Game #3/Upshaw, you will be missed!

We have gotten to see a taste of the first team for the Raiders in games 1 and 2 of this preseason, but in game 3 against the Cardinals, we will get a whole lot more.

Coach Kiffin told the press that he will play his first team for the first half of the game and maybe even a bit more. He is not going to play much of Justin Fargas and maybe not a whole lot of Zach Miller, because the two of them are already game ready, but the rest of the team should get a lot of action.

It will be really interesting to see Jamarcus Russell, Darren McFadden, Javon Walker and Ronald Curry out there trying to light up that Arizona defense.

My guess is that Kiffin is already pretty satisfied with the running game, and will put a lot of plays in the air on offense. I will also bet that we will get to see a wide array or recievers hitting the field, as the depth chart is far from filled yet. If some of the young recievers step up in this game, with Russell taking the snaps, look for those guys to not only make the team, but perhaps play a big role for this offense inthe regular season. I do not believe that Kiffin is happy with the play of Javon Walker, Drew Carter, or even Ronald Curry (even though hes still banged up).

The defense has been good, but look for them to step it up against the run. The played well last week, but not well enough, and when you division has L T, L J, and the Denver running game, you need to be exceptional against the ground game. If you are not, you are in for some long games.

It will be interesting to see what Kiffin does for the returns. He really likes Tyvon Branch to return, but with his arm in a cast, it cannot be done yet. Johnnie Lee Higgins didn’t fair too well last week, so look for him to redeem himself, and push for that role. 

This will be an exciting game.

On a much different note, our very own member of the Raider nation, and hall of famer, Gene Upshaw died wedensday night, in his Lake Tahoe, California home less then a week from being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He was 63 years of age.

As a member of the Raiders for 15 seasons and a very large part of two of the Raiders three super bowl wins, and played the game with more heart then anyone around him. He not only played for the Raiders but he continued to work within the NFL as NFLPA exec. director.

Here at SPB we give all of our love and support to his family and friends.

You will be missed Gene!

Tremblay

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