Dennis Allen, The Oakland Raiders reverted back to their losing ways with a unimpressive preseason showing.
Both the offensive and defensive starters looked unmotivated and sluggish in the limited series they were allowed to play. Quarterback Carson Palmer was least impressive prompting many to doubt the veterans ability to sling the pigskin. Running back Darren McFadden saw limitied action, but appeared to lack the explosiveness seen in the first half of the 2011 season, but this could be due to McFadden not wanting to reinjure himself early on. The defense was straight up horrible. Improvement must happen before now and the beginning of the season if the Raiders want to be able to do anything in 2012.
Coach Crawford,who's always quick to admit that he sees a diamond in the rough in Oakland, was fairly unnerved by the preseason troubles.
"Yea, we got our asses handed to us, but it's preseason, things go bad but in the end, we get a chance to fix the problems and start fresh. The men in that locker room are going to give it their all come opening day. No, i'm not worried. I saw some great things out there."
The highlight of the preseaon had to be the play of QB Matt Lienart who showed some of that USC competitiveness and grit. Something that many expected was lost years ago. If he keeps it up in practice, and Palmer isn't able to get it together, don't be suprised to se Lienart trotted out their to give it a go.
The Home opener for the Raiders is Sep. 12 against the chargers.
Darren McFadden is a huge key for success in 2012. Preseason Adds/Drops
Adds:
TE Bo Scaife
WR Johnny Knox
Drops:
TE Bryan Mayes