Raiders Shutout by Cowboys in First Preseason Game

Even though its the preseason, every NFL team wants to start off on the right foot. Sure, almost all of the teams are playing their young talents and prospects to see what they've got, but the first team will always get a drive or two to show that they're ready for the regular season to start. The Oakland Raiders played the Dallas Cowboys on Monday night and lost the game 3-0. Albeit not scoring any points, the Raiders have many reasons to be excited.

The first thing to address is the best player and the leader of the team, Darren McFadden, who, as several analysts had reported during training camp, was playing with full speed and strength. He only played for the first drive of the game, but it looked very promising. He carried the ball twice for 20 yeards, and also added in an 18 yard reception. On all three plays, McFadden's speed was exhibited in a very hopeful manner, as he bolted past defenders every which way. Before the game, Darren told Lisa Salters of ESPN that his only goal for this upcoming year is to "stay healthy all season". The entire Raider nation is hoping that he can accomplish his goal.

But perhaps the most astonishing player of the game had to be Rod Streater, the Oakland Raiders undrafted rookie receiver out of Temple University. The 6'3, 200 pound beast hauled in six catches for 66 yards against the tenacious Dallas defense. With Louis Murphy now with Carolina and Denarius Moore injured, Streater had his name called and answered with a great performance once the opportunity came. Team officials seem to be very interested in Rod, and reporters claim he is "shooting up the depth chart". Whether he was lunging up for a pass, or whirling past defenders, Streater proved to the team that he has many weapons in his arsenal. Look for him to become a key contributor to the Raiders' first team.

The quarterbacks for the Raiders played an average role in the game, with Carson Palmer and Terrelle Pryor each throwing an interception. Palmer told the ESPN Monday Night Countdown crew that the offseason has helped him tremendously, because has been able to peform in constant repetition with the receivers on routes and plays during training camp, whereas last year he had no time to feel out his receivers. Newly added quarterback Matt Leinart played for a few drives and proved to be a solid back-up like he has been in his past seasons, and he did not throw an interception all game.

The defense of the Oakland Raiders played above par, coming up with an interception on quarterback Kyle Orton and giving up over 35 penalty yards. Defensive leader Richard Seymour did not suit up because of a knee injury, and the Oakland organization hopes to have him back as soon as possible.

Oakland Raiders' rookie punter Marquette King also had a great game, as he bombed punts over 50 yards more than a couple times during the game. Hopefully he will be able to develop more under star punter Shane Lechler.

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