Pregame:
US Marine Corps color guard brought out the flags and teenager Gaby Ramirez did a nice rendition of the National Anthem. The Oakland Raiderettes were on the field flanked by elementary school cheerleaders wearing blue.
Sparse crowd–maybe about 20,000
- Louis Murphy is starting in place of injured Chaz Schillens. DHB will be on the other side.
- Ricky Brown, Jon Alston, and Thomas Howard are the starting linebackers.
- Michael Bush is the starting running back.
Opening kickoff – Jano kicks it out of the end zone. The Saints will begin the game at their own 20.
Saints’ first possession – The Saints drove down the field easily, having only one third down situation. In that one third down, it was third and a half a yard at the five-yard line. Brees connected on four passes for 59 yards and the running game was six for 21 yards on the drive. There were no incomplete passes and the Raiders defense looked much like they did last year in New Orleans. There are a smattering of boos.
Saints 7 – Raiders 0
Saints kickoff – Justin Miller deep to receive. Miller receives at the two-yard line and brings it up to Oakland’s 26-yard line.
Raiders’ first possession – The Raiders looked as though they would score right away. After a 12-yard pass to DHB and a 35-yard strike to Zach Miller, the Raiders had a first and 10 on the Saints’ 25. Russell went back to pass and was hit from behind — Cornell Green’s guy — Russell fumbled and the Saints receoverd it at their own 32-yard line.
Saints’ second possession – The Raiders defense was a little tougher on Brees and the Saints…but not tough enough as Brees threw a 40-yard strike to a wide open Devery Henderson. Eugene was the man responsible and was nearly 10-yards behind the guy. The touchdown score came on a third and nine play right after Nnamdi Asomugha had just broken up a pass with a big hit on his receiver in the left flat. The fans are booing loudly right now.
Saints 14 – Raiders 0
Saints kickoff – Justin Miller deep to receive. Miller receives it at the goal line and returns it to the Raiders’ 22-yard line.
Raiders’ second possession – The Raiders go three and out afer gaining just three yards, one on a run and two on a screen pass to Bush. Russell attempted to go deep to a well-covered DHB on the right sidelines, but was almost picked by the safety. Even had Russell connected, Cornell Green was called for illegal formation. Ricky Schmitt punted 55 yards and the return was only three yards to the Saints’ 22-yard line.
Saints’ third possession – The Saints are again driving on the Raiders. After Desmond Bryant sacked Brees on the first play of the drive, the Saints have marched down to the Raiders’ 23-yard line and the Raider Nation is booing loudly. The Raiders had the Saints in another third and long only to allow a 16-yard pass for a first down. The second quarter is about to begin.
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