Bleacher Report - Articles by noel ramos

Nnamdi Asomugha on the Way Out?

noel ramos — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 17:43:00 -0500

The sounds of many Raider fans rejoicing could be heard earlier today when Raiders spokesman John Herrera confirmed the release of cornerback DeAngelo Hall, who was acquired in a trade last offseason from the Atlanta Falcons.

Many of those fans have vivid memories of Hall getting burned in Week One by Denver rookie Eddie Royal to the tune of nine receptions, 146 yards, and a touchdown.

That bad first impression left a bad taste in fans' mouths and very little patience for anything other than perfection; the same type of perfection that they had grown used to from Hall's fellow cornerback and now former teammate Nnamdi Asomugha.

Hall quicky became the scapegoat for the defense's problems. Whether it was against the run or the pass, it always seemed to be Hall's fault. Hardly a fair shake. Nnamdi Asomugha agrees.

In a local media interview, Asomugha said: "I’m obviously disappointed. I don’t agree with what happened. I don’t agree with what’s going on.

"They were throwing at him and he was playing. He had eight games to prove himself, which is what really got me. I was sitting at home last night, watching the election and all that and excited, and then he calls me, hurt. Because he wanted to finish out the season here and he told me he was getting cut and it was just shocking."

But Asomugha, always the class act, refused to comment on his own contract and future with the Raiders or go in-depth about any of the going-ons within the organization.

However, a couple of comments don't sound very promising with regard to Asomugha making long-term plans to stay in Oakland. For one, he's playing under the dreaded Franchise Tag. That doesn't usually endear a player to his team, much less a team that has endured 67 losses during that player's tenure.

Secondly, saying, "I don't agree with what's been going on" is hardly followed up with a long deal. One can hardly blame him.

Asomugha, 27, is in his prime and is worth more right now than he will at any other point in his career, which will make him a highly coveted free agent if, and when, he hits the market.

Assuming that a long-term deal is not in the foreseeable future with apparent tension growing between the Raiders and their standout corner, a second consecutive Franchise Tag cannot possibly help the situation.

With Oakland floundering on the field and in a constant state of turmoil off it, a transformation into a contender cannot be expected anytime soon.

Add in the mistreatment of DeAngelo Hall and it would surprise no one if Asomugha wanted nothing to do with Oakland after the season. It seems as if Al Davis dropping the axe on Hall may inadvertently cause Nnamdi's departure as well.

Said Asomugha on the benching of safety Michael Huff, "I guess it’s the nature of what’s been going on here. If you don’t perform within an allotted time, then you move on."

Maybe the time has come for a player to treat the Raiders the same way; and it's no one's fault but their own.

Looking Into the Oakland Raiders' Future

noel ramos — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:39:57 -0400

Much has been made over the last couple weeks about a certain Raiders' head coach and his job security. The gist of all the reports is that Lane Kiffin' has treaded on the fingers of more than a few front office employees with his blunt (although accurate) assessments of the team's roster, management, and the owner's daily involvement in gameplanning, to the point that Al Davis is ready to fire him at any moment.

So this begs the question: What would happen if Al Davis fires his latest head coach?

Some Raider fans are voicing their opinions on various Internet message boards and forums, and some of the media are even sharing in that sentiment. But more importantly, firing Kiffin will do two things that will have disastrous consequences for the Raiders

First, a new head coach means starting over...Again. If this happens, it would set back the team another two years (years that Al has no patience for, which would inevitably lead to another coaching change).

A new system would most likely be put in place, rendering all of the development of QB JaMarcus Russell useless and destroying any progress made under Kiffin.

It is apparent that Kiffin has changed he locker room and the overall attitude of the Raiders.

If this scenario were taking place in 2006, Warren Sapp and LaMont Jordan would be sugarcoating the whole situation, Andrew Walter would be bluntly stating the obvious, Randy Moss would be on the sidelines moping, and the rest of the players would have no leadership of any sorts, instead going about their agenda without caring about anything but their paychecks.

