I think the team as a whole will bounce back. The Saints may be the better team, but not as much as last week seemed to show. I think, or at least hope, it was just one of those things that happens.

Might as well make some early guesses as to who stays and who goes:

No. 3 QB: It’s a coin flip at this point and it’s pretty much gonna come down to who plays best tonight. I think if the issue had to be decided before the game, it would be Gradkowski that stays and Frye that goes.

Backfield: Reece is a virtual lock because of his skill at catching passes out of the backfield and I really think Lawton has done nothing to show he should stay on the roster. As good as Rankin has shown himself, I think Russell will stay because he can play both fullback and running back.

WR: I had thought that Miller would be cut and hopefully snuck onto the practice squad, but now I think he’s in barring a spectacular game by Watkins or Holland.

TE: Unless Stewart has an awful game or rips his knee ligaments to shreds, I don’t see how he gets cut.

OL: Tough call here. Wilson might have an edge because of versatility. I think Wade is in big, big trouble because of age and injury and the fact that Chris Morris seems perfectly capable.

DL: Boschetti is as good as gone. Sands (FINALLY!) is not much better off. Joseph is in the clear to make the team, barring injury or a spectacularly bad performance. I think Gunheim will go too and the Raiders will pick up a 5th DT from another team. With Bryant’s ability to play end as well as tackle, they can easily afford to only carry 4 DE’s. Although if Sands is kept as 5th tackle, I wouldn’t be surprised. He always seems to dodge the axe.

LB: If any of those guys stay, it’ll probably be Greenwood. Truthfully, though, I think all are toast. Wouldn’t mind seeing David Nixon signed to the practice squad if he clears waivers.

DB: I don’t even know. Very fluid situation, that’s for sure.

in, it is important for our starters to build confidence. Last week was a mess, and we need to see a team that plays like it is suppose to win the game. At least to gain some momemtum going into the season, its not about winning the game its about our starters playing well.

I don’t know about you guys but I think the first teamers… minus or running backs have to play. We have some serious durability issues at RB, besides Bush, they are all brittle. I cringe everytime I watch D-Fad and Huggie Bear run, hoping they don’t get injured. I remember seeing Bo Jackson go down in that playoff game against the Bengals. A single tear fell from my eye, followed by many more during the Buffalo game the following week… (I digressed).
I’m hoping to see a more solid and balanced game plan! We will only be effective in the passing game if we threaten with the run. We gotta take some pressure off JRock. He’s got a cannon but he lacks leadership, I don’t think his personality will ever transcend him to that great field general we need (Rich Gannon is the last one I can think of).

The Defense… well I’m just at a loss of words for that. I wonder how many games I will have to sit through this season where they loose it in the 4th quarter. I can’t wait to get Mitchell on the field and I don’t know about ya’ll but Routt is one of the worst corners in the league. Offensive coordinators/Quarterbacks are gonna be gunning for that dude when he gets on the field. Anybody know why we let Manning Jr. go? was he injured? I’m at a loss… Can we fire Sands? What is going on? I think until Mitch gets healthy we start Branch and Huff, I think Huff had his wake up call, he’s hungry! Let em play!

Jamarcus and the starters should play at least a half. With what’s widely viewed as the worst starting QB in the league leading your team why would he play two or three series and sit? What is anyone going to learn watching the ad libbing Jeff Garcia direct the offense?

I suppose you need to establish the depth chart and figure out which 22 or so to cut, but after completely skipping Game 3, should the starters be rewarded by getting a pass the next week?

Of course, the Raiders and A’s are both playing at the same time and the college football opening game is also on at the same time.

I see no harm in letting the starters play a few series. Watching last weeks debacle they could use some more work on timing and making sure everyone is on the same page and doing what they are supposed to be doing against a starting defense. I was down big time after last weeks game. In 42 years of being a fan I’ve never seen a worse preseason performance by the Raiders. That’s why I feel the starters need a little chance at redemption……..just not too much. CAN"T WAIT FOR THE 14th! Oakland 27 San Diego 17