3 Simple Things the Raiders Need to Do to Beat the Chiefs

Tony S by Contributor Written on September 18, 2009

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OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 14: Quarterback JaMarcus Russell #2 of the Oakland Raiders hands the ball off to Michael Bush #29 pf the San Diego Chargers on September 14, 2009 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/G
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

Earlier this week I wrote about 5 Raiders who need to step up vs. the Chiefs. The weight of the game will not rest on those 5 players alone, though. The entire team will have to play sharp. Though there are undoubtedly more than 3, here are a few simple points that I think it will be criticial for the Raiders to cover.

Run the Ball Until It Stops Being Effective

SAN FRANCISCO - AUGUST 22: Justin Fargas #25 of the Oakland Raiders runs against the San Francisco 49ers during a preseason game on August 22, 2009 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Can I really say it more clear than that? The Raiders have a 3-pronged running attack. They need to use it early and often. I understand they feel JaMarcus and DHB and everyone need to be involved in the game, but except for a few passes here and there to keep the defense honest, pound the ball down the Chiefs' throats, and don't let up.

Win the Turnover Battle

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 14:  JaMarcus Russell #2 of the Oakland Raiders passes the ball during their game against the San Diego Chargers on September 14, 2009 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

For the Raiders to win, they'll need to play the game at their pace, and that means clock control. To do so, the Raiders need to hold onto the ball, and defensively cause some turnovers. I understand that this sounds like an obvious point, but it means making smart throws, getting good blocking on runs, and playing good, tight defense.

Pressure the QB All Day

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 14:  Richard Seymour #92 and Tommy Kelly #93 of the Oakland Raiders shake hands after a big play during their game against the San Diego Chargers on September 14, 2009 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California.

It's still up in the air who the Chiefs will start at QB. Whoever it is, the Raiders' line (and yes, even the linebackers once in a while, John Marshall) need to pressure the QB the way they did last week against Philip Rivers. I don't like Rivers, but the Chiefs don't have a single quarterback with half of the composure in the pocket that Rivers has. Put the pressure on any one of them, and they'll crack, even if just a little. From there, the defense can exploit the Chiefs' mistakes.

Oh, Yeah...Everything Else, Too...

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 14:  Head coach Tom Cable of the Oakland Raiders looks on against the San Diego Chargers on September 14, 2009 at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

OK Tom, it won't be that easy. The Raiders need to have an all-around solid performance. Nnamdi needs to shut down Dwayne Bowe. Zach Miller will have to get open for passes. Javon Walker, if he plays, will want to make an immediate impact. Hiram Eugene, who may do punt returns for Johnnie Lee Higgins, will have to succeed. It should be a great game, and a great day to be a Raiders fan.

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written on September 18, 2009 Rankings/List

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