One Postgame Take

Well, that was...okay, I guess. Nothing spectacular, but nothing particularly disheartening, unless you were looking for a more vivid reassurance that Nnamdi won't be sorely missed.

As Steve Corkran noted in today's postgame analysis, "Simply put, there is no realistic way to replace a player of Asomugha’s considerable talent. It’s going to take heightened play from every defensive player to help offset the loss of Asomugha."

Well, it's obvious we're a work in progress on that front, and we've got about four weeks left to turn that goal into a reality.

With each passing day (pun intended), Denarius Moore is looking like the anti-DHB: an electric, sure-handed playmaker right out of the gates. Let's hope it's not just a mirage. But he took it from the practice field to the playing field last night, and that's a good sign.

Our quarterbacks all looked sharp, but it's not like we were playing against an elite foe for 60 minutes. In other words, it's probably way too early to come to any real conclusions about the state of the Raiders in 2011.

To be honest, if you asked me today, I would tell you that I won't be surprised if the Raiders fail once again to achieve a winning record. On paper, I'm not seeing exactly how we are going to improve over last year, particularly with what looks like a tougher schedule ahead.

At the same time, I also wouldn't be surprised if we contend for the division title. You can't see culture "on paper." And I believe that the Raiders culture may be reaching a turning point under the guiding hand of Hue Jackson.

I've been trying to put my finger on it, but then yesterday, in the comments section of the previous take, Calico Jack took the words out of my mouth (and improved them, which isn't the first time). Here's an excerpt:

I have been following Hue Jackson's interviews, press conferences, and activities throughout the off-season. There are a few things about him that I appreciate, admire, and find refreshing.

(1) Communication skills; he is genuinely a passionate, articulate, positive, enthusiastic communicator.

(2) Energy...His energy and call for up-tempo practices is contagious.

(3) The message itself; zero waffling or uncertainty about what this is all about...WINNING!

(4) Expectations; once again, Hue doesn't pull any punches or ease into the expectation that the Raiders will win the division THIS year, not next year. The bar is clearly set for 2011.

(5) Accountability; he makes no excuses for the team, the lockout, his 1st year as head coach.

Does it sound like I'm not sticking my neck out and making a bold prediction for 2011? Well, then, you got me, because I'm not, at least not yet. Check back with me later. But if you've got one, I'm all ears.