Raiders-Broncos: 15 Concerns For The Oakland Raiders

This week the Raiders are facing the hated division rival Denver Broncos. Aside from the final outcome of the game there are a lot of things to be concerned about: From how certain players have performed so far this season. To how injuries will affect the team. To how off field issues may distract the team.

Here's a look at fifteen things I am concerned about.

Replacing Robert Gallery

Robert Gallery is out 4-6 weeks with a fractured leg. He is often a surge point in the O-line and will be missed. How will the Raiders replace him? During a second half hiatus in San Diego and after his injury vs KC the Raiders almost seemlessly moved C Chris Morris to guard and replaced Morris with backup Samson Satele.

But this likely won't be the case for the next 4-6 weeks.

Paul McQuistan... This over-weight ginger was man-handled in camp by an undrafted rookie, that doesn't sound like playing material to me.

Erik Pears... Actually he is a very viable option he has played every position on the o-line aside from center and is familiar with the ZBS as he started left tackle on the Broncos before losing his season and starting status to Ryan Clady. It's fair to say he was never going to get his starting job back.

Still no Chaz Schilens?

Well it appears JaMarcus Russell will likely have to do without his preseason favorite reciever.

When asked if we would see the 6'4'' 225 pound receiver against the Broncos coach Cable replied,"I don't think so."

Though not completely ruled out Sunday his chances are slim to none.

Whose returning punts?

Hiram Eugene and Johnnie Lee Higgins are both receiving limited reps in practice nursing minor injuries and are probable for the game.

In the case that both players are unable to go game day Darren McFadden will return kicks, with orders from Coach Cable to fair catch everything... Really everything? What a waste.

I say stop babying him and let him loose on special teams like they did at Arkansas. We do have two other capable backs.

Get well soon JLH Raider fans are tired of fair catches.

Raiders Corners Vs Bronco Recievers

At first glance this looks very favorable to the Raiders. Nnamdi is more than capable of handling Brandon Marshall. Chris Johnson is very under-rated and can handle Eddie Royal. Stanford Route... This is where the problems start. Whoever plays the slot for the Broncos Gaffney or Stokely is looking to have a big game as Rout has been suspect in coverage giving up two TDs in two games.

Its no secret Rout is a weak link on the defense as when he's on the field defenses single him out. Against the Chargers he gave up a TD to Vincent Jackson. And when playing in Nnamdis' absence due to dehydration the Chiefs targeted him with a TD pass to Dwayne Bowe.

The Raiders have shown glimpses of a nickel package where Mike Mitchel comes in as a third safety near the line of scrimmage. I believe its called the wolverine package maybe him or another safety would fair better than Rout.

Can the Raiders D-line be exposed?

So far the Raiders run-d has fared pretty well aside from a few lapses. In preseason the 49ers were able to run for days running around the d-line beating us to the edge. San Diego tried to do the same with little very little success outside. But last weak against KC at times the middle of our defense looked soft allowing a few big gains in between the tackles. Should this be cause for concern?

The weakness in the defense should be obvious. Its the same one we had last year pleaded for to be fixed all offseason and were disappointed after the Raiders barely addressed it. The Raiders defensive weakness is still the nose-tackle. Fortunately the Raiders have been able to hide there flaws with a heavy rotation and quality else where.

Is the Broncos defnse really that good

In case you haven't heard Denver is currently boasting a defense ranked second in the NFL compared to the Raiders at 23rd. The one knock the Broncos have against them is they are yet to play a good team. Statistically speaking the Browns are last in the league in total offense the Bengals are 21st and the Raiders are currently 29th.

The Return of Justin Fargas

Sorry Louis Rankin the only reason you saw the field was because you can return Kicks and play half back. Now that we don't have injuries in both places its time to go back to where you came from. The deactivated list and the practice squad.

I don't care if Denver thinks they can stop the run. With the return of the Raiders three headed monster also known as shake rattle and roll the Raiders need to run early and often. The Raiders strength is the running game and they need to stick to it.

Also some may be concerned what his return will mean to McFadden and Bush's playing time.

Can JaMarcus Russell find his groove

Despite leading a game winning drive to put away the Chiefs, Russell is coming of the worst QB performance I can recall ever watching. Russell is a big question mark. Some have even said the Raiders are ready to push for the division title but are stuck waiting for Russell to catch up with the rest of the team. He has been known as a slow starter and his former teammates from LSU cite the fact he didn't actually take control as a leader until his junior year.

As a plus Russell looked solid the last six games of 2008 in the preseason and in the 4th quarter of the first two games. Against San Diego he led a 4th quarter drive to take the lead, unfortunately the Chargers were left with too much time on the clock and answered back. Against KC despite early struggles he again led a 4th quarter drive to take the lead this time for the win leaving very little time on the clock.

