Rushing the ball will be important for us this year, but we will also be balanced. We are seeing the maturity of Russell, and his connection with Miller. Yes, I know it's only 2 pre-season games, but you can see that those 2 click. Everyone is worried about our WR. I'm not! Folks, there is experienced talent and raw talent at the wings! Walker and Carter have to step up and be the guys they've been, and 1 or 2 young guys like Schillens and Watkins have to get in the mix in order to get P Time and improve for the future.

DAX

I agree that our WR corps problem is overblown.

But J-Russ connection to Miller was apparent last season too and I think this is just an extension of the chemistry.

Miller is a future Pro Bowler.

The rushing attack is the key to winning. However, we will not be able to run the ball if our WR's cannot get open and make people pay. If they aren't a threat we will be looking at 8 in the Box all game long and that doesn't bode well for any team.

8 down means a cover 1 package with one safety deep.

McFaddens presence in the PASSING game should make teams weary of not keeping that 2nd safety deep.

I have said all year that I cant wait for the first time D Mac takes that patented Al Davis "crack screen" and takes it to the house.

8 in the box would set that up rather nice.

Mc Fadeen will be lined up EVERYWHERE and 8 in the box would be an open invitation IMO to go downfield with him.

Just my .02

That's a good .02 cents worth. I'm not saying that we don't have options. My point is everything becomes harder when a team has a glaring weakness. If our WR's don't perform Defenses will come up with a scheme to cover... Sure McFadden going in motion and creating a mismatch is always an option but... the assumption is that our offensive line will hold up against the Blitzes and allow Russell to set and throw.

If we have viable WR's who run precise routes it makes scheming much harder. You have to remember this also... The AFC West has the best corners in the Game. Playing man isn't new for any team in our division. Then you have San Dieggo that plays 3 - 4 ...

We will have our moments but we need WR's who can clear areas out

My old ball coach use to tell us, "the only reason you run the football is to set up the pass"..."the only reason you pass the football is to take pressure off the run". I always thought he was a little nuts till I figured out it was about doing what you want with the ball & not living or dying by one or the other. The thing that worries me most about this team is dieing by the run, either by choice or from an inability to pass. If we have 3 1000+ yard rushers & are #1 in the league in rushing with 5 or 6 wins the season is a failure. I know we can not yet impose our will on defenses the way we did in the past, but we must be able to pass when we chose, not just when we need to & move the ball & score points.

__________________
Take 9 steps back and throw to the man closest to the endzone

We have a ways to go and theres no doubt about that.

I cant wait to see the stuff they arent showing.

Like I said on another thread, if we win 8 or 9 games this year, I will be satisfied.

We must crawl before we can walk.

The Offensive (Smell) line looks like the Key to Blue's wet under-ware drawer.

Well, there's no question the running game is their strength, but even a mediocre defense, like the Broncos, can stop the Raider's running game if that's really their only offensive weapon. Just put eight guys in the box and force the game onto the rookie shoulders of JaMarcus Russel. But according to last season's stats the running game wasn't the problem. Why draft McFadden, when they should have taken Sedrick Ellis or Glen Dorsey? For God's sake, is there anyone on the front four of the Raider's (defense) that can step up and be a man and give a commanding "No!" to the running game? People just run at will against the Raiders. And when you can run at will, you can also pass at will.