In 2008, the players came together, beat the Chiefs in Arrowhead (a place they seldom win), and vouched for their coach. That kind of progress is something only a competent head coach can achieve. But Al Davis seems desperate to get rid of that for the simple fact that Kiffin holds his ground against Al's meddling.

The second thing that would happen would be far more devastating to the Raiders organization: a fan and player revolt.

There is a Web site that Raiders fans have created in an effort to keep Lane Kiffin as head coach of the team, where they threaten to boycott the team should he be fired.

No head coach, free agent, or fan would take the Raiders seriously anymore. Any new head coach would know for sure that he is hired to be a puppet. Any free agent would scoff at signing with a team that is run like this one is. And no fan would follow a perennial loser that has no hope of improving.

The players would most likely revert back to the 2006 mentality without an authoritarian figure and leader like Kiffin. They would see another, puppet much like Norv Turner and Art Shell were.

If fans stopped attending games, finances might become an issue. And if it isn't already, "Just win, baby" would be a punch line.

So Al, for your own organization's good, swallow your pride, hide your ego, and keep the kid around a little longer. You just might get some wins out of it in the process.

Can The Oakland Raiders Go 10-6, Part 4

noel ramos — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 09:28:10 -0400

Over the next few days, I'm going to take a look at the Raiders' schedule and show how the Raiders and their opponents match up. You may be surprised at how well they stack up against some of these opponents.

This is part four of four, and I will cover four games at a time.

Through the first twelve games of the season, the Raiders stand at 9-3, primed for a their first playoff run in five years. The last four weeks of the season, however, have four opponents that should pit this team against playoff-worthy opponents, starting against the San Diego Chargers on the road, continuing at home against the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans, and finishing the season at Tampa Bay.

Week 14: Raiders at Chargers, Thursday Night Football

Last Meeting: Chargers win 24-17, in Oakland*

If the Raiders are indeed a wild card team, this is the game to prove it. Coming off two straight wins against the Broncos and Chiefs, the Raiders head into this game with only four days of rest since the Chiefs game.

The problem? Lately it seems the Chargers have taken to getting better as the season goes on. And the Falcons were their last opponent and most likely their last brutally abused victim. And the primetime lights should make this game pretty interesting.

I'm thinking the Raiders' rushing attack makes this game a little easier for Russell to manage. I'm also guessing that Russell isn't going to be babied as much and play calling will allow him to do a little more with that rocket launcher they call his right arm. That could be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how his development is going throughout the season.

And I think Russell's play is the key to beating the Chargers because if the Raiders fall behind he will be depended on to win the game. I think the Raiders will fight for this one, but will be thinking wild card (the Chargers should have a better record by at least one game because their schedule is so much easier and their team is proven),San Diego will be thinking home field, especially if they meet up with the Patriots again.

For that reason alone, I think the Chargers will want it more and pull out the win.

Final: Chargers win 27-24.

Week 15 Patriots at Raiders

Last Meeting: Patriots win 30-20 in New England, 2005

This game will be about one person and one person only: Randy Moss and his return to Oakland. If the Raiders stand at 9-4, as I have them at this point in the season, the storylines will be wild. One thing will be guaranteed no matter what the records of either team: Moss will be abused by the Raider Nation.

That said, I can't know how that will affect his performance, whether it rattles him (not likely) or if it motivates him to do his Superman-stuff (more likely). Tom Brady isn't one to be distracted by that and the Patriots offense remains intact with the exception of Donte Stallworth who was essentially a non-factor.

The Patriots' offense shouldn't have much trouble moving the ball because, like the Giants showed, blitzing is really the only way to take them down and the Raiders don't blitz.

The defense, on the other hand, took some major hits, mostly in the secondary. Asante Samuel and Randall Gay are gone as is safety Eugene Wilson. The linebackers are a mix of old vets and rookie newcomers.

