What a game tonight! Broncos completely dominated the Raiders!! Here are some of my thoughts on the game.
- Two words...Jay. Cutler. I don't think there is a QB in the league with a better pure arm than Cutler. The arm strength and accuracy is amazing. The guy simply throws lasers. With his 3rd year in the system, an improved offense and diabetes under check, I look for him to take his place among the best QBs in the NFL.
- Our running game was good but not great, although I suspect this had more to do with the focus on the passing game rather than any trouble with the runners. Selvin Young, Andre Hall and Michael Pittman all made some good, tough runs but there was a little more guessing than I'd like.
- We have the best receiving corps in the NFL. Eddie Royal played amazingly well in his rookie debut, Darrell Jackson made a great touchdown catch and is a solid player, Tony Scheffler is one of the best receiving tight ends in the NFL, Brandon Stokely a great slot receiver and we'll get Brandon Marshall back next week.
Oh and speaking of receivers, would TheRican care to step up and eat his crow? He was saying Eddie Royal would not amount to anything and that was clearly proven wrong tonight.
- Our offensive line played the best I've seen since our Super Bowl years. Jay Cutler was pretty much unmolested all night. Ryan Clady played great at the hardest position on the OL, Harris looks like a 3rd round steal and Hamilton looks very impressive after missing last year with a concussion.
- I still have some concerns about our defensive line, but we have alot of young talent there and Jarvis Moss was inactive as well. Overall the defense was solid but it's clear we are stacking the inside too much and that opens us up for outside runs.
- Linebackers were very solid especially when you consider Webster and Williams were back at their natural position for the first time in years and Winborn is out of position at SAM.
- Champ Bailey is still far and away the best corner in the NFL. He had his receiver blanketed all night. Dre Bly is the perfect compliment on the other side. McCree, Manuel, and Abdullah provided solid play at safety.
- Our special teams coverage is much improved. After giving up a couple long returns early they tightened up and getting down the field very fast.
As far as the Raiders go, I won't go as indepth but here is my take. JaMarcus Russell has a long ways to go to be a starting caliber NFL QB. He makes poor decisions, is not very mobile, lacks confidence and throws a horrible ball despite a strong arm. He wasn't getting any help from his OL or receivers but he still looked horrible. McFadden has alot of talent but I don't think he's durable enough to be a full time back. I'm thinking he'll be Reggie Bush 2.0.
Their defense is decent, but they lack mental toughness as evidenced by their mental breakdowns and amount of personal fouls commited. This is a unit that has alot of individual talent but I don't see any chemistry yet.
Well thats all for now.
just kidding.. that would be crazy tho! lol
