Fair warning, the pic above is from Oakland. The Raiders won't be playing with home field for this game.
Well, what a difference a week makes. Oakland, who was supposed to be blown out by KC, decided not to read the paper, went out, and took care of matters in a hurry.
First off, they took care of one starting QB, Damon Huard. They bottled up Larry Johnson, holding him to 22 yards rushing. And the running game that many thought wouldn't carry the team, did, with Darren McFadden leading the NFL in rushing yardage.
Next up on the docket for the Raiders is the Buffalo Bills.
Now, two things need to be said. First of all, Buffalo is in no way anything close to the Kansas City Chiefs. While Kansas City is now 0-2, and listless, Buffalo is 2-0, and coming off an impressive win against the Jaguars, beating them on the road, 20-16.
The second aspect isn't that they are winning by blowing teams out...It's by doing the little things. Marshawn Lynch, for example, hasn't topped the century mark in a game yet. Trent Edwards hasn't thrown a pick this season. And the defense is holding teams down, big time. Sacks are up and only one fumble to play off.
In short, the Bills are playing smart football.
Head to head, Oakland has had it's share of good games. Even in the doldrums, Oakland has had a good run, winning matchups dating back to 1999. And overall, Oakland has a 19-15 record.
Some of the keys, for Oakland, will stay the same. Getting pressure on Trent Edwards. If you can get him rattled, blitzing often, you can force him into mistakes. Stopping the run helps, too. Marshawn Lynch serves in two cases, either as an inside runner, or an on-the-fly receiver.
The receiving game in Buffalo, while not scary, contains flashes of fun. Lee Evans, for example, has 179 yards so far, with only eight receptions.
Right now, the only thing that tilts this matchup is going to be the play of JaMarcus Russell. To date, while Russell isn't blowing away the league, he has played smart football. No interceptions and only one fumble after a play that should have been called pass interference...And a need for Ronald Curry needs to get some stickum in a hurry.
Lastly, news from Oakland is leaning on McFadden playing Sunday, along with Michael Bush. It's doubtful that Fargas will be ready to play.
I'll go for a light prediction...Hey, Sunday's my birthday.
Oakland wins, 21-10.
9 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
J.C. Ayvazi 9 months ago
Hey RCA, hope you have a real happy b-day with a win to celebrate as well.
Great job in breaking this one down, but the real difference makers will be the Raider O-Line. If they can play like they did last week, I really like the Silver & Black's chances.
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Raider Card Addict 9 months ago
True enough, JC. It's the battle in the trenches, that will decide this game, if Oakland's line can open the holes for McFadden and Bush.
I know a lot of people like to complain about Russell's lack of big numbers, but they also forget to look at what it takes to have a good game. To me, if your team runs for 300 yards, I'll take a slow day of passing.
Even better with a win.
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Greg Peterson 9 months ago
I won't be surprised if this game pivots on special teams. Check out the Bills' Roscoe Parrish punt return v. Seattle on NFL.com's vid highlights. Also the Bills TD on the fake FG in the same game. The Bills special teams blew that game open. This game will be a test for the Raiders in every phase.
Note to Ryan: don't back off the blitz!
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Raider Rodney 9 months ago
If Robo has a decent gameplan and we can pressure Edwards...I think we can pull this off.
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Jarrod Seybolt 9 months ago
Laughable Prediction to start. The Raiders proved they were better then the Chiefs and that was about it. Jemarcus Russel hasnt shown once that he is better than a backup quarterback. The Cheifs dont even play at NFL caliber. The Bills who are a legit NFL team will do to the Raiders what the Broncos did week 1. One win against a terrible team and all of a sudden the Raiders are good? No, they beat up a bunch of nobodies. Here's my prediction
Bills 24- Raiders-13
Raiders fire Kiffin
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FRANK YRAY 9 months ago
1-10-BUF 16 (:14) (Shotgun) 9-D.Garrard pass deep right intended for 81-M.Walker INTERCEPTED by 24-T.McGee (99-M.Stroud) at BUF -3. Touchback. Ball tipped by JJ 99 at line of scrimmage
this is the turnover in the redzone that cost the non running jags a shell of their former selfs with backup o line in place of their starters. Not the same team that hammered these bills last year!
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Raider Card Addict 9 months ago
Jarrod, you might want to look at your own team's offense a second. They're not exactly blowing the doors off anyone.
The defense is what drives that team....but has that defense had to handle anyone like Michael Bush and Darren McFadden?
I don't think so.....The Jags lost their primary Runner, and the Seahawks....well, were pathetic.
I'm used to the Media bashing the Raiders...they've been doing it for the last 40 plus years.
You're no different than say, Michael Silver....he said the Chiefs would win last week too.....didn't they?
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aragornzxl 9 months ago
wow, raider card, you must be a daredevil for choosing the raider over the BUFFALO BILLS.....
we'll see how this one turns out...
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Raider Card Addict 9 months ago
well, the Raiders beat the Bills, but the Refs beat the Raiders....
No real shock....go read my next article.
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