Among these are Jerod Mayo and Shawn Crable, the Patriots' first and third round picks, respectively. The defensive line is still fearsome, led by Richard Seymour and the highly versatile Adalius Thomas.

I think the Raiders might be able to score by passing a little more often and gaining some tough yards on the ground but, not enough to outscore the Pats' offense.

Final: Patriots win 38-21

Week 16: Texans at Raiders

Last meeting: Texans win 24-17 in Oakland, 2007

Is this the year the Raider finally beat the Houston Broncos...I mean Texans? Looking at the Texans' offseason moves I'd say it's likely.

The Texans have good pieces on offense and defense but they are still an incomplete team. On offense, they found their quarterback in Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson is a legit playmaker at WR, and Ahman Green is an effective RB.

Only problem there is the injury bug which hit all three of them last year. And there's no way of knowing whether or not they'll be fit to play this late in the season health-wise. But they have good depth behind them as Sage Rosenfelds and Ron Dayne proved last year.

The defense will be led by third year man and former No. 1 overall pick Mario Williams at DE. After last year's 14 sacks, Williams is making the Texans look smart for passing on Reggie Bush for him in the draft. The front seven may give the Raiders some trouble rushing the ball with Amobie Okoye, DeMeco Ryans, and Williams but can do enough to balance out the offensive attack.

I think the Raiders' defense can finally do enough to contain the Texans' offense this year though, and the Raiders' offense can score enough to pull out the win.

Also I think this week San Diego locks up the division title, forcing the Raiders into a fight for a wild card spot.

Final: Raiders win 23-19

Week 17: Raiders at Buccaneers

Last meeting: Raiders win 30-20 in Oakland, 2004

The Buccaneers haven't done much this offseason except Gruden's mandatory 12 free agent quarterback signings. They lost a host of free agents that were either situational players or nearing the end of their careers.

The defense is still good and even though the core of the unit is aging (Ronde Barber, Derick Brooks), the rest of them are still young and the unit did pretty well last year. They will be tough to run or pass on when the Raiders come to town.

Luckily for Russell and the Raiders they don't have to deal with Florida weather because the schedule makers did Oakland another favor and gave them Tampa in December.

The Bucs' offense has a pretty good QB in Jeff Garcia and they have a strong running game. The passing game is weak because there aren't any good receivers. but with the defense that's in place they can get away with that in the regular season.

I think the standings will dictate how this game ends and more importantly who plays in it. If the Raiders are at the 10 wins I predict them at and the Chargers have already clinched the division, then there is a good chance the Raiders will have a wild-card spot locked up.

Thus allowing them to rest their starters in this game. Bucs win in this scenario.

It's the same on the other side. Like last year, I expect the Buccaneers to rest their guys if they have a playoff spot locked up. They may even be fighting for the division with the Panthers and/or Saints. Raiders win in this scenario.

If both teams are resting their starters it won't matter who wins or by how much. If that happens, this basically becomes a preseason game that counts in the standings.

If both teams should play their starters I think the Bucs win, barely. The defense should be able to contain the Raiders' offense (think Monte knows his son's offense?), while the offense might be able to get some points in by cashing in on turnovers and such.

Final (if starters play): Buccaneers win 17-10.

I think 10-6 is a real possibility with all the moves the Raiders have made during the offseason and the opponents they will line up against this year. I think wild card is also a real possibility. Season starts on Sept. 8 for this team; we'll find out then.

Here's to the new football season.

Denver Broncos To John Lynch: Goodbye

noel ramos — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 14:31:32 -0400

According to CBS, Broncos safety John Lynch has been given permission to look for a new employer by Head Coach Mike Shanahan.

Shanahan reportedly told Lynch, 36, initially upset with taking a pay cut to remain with the team, to look for another team or consider retirement. When his starting status became an issue he said that it was time to move on an that that was when the conversation with Shanahan took place, the report goes on to say.