Unlike a lot of the Bronco fans. Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels isn't jumping on the JaMarcus Russell is horrible band-wagon. Recently in a Bronco press conference McDaniel's pointed out that Russell leads the league in yards per completion with 16.6 yards.

Also Russell's career performances against the Broncos isn't that bad 27 for 37 with three TDs no picks and a 127.3 passer rating.

Raiders pass Rush

The pressure in the backfield has been impressive. Though we only have six sacks our d-line has been very disruptive. Against the Chargers though they weren't all sacks nearly every other pass play had a Raider hitting Rivers as he threw the ball. Against KC we had a lot of missed opportunities. We had impressive penetration but miraculously Cassell was able to show a good deal of mobility evading pass-rushers. But in the end the pressure still forced a few interceptions and errant passes.

Tom Cable shows lack of confidence in Michael Huff

Right now Raider nation is pretty high on Michael Huff, but apparently Tom Cable isn't. All last year Raider fans were calling for Michael Huffs head calling him a bust. Now he is tied for most INTs in the NFL and leads the AFC he also has a fumble recovery. Much of Raider nation is in love with the guy. But apparently they all forgot the reason why we were calling him a bust... He can't tackle, his coverage skills were never in question.

In interview an interview Tom Cable didn't seem very happy with the possibilty of having to rely on Huff he said, "the only way Michael starts is if Eugene cannot play". Wow sounds like starting Huff and playing him on running downs is last resort. Could this mean more play time for Mike Mitchell.

Is Samson Satele a disapointment?

So far center Samson Satele is yet to live up to expectations. Though he isn't a complete waste; When Robert Gallery left the Chargers game with a minor back injury Samson came in at Center while starting center Chriss Morris moved to left guard. He also did the same when Gallery left with a broken leg against KC.

But that isn't how Cable plans to replace Gallery for the next six or so games. Cable is moving backup RT Erik Pears to LG. Cable said because he doesn't want Morris to play two roles. Does this show lack of confidence in Satele.

Was Khalif Barnes a waste?

Barnes was brought in to compete for the left tackle position and it was assumed the loser of the battle would play right tackle. Barnes lost and didn't even try to play the right basically saying he wasn't comfortable in a RT stance. When asked of talk of him moving to guard in an interview Barnes said he was "shocked" at the thought of even trying to play guard. He also said he was uncomfortable playing guard because you are always enclosed by other linemen. Sounds like football claustrophobia.

Right now the only thing Barnes is good for is he plays the third tackle in goal-line formations.

Way to step up on a contract year and earn a spot on the field.

Nnamdis' Health

The Raiders best defender isn't fully healthy and is currently playing with a protective brace after suffering a fracture in his wrist. He has missed a few drives in both of the Raiders games and the opposing teams were able to capitalize on his absence.

Last week was a bit of a concern as he left suffering dehydration. Could that have been caused by the added stress playing with a broken wrist, an illness or lack of conditioning?

Javon Walker

Currently Cable shows little confidence in the receiver who has under-went a handful of knee surgeries including one this off-season. Cable has said he isn't quick enough in and out of his cuts. Currently Walker has played in a total of four snaps this season.

To which Walker replied , “Ain’t nothing wrong with my in and out, coming out of breaks,” Walker said. “I do it with the best of them. I do it with any other receiver here. Plain and simple.”

So either Walker is just completely full of himself and can't comprehend the fact that he belongs at the bottom of the depth chart. Or Cable is being pressured to play the young receivers including 1st round draft pick Darius Heyward-Bey.

Tom Cable

He is currently the Raiders head coach and offensive playcaller, but is this former O-line coach qualified to call the offense or should he have an offensive coordinator like the majority of the leagues other head coaches.

Earlier this summer Cable allegedly was involved in a fight with Randy Hanson the assistant DB coach.

Earlier this week when asked if Cable had been contacted by the Napa PD Cable replied,"haven't heard a word."

Bur recent reports suggest the five week long investigation is coming to a close and Tom Cable should be expecting a call from the Napa PD any day now.

Tom Cable

He is currently the Raiders head coach and offensive playcaller, but is this former O-line coach qualified to call the offense or should he have an offensive coordinator like the majority of the leagues other head coaches.

Earlier this summer Cable allegedly was involved in a fight with Randy Hanson the assistant DB coach.

Earlier this week when asked if Cable had been contacted by the Napa PD Cable replied,"haven't heard a word."

Bur recent reports suggest the five week long investigation is coming to a close and Tom Cable should be expecting a call from the Napa PD any day now.