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Raiders Defeat Seahawks, 27-24

With only four regular starters the Raiders continued their early game success this preseason.

Manase Tonga scored on a 32-yard screen pass from Bruce Gradkowski. 

Higgins caught a 9-yard touchdown pass after a Darrius Heyward-Bey touchdown catch was negated by penalty.

Bruce Gradkowski was impressive again going 7-14 for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns. Boller took over in the second half and continued to shine, going 7-13 for 157 yards and a touchdown.

Walter McFadden was the only notable injury, appearing to hurt his hamstring in the first quarter. He did not return.

Kick coverage continues to be a problem. Louis Rankin scampered 99 yards for the touchdown. It was the second week in a row the Raiders surrendered a touchdown on a kickoff.

Notable:

Travis Goethel didn't play. This could be the Raiders hiding him for the practice squad or he has already done enough to make the roster. Tom Cable noted he missed the game due to an 'injury issue' without elaborating. 

Chris Johnson surrendered catches to four different receivers. His poor play is a concern. Maybe he simply isn't healthy.

Samson Satele was the only projected starter to play with the second team. It could be that Jared Veldheer has secured the starting center job.

Shaun Bodiford looked quick and played hard. Not enough to earn him a roster spot, but worth noting.

Yamon Figurs did some good things in the return game, but seemed to negate every positive play with a negative one.

Jeremy Ware is physical and has been impressive in coverage. He has been my favorite rookie so far. Apparently he is getting noticed by the veterans, as Nnamdi Asomugha mentioned to Greg Papa during the game that Ware could figure into the rotation as the nickel back.

Stevie Brown is either lucky or really good. He recovered a muffed punt and always seems to be around the ball.

Darrius Heyward-Bey made the catch of his career, plucking a deep Bruce Gradkowski pass out of the air with his hands over a defender and keeping his feet in bounds.

Quentin Groves played well and was always around the ball. He is versatile and plays special teams. He has a good shot to make the roster.

Nick Miller makes plays when given the opportunity. He could find a home on the practice squad initially.

The offensive line did a poor job run blocking until late in the game and there were far too many penalties. 



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