With Lynch's impending departure, the Broncos' defense took yet another hit and depth in the secondary is now becoming an issue.

The Broncos' 2008 outlook is getting bleaker by the day, it seems. Now all they need is for Brandon Marshall to get a four-game suspension and they could be looking at an awful 0-3 start before they play the Chiefs in Week four.

Mike Shanahan's seat could be getting pretty warm if that should happen and the Broncos could be headed for the AFC West cellar.

Can the Oakland Raiders Go 10-6? Part Three

noel ramos — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 12:15:09 -0400

This is part three of four, and I will cover four games at a time.

It's now midway through the season and the Raiders sit at 6-2, with wins over Denver, Kansas City, Buffalo, New York Jets, Baltimore, and Atlanta. The Raiders will be riding a three game winning streak at this point heading into their game against Carolina at home.

Week 10 Panthers at Raiders

Last meeting: Raiders win 27-24 in Carolina, 2004

The Panthers have had a pretty busy offseason themselves, re-working their defense so as to improve its run defense. The pass defense has some questions too, giving up huge games to quarterbacks like Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Tony Romo, and even Joey Harrington.

The musical chairs at the quarterback position left the Panthers with the inability to score on a consistent week-to-week basis (the Panthers failed to score 14 points in eight games last year and scored 16 and 17 points in two others).

Julius Peppers fell off hard last year and the defensive line took some hits during the offseason. Despite all these problems I believe the Panthers have left them in the past, especially Peppers who is my pick for Comeback Player of the Year.

If Jake Delhomme is back to form, the Panthers should have an explosive offense again with Steve Smith, new additions D.J. Hackett, and Muhsin Muhammad, along with rookie RB Jonathan Stewart to spell DeAngelo Williams.

I think the Raiders may overlook this team's offense next year and the Panthers' defense does just enough to pull out the win.

Final: Panthers win in shoot-out, 38-31.

Week 11 Raiders at Dolphins

Last meeting: Raiders win 35-17 in Miami, 2007

After a painful dose of a slap-in-the-face-and-wake-up the previous week against Carolina, the Raiders go into Miami with a chip on their shoulder. Even though the Raiders went into Miami and literally ran the Dolphins into the ground last year, they learned not to be overconfident after a few wins and keep focused on the next week.

And it just so happens that facing the weaker-than-last-year Dolphins is just what the doctor ordered. The 'Phins lost MLB and defensive leader Zach Thomas and traded away Pro-Bowl and 2006 DPOTY DE Jason Taylor to the Redskins.

Those two moves leave the Dolphins' defense resembling wet tissues against the Raiders' triple threat in the backfield. I see this game going much as the last one did; with the Raiders hardly passing at all while the backs take it in turns to gash the Dolphins' defense.

On offense, the Dolphins have former Raider Josh McCown as the starting QB. He's a serviceable backup but is way too turnover-prone for a starter, especially when the game is on the line. The Dolphins' running game is pretty good with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams returning, but I just don't see them being able to control the game like Fargas, McFadden, and Bush can.

Also, the Dolphins' offense lacks any type of big-play threat at any receiver position. I think this game goes pretty similar to the last meeting and the Raiders run to another victory.

Final: Raiders win 31-13.

Week 12: Raiders at Broncos

Last meeting: 38-17 Raiders win in the Coliseum*

In the previous game that I predicted between these two, I said the Raiders would win based off a stronger running game, stronger run defense (which actually happened the last time they played, holding the Broncos to less than 90 yards rushing as a team), and the least turnovers.

Taking into account that this game will be frigid, if not a bit snowy, I think the running games will be the deciding factor in this game. Mike Shanahan's record against the Raiders speaks for itself, but that can only go so far as the talent on your team. And this year, I think the Raiders are simply more talented than the Broncos.

