Oakland Raiders: Notes And Observations From Preseason Game #2

August 14, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) runs with the football against the St. Louis Rams during the first quarter in a preseason NFL football game at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

5. Oakland’s Aerial Assault Is For Real

In the opening game against the Rams, Oakland employed a very conservative offense. Most passes were kept in the short to intermediate range, and the offense as a whole was pretty vanilla. It was to be expected, being the first preseason game and all, and as we move through the exhibition season, we can likely expect to see OC Bill Musgrave expand that playbook.

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On Saturday night against the Vikings, Musgrave opened it up just a crack and gave Derek Carr the green light to air a few out. The Raiders pushed the offense down the field by taking a few shots deep. It was of course, highlighted by a 40 yard reception by rookie Amari Cooper on a fantastically thrown pass by Carr.

The catch was challenged by Minnesota who argued that Cooper didn’t get his second foot down. And it was close. It was a play that could have gone either way. Fortunately for the Raiders, it went their way and that reception set up Latavius Murray who punched it in from a few yards out a couple of plays later.

Cooper is going to need to be more aware of the sideline and being sure that his second foot is down to avoid nail biting moments like that one, but it was the first time Raider fans were treated to something they, as well as the organization, hope to see a lot more of this season – terrific chemistry which leads to long hookups between Carr and Cooper, as well as the rest of the receiving corps.

Most are hoping that is a sign of the good things to come.

Next: Oakland's Ground Assault