Rookie wide receiver Eddie Royal was the star of the opening drive (and most of the game), catching two passes including a 26 yard TD. The Donkeys mixed their plays up as if they were an SEC college team, by using an end-around, utilizing all three runningbacks and even a designed pass play from Royal. Selvin Young, Andre Hall, Michael Pittman and even rookie FB Peyton Hillis all got their touches.

The offensive line allowed no sacks, either. Putting to rest (at least temporarily) all the concerns about a "makeshift line" that had existed in the preseason. Cutler, no back to his full playing weight thanks to a diabetes diagnosis, was able to move out of the pocket and throw on the run. Cutler's TD pass to Royal was from out-of-the-pocket, as well as a big 72 yard pass play to his good buddy Tony Scheffler. As we've noted in the past, the Broncos' offense works best when they have a mobile, throw-on-the-run QB. Darrel Jackson, who was pretty much invisible in preseason, ended up with a 48 yard TD pass from Cutler. The game was well out of hand in the 4th, but the Broncos still went to the air. Cutler was sitting at 296 yards and you have to believe that Mike Shanahan wanted to piss on the Raiders' pinata again by notching 300 yards for his QB. Most likely, that's why Cutler was called on to make a short yard pass to Nate Jackson inside the final five minutes. While Jackson managed only three yards, Cutler's night was nothing to sneeze at.

What's scary is that Brandon Marshall returns next week. After Royal's huge game, I'd expect to see him starting opposite Marshall. Can't recall the last time the Donkeys started a rookie at WR in their opener, much less their full seaons. Papers here are invoking the name of Rick Upchurch in 1975. After the Donkey WR draft busts of the the past ten years (see: Marcus Nash, Adrian Madise, Munner Moore, Chris Cole, Kevin Kasper, Darius Watts, etc), it's encouragin to see they have two draft picks starting and excelling at WR. Only down side is that Royal burst onto the scene on Monday Night Football, so now everybody knows about him. It's hard to sneak up on future opponents after you've had 140+ yards in your first game. Another downside is that Royal's sudden ascension to stardom means that sports hacks everywhere are coming up with headline puns for his last name.

Before we get too giddy, it should be noted that this was against the Raiders and their Commitment to Flatulence. If Cutler and the Broncos can carve up a decent team --like the Chargers-- then they might have a say in the suddenly Brady-less AFC. The Raiders' offense simply was not a good test for the Broncos on this night. Their biggest play was Ronald Curry dropping a deep pass. Thus, it was tough to get an assessment of the Donkey defense. Boss Bailey was announced in the starting lineup, but I had trouble spotting him on the field, as it seemed Jamie Winborn got the lion's share of OLB duties. Nate Webster seemed to play sideline to sideline and had his obligatory Helmet Fly-off. I'm guessing Webster could be riding a bicycle through a parking lot, go over a speed bump, and his helmet would go flying off. Elvis Dumervil appeared to jump offsides several times, but for whatever reason the refs let it slide. But Justin Fargas molested the Donkey D last year, so it was encouraging to see him held in check. Fargas finished with good numbers, but they were padded by a 45 yard run in garbage time.

Simply put, Raiders fell on their face and were embarrassed. Something they shold be reminded of, as often as possible, over the next few years. The Raiders had a prime time season opening party and, to paraphrase a shitty cliché, they were NOT ready for some football. You almost feel bad for those poor shmucks in the stands with their Road Warrior face paint, Darth Vader helmets and pirate garb. Almost. The Raiders can take some solace in the 10:15 pm EDT starting time; as most of the country was sound asleep while the Raiders were getting bludgeoned (with the exception of the degenerate gamblers and fantasy football nerds). With JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden, the Raiders may well be tearing up the league in two years or so. But for now, they're stuck with making their owner tear up. Keep the towel handy, Al.

Chop Blocks
..||.. DirecTV is running a commercial for their "NFL Sunday Ticket" package, featuring a Browns-Bengals game. Their gimmick is that you missed a supposedly amazing Browns-Bengals shootout last year, because you didn't have NFL Sunday Ticket. So I should be excited about dropping some money this year to see a frickin' Browns-Bengals game?! That's a tough sell. Maybe they can tease me with the prospect of seeing a Lions-49ers game?!! Whoa there, killer!

..||.. This game was broadcast with ESPN's secondary MNF crew of Mike Goldberg, Mike Golic and Mike Ditka. Meaning we were spared the awful chitter-chatter of their primary Three Douchebags crew. While Mike Golic misidentified a few players, he was accurate by saying: "keep your eye on Elvis Dumervil"; the ensuing play saw Dumervil rush the QB and force a fumble. But later, Mike Ditka was trying to wax poetic about the recently departed Gene Upshaw and said: "he played on some great teams. With some great linemen. It was a great time for this great organization". You're not going to pass your Public Speaking class with that splendid assortment of adjectives, Mikey.

..||.. It appears ESPN has been inspired by VH1's old "Pop-up Video". In addition to the score, down and distance, they would mix in on-screen trivial facts. Like "led AFC West in last five weeks of 2007 season with 60.1.% completion rate". I'm sure we'll know what a QB's favorite pizza topping is, soon.

..||.. Lost in the euphoria over Brandon Marshall's return is that he was originally suspended three games for Acting Like a Jackass. He claims he's matured...but I'd still keep him away from flatscreen TV's. Or nightclubs. Or domestic situations. Or bottles of champagne.

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