That said, I think the Broncos will fight for this one. However, they will be forced to throw if the Raiders take control with their ground attack early, forcing Cutler to throw it in the bad weather. The Raiders are built for bad-weather games and it will show here as they sweep Denver for the first time since 2002.

Final: Raiders fend off furious Bronco comeback in the fourth quarter, 21-20.

Week 13: Chiefs at Raiders

Last meeting: Raiders win 24-20 in Kansas City*

Numbers? Stats? Records? Players? Throw it all out the window again, it's Chiefs' week. And you can count on the Chiefs thinking the same thing when they visit Oakland in Week 13.

They'll come with that fire that only this rivalry brings and they'll want that 'W' against their hated rivals, if nothing else but to spoil the Raiders' resurgent season. That alone should make this game worth watching.

But again, like in Week 2, I think the Raiders have the edge. The Raiders are still better at almost every position across the board with the exception, perhaps, being tight end and No. 1 WR. If the Raiders do indeed win in Week 2, then I think they'll see it as an obligation to give the Raider Nation something they haven't seen since 2002: a win over the Chiefs at home.

The Chiefs' offense will start to look a little better at this point in the season after the O-line has had time to gel. But, the Chiefs' defense will have inherited that old Raider problem of protecting late leads which plagued both teams last year. Meanwhile, the Raiders start shedding that problem and winning the tight ones like this one will surely be.

Final: Raiders dominate on the ground again and win 17-13.

*= predicted score from earlier in the season.

Part Four coming soon.

Can the Oakland Raiders Go 10-6? Part Two

noel ramos — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 14:31:28 -0400

This is part two of four, and I will cover four games at a time.

In my previous prediction, I had the Oakland Raiders going 3-1, with victories over the Broncos, at home, and the Chiefs and Bills on the road, before going into the bye week.

Coming out of the bye week, the Raiders will face a pretty big test when they travel to New Orleans to take on Drew Brees and the Saints.

Week Five: Bye

Can't lose this one.

Week Six: Raiders at Saints

Last meeting: 31-26 Saints win in Oakland, 2004.

Last year, the Saints underachieved, to say the least. After coming off a surprise NFC Championship appearance in Chicago, 2006's Cinderella team dropped to 7-9.

The Saints offense remained one of the league's best—reaching 13th in scoring, fourth in passing, but a mediocre 28th in rushing. That can be attributed to injuries to running backs Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister.

This year, if the offense remains healthy, and with the new addition of Jeremy Shockey from the Giants, the Saints' offense could be a real challenge for Oakland's defense.

The Saints' defense, on the other hand, was just the opposite, finishing an embarrassing 25th in points allowed, 26th against the pass, but 13th against the run. The run defense should be even better with the additions of LB Jonathan Vilma from the Jets and DT Sedrick Ellis in the draft.

The secondary picked up a couple of players in Randall Gay and Aaron Glenn, who may or may not contribute.

So it is really strength vs. strength and weakness vs. weakness between these two teams, with the Saints' aerial attack against the Raiders' secondary, and the Raiders' trio of backs vs. the Saints' run defense.

The winner will be the team with better QB play and who stops the other team's strength. Since the Saints have already proven their strengths, and the fact that the Saints are at home, I'll give New Orleans the edge in this one.

Final: Saints win 31-20.

Week Seven: Jets at Raiders

Last Meeting: Jets win 23-3 in New York, 2006

The Jets' offseason was nearly as busy as the Raiders'. With new additions such as LB Calvin Pace, DT Chris Jenkins, and rookie OLB Vernon Gholston on defense, there are high expectations for improvement in last year's 29th ranking against the run.

However, the Raiders' rushing attack should more than be able to cope with them. Those additions may not be enough to stop the three-headed monster that is known as Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden, and Michael Bush, who will surely give defensive coordinator Bob Sutton headaches.

The Jets' offense was rather pathetic last year, scoring just under 17 points a game. The passing offense still has no real gamebreaking threat at receiver/tight end, the quarterback situation is a mess, and it remains to be seen whether Thomas Jones can carry the load for an entire season.

