Oakland Raiders—Miami Dolphins: The Rematch

Oh what a difference a year makes.

Last year, Oakland travelled to Miami, at 1-2, and looked to make a statement. They had former Dolphin, Daunte Culpepper, and were looking to get back to .500 for the first time in a while.

As fate would have it, Oakland won, but lost their leading rusher. According to the scoreboard, the Raiders were victorious, but they lost Lamont Jordan to injury. Justin Fargas, however, would go on to have a career day, in only half a game, racking up 179 yards, on 22 carries.

Oakland would go on to a 4-12 record, while Miami would have to wait until an overtime game against the Baltimore Ravens to finally win, and finish 1-15....and with it, get Jake Long as the overall number one pick.

Fast forward, to this season.

Oakland, is 2-7. They have lost a number of players to injury, and a few of the walking wounded were supposed to be key players on a resurgent team hoping to break the jinx for Oakland.

JaMarcus Russell, Justin Fargas, Javon Walker, Darren McFadden, have all missed games. Drew Carter, Justin Griffith, Oren O'Neal, Arman Shields, and others are on the IR, gone either before the season, or early enough to be missed.

Miami, meanwhile, has had the bounce they needed. They started out 0-2, and then 2-4, but then ran off 3 wins, and presently sit at 5-4. Miami, for it's history, is hoping to continue it's upswing, but has a few things against them.

First of all, Chad Pennington is starting behind center. Chad hasn't exactly played solid ball against the silver in black, and was known for his two losses in 2002, with one coming in the playoffs.

All together, Chad's 2-3 against Oakland in his career, and his first game wasn't really his fault. He was put in for spot duty, and even tossed a TD, the team's only points in a 2000 matchup won by Oakland.

Meanwhile, other aspects of the Dolphins continue to show improvement. Joey Porter is doing his usual task, ripping his opponents in the media, but mostly does his best work getting between his opponent's ears....annoying to no end.

And of course, Ronnie Brown, last year's bright spot before going down injured, has shown resolve, with 9 touchdowns so far.

Oakland? The team has had 9 TDs, total...6 via the air, and 3 on the ground.

Does Oakland stand a chance in this game?

It's possible. Oakland last week, was supposed to be blown out of the water by the Panthers, but managed only 17 points. Seven came off a turnover and seven from a long breakaway run. Oakland managed to get Jake Delhomme to throw four interceptions in that period.

What will decide the game is going to be the play of the quarterback. Walter didn't look bad last week, but then again, it was his first activity in almost a year. If he finds his timing, he could surprise a few people.

Lastly, how will Oakland work against Joey Porter?

Hopefully the line can keep him in check, with an extra person. Otherwise, it's going to be a long day for the Raider fans in Miami.

Oakland 14, Miami 10(if Pennington throws 2 INTs)

Miami 21, Oakland 9(if Walter gets shut out of the end zone again)

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