As we approach the Oakland Raiders final preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks, let’s take a look at our “Around the Ramble” takes after last weeks game.
@humorousfiend
The good news: the Raider cornerbacks are by far the most improved position group, which is great since they’ve been bad for years. The bad news: the Raiders backup quarterback may not be on the roster. Penciling EJ Manuel or Connor Cook in as your No. 2 behind Derek Carr is scary. Being Mauel or Cook in the film room with Chucky after this ought to be even scarier.
@HMAYBERRY8
Well, it took one play for Derek Carr to prove to me he is ready. Three pass attempts on the night is plenty. Keep DC healthy for Week 1. Coach Gruden may mess around and get Carr into MVP contention. Stay tuned…..
@christophy24
Fadol Brown and Shilique Calhoun really stood out to me. While it’s an unpopular opinion, Arden Key hasn’t been as eye-popping. He was completely lost on several plays and looks awkward at times. He’s young though and is clearly talented so in the end, I’m not worried. I am, however, worried about the backup QB role. Cook looked rattled and Manuel wasn’t anything to be confident about either. To me, Cook has the talent to be the No. 2 guy, it’s just a matter of confidence.
@jackasspuria
Rashaan Melvin is supremely sticky in coverage. He fits well with the Raiders man-press defensive scheme and is going to be prime to outperform his one-year prove it deal. Rookie Eddy Pineiro should buy Mike Nugent a drink after the vet missed a 49-yard field goal.
@sik0simmons
Clearly, Jon Gruden doesn’t care about the preseason product. However, it is also clear this is a team that has a plan both on offense and defense. Some of the younger talent has clearly gotten better since camp began and the older guys don’t look washed . . . Yet. One more to go before they matter.