The Raiders' defense should be plenty capable to stop the Jets' offense, and the offense should be able to score without too much trouble on the Jets' re-worked defense, using the same formula they used on the Broncos, running, more running, and only passing when necessary.

Final: Raiders win, 24-10

Week Eight: Raiders at Ravens

Last Meeting: Ravens win 28-6, in Baltimore, 2006

The Ravens have been known throughout the decade for their amazing defense. The only problem is that now the decade is almost over, and the defense has aged considerably. How long can they hold up? I'll guess, at most, one or two more seasons, so, for this prediction, they will be a factor.

They have some new players, including former Raiders' cornerback Fabian Washington, who, by all accounts, is no loss. I can't count on two hands the number of big plays given up or the number of tackles he missed last year alone.

The Ravens' offense, which already had issues even moving the ball last year, let alone scoring, lost QB Steve McNair and LT, and perennial All-Pro, Jonathan Ogden to retirement, along with C Matt Flynn, Devard Darling at WR, and backup RB Musa Smith.

Now this team lacks talent and depth at WR, QB, and, to some extent, RB. Willis McGahee is now the only threat on offense, and it has been proven time and time again that one player cannot do everything alone.

If neither teams' offense can score, then special teams and field position will probably play a big factor in this game. The Raiders definitely have the upper hand here, with the two strongest-legged kickers in the league in P Shane Lechler and K Sebastian Janikowski.

Janikowski nearly made NFL history last year when he kicked a field goal against the wind from 64 yards out. Halfway up the right upright. And Lechler averaged an unheard of 49.1 yards/punt net.

If that's the deciding factor, then I think Raiders win it in a low-scoring game.

Final: Raiders win 14-10

Week Nine: Falcons at Raiders

Last time: Falcons win 35-10 in Atlanta, 2004

How 'bout that Falcons' offseason? Not...

Aside from losing their franchise CB (to Oakland, no less), RB, TE, and a host of other players, the Falcons officially entered rebuilding mode when they selected QB Matt Ryan in the draft.

The Falcons have holes everywhere on their roster, except perhaps RB and K, where they snagged two ex-AFC West members in Michael Turner from San Diego and Jason Elam from Denver.

It remains to be seen if Michael Turner can be a full-season starter, or if he goes the LaMont Jordan route, being an exceptional backup/change-of-pace back to below-average starter.

Add in a rookie QB with unreliable receivers (outside of Joe Horn, but can he last all season and be productive at his age?), a shaky O-line, and a defense with more holes than Swiss cheese, and I doubt the Raiders will have much trouble winning this one.

Final: Raiders crack 40 for first time in years with 41-13 rout.

Part Three is coming soon.

Former Raiders Randy Moss, LaMont Jordan Reunite as Patriots

noel ramos — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 10:29:55 -0400

When the New England Patriots take the field against the Oakland Raiders in Week 15, there will be a couple familiar (and not too welcome) faces in McAfee Coliseum.

Randy Moss, forever known to Raiders fans as the guy that quit on their team, is now joined by former Oakland teammate LaMont Jordan.

Jordan, 29, asked for his release from the Raiders last November,and was finally granted his wish yesterday when the team released him after barring him from participating in training camp.

He didn't stay on the open market for long: The Patriots signed him to a one-year deal Saturday to help Lawrence Maroney and their running game complement their high-powered offensive attack, led by former unhappy Raider Randy Moss.

The wide receiver and running back that were supposed to revitalize the offense in Oakland may get the chance to do just that together—just not for the Raiders.

These storylines are intriguing. Maybe enough to the point where, if the Raiders enter Week 15 with a winning record, fighting for a wild card spot, flex-scheduling might even permit the game to be moved to prime time. Imagine John Madden and Al Micheals commenting on Brady, Moss, and Jordan against Russell, McFadden, and Walker.

