Notes on a Scorecard - Aug. 22, 1994

That was quite an exhibition the Raiders put on Saturday night at Anaheim Stadium. . . .

Of course, they had all the comforts of home. . . .

“Go Raiders! Just Win, Baby” read the streamer behind a small plane flying above the stadium just before kickoff. . . .

They wore black jerseys. . . .

To make them feel even more at home, several fights broke out in the stands. . . .

The partisan crowd of 50,315 cheered them on to a 29-20 victory over the Rams. . . .

This probably will become commonplace for the lame ducks of Orange County--a resounding defeat in front of a large percentage of spectators who are rooting for the visiting team. . . .

Saturday’s game was not as close as the score. . . .

It was 20-3 at halftime before the reserves took over. . . .

It should be noted, though, that the Raiders have become stronger in the backfield during the exhibition season when they’ve substituted Harvey Williams for Tyrone Montgomery at tailback and Tom Rathman for Napoleon McCallum at fullback. . . .

The Raider philosophy is not unlike that of a college team at the start of fall practice. The seniors are given the starting jobs automatically and the newcomers, no matter how talented, are told they will have to earn their way into the lineup. . . .

However, look for former San Francisco 49er Rathman to start against his old teammates in the opener Sept. 5 at Candlestick Park. Former Kansas City Chief Williams should be there too. . . .

The salary cap has robbed most NFL teams of depth, but the Raiders are so deep at wide receiver that it is easy to forget that Rocket Ismail, who caught five passes against the Rams, does things besides return kickoffs. . . .

The surprise this summer has been Daryl Hobbs, who led L.A. City quarterbacks with 26 touchdown passes his senior year at University High. . . .

After developing into a top wide receiver at Pacific, he spent 1992 on the Raiders’ developmental squad and didn’t make his NFL debut until the wild-card playoff victory over Denver last season. . . .

“I used to worry about whether I was lining up right or running the right route,” said Hobbs, who caught four against the Rams and dropped one. “Now I feel comfortable.” . . .

About the only Ram making things uncomfortable for Raider receivers was Toby Wright, the safety who was drafted out of Nebraska on the second round and is a devastating hitter. . . .

Sign of the times and the new rules: The Rams returned seven kickoffs for 176 yards. . . .

With former Oregon Duck quarterback Chris Miller at the controls for the lame ducks, maybe their offense should be known as the quack attack. . . .

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I like the box in the upper left corner on Fox’s telecasts that gives viewers the score and, more important, the time remaining in the quarter. It’s small enough not to be a distraction. . . .

The report from Miami is that Dan Marino’s mobility isn’t what it was before his Achilles’ tendon surgery, but that his arm might be stronger than ever because of the rest. . . .

Hate to say it, but Deion Sanders is worth all the fuss. . . .

The only unbeaten teams in the NFL so far are Cleveland, Indianapolis, New England and Chicago. And the Bears play at Kansas City tonight. . . .

Preseason state of Florida ratings: 1. Miami Dolphins. 2. Florida. 3. Florida State. 4. Miami Hurricanes. 5. Tampa Bay. . . .

Reader Chuck DeBus of Santa Monica says that, according to his power ratings, the Golden State Warriors will have the best starting team in the NBA next season. He has the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns tied for second. . . .

Isn’t it about time that the Mighty Ducks signed Paul Kariya?. . . .

HBO made a great choice, George C. Scott, for the role of Cus D’Amato in the movie “Tyson” that will be shown next spring. . . .

This could be the year that a 3-year-old, Holy Bull, wins the Eclipse Award for horse of the year despite finishing 12th in the Kentucky Derby and not participating in the Preakness, Belmont Stakes or Breeders’ Cup. . . .

Al Michaels, who used to broadcast San Francisco Giants games, believes Matt Williams would have broken the home run record this year because September is normally a productive month for right-handed power hitters at Candlestick Park. . . .

I’m surprised Barry Bonds didn’t charge the judge for his autograph.