Could make for an entertaining game.

Can the Oakland Raiders Go 10-6?

noel ramos — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:23:04 -0400

Week One: Broncos at Raiders, MNF

Last meeting: 34-20, Raiders.

Two touchdowns is a pretty big difference in the final score. The Broncos will be coming off a disappointing 7-9 season, and they have done virtually nothing to plug the holes in their roster.

They did fire both coordinators, but along with their departures were Matt Lepsis, Rod Smith, Javon Walker, Mike Bell, Travis Henry, and Ian Gold.

Additions included Boss Bailey, Niko Koutouvides, Marlon McCree, Samie Parker, and Dwayne Robertson. None of these players are upgrades over their predecessors. The team will be learning a new defensive system, and the run defense did not improve notably.

All reports indicate the Jay Cutler is healthy again, but the weapons around him have depleted. The loss of Javon Walker will hurt because, when healthy, he is a serious threat.

Brandon Marshall is awaiting a decision from the league on whether or not he will even be allowed to play in this game, and with defensive-line questions, this team will not be able to stop Oakland's new offensive attack.

The Raider ranked sixth in rushing offense last year, with Justin Fargas, Dominic Rhodes, and LaMont Jordan splitting carries. Fargas is the only holdover, coupled with dynamic and versatile rookie Darren McFadden, and the 245-lb. Michael Bush waiting in the wings, the Oakland ground attack should look very formidable to Denver.

JaMarcus Russell, now the team's unquestioned starter at quarterback, will look to Javon Walker, Ronald Curry (Denver fans should remember his sick, twisting, one-handed catch in Denver back in 2004), new acquired Drew Carter (from Carolina), and emerging TE Zach Miller to move the chains and stretch the field. The ground game will also help ease Russell into his role as the team's starter.

Final: Raiders win, 38-17

Week Two: Raiders at Chiefs

Last meeting in KC: Raiders win, 20-17.

Were the schedule makers giving Oakland a break? They gave them two straight opponents they beat last year, in the places they won in, to start the regular season.

The Raiders-Chiefs rivalry has always been one of the best, simply because the animosity towards each other, and the fact that the games between the two are usually won in the last seconds. Throw records, stats, and numbers out the window. When these two teams play, they go at each other all game long.

But it seems the tide is changing in the Raiders' favor in this rivalry, after being on the short end for nine straight games. Last year, the Chiefs had serious trouble keeping leads in the fourth quarter. This year, despite the addition of Glenn Dorsey, it should only be worse. In this rivalry, that won't win you many games.

With the loss of Jared Allen, Ty Law, and a host of other vets, the Chiefs are in full-blown rebuilding mode, with serious questions at quarterback, the O-line, running back (Is Larry Johnson healthy? Is he splitting carries?), WRs (other than Bowe), D-line, and the secondary.

I think Raiders win it with their powerful ground attack, and the Chiefs' lack of offensive firepower/blocking.

Final: Raiders 24-20, in another hard-fought game.

Week Three: Raiders at Bills

Last meeting: Raiders win 38-17, in 2005

The Bills will have a couple of new faces on offense next year. QB Trent Edwards is now the starter and RB Marshawn Lynch will now be an every-down back for them. With no real threat through the air, however, and with Oakland's secondary in man coverage, this leaves the Bills' running game as the biggest threat.

However, Lynch has yet to prove himself as a capable every-down back, and Trent Edwards can't score by himself.

The Raiders' run defense, atrocious at times last year, and stellar other times, was maddeningly inconsistent, giving up huge games to little-knowns such as Kolby Smith (150 yards, 2 TDs) and Ron Dayne (122 yards, 168 in the game), while holding superstars such as LaDainian Tomlinson and Joseph Addai in check (15 carries, 56 yards, and 15 carries, 44 yards, respectively).

The run defense should be much improved this season, however, with a healthy and bulked-up Tommy Kelly playing the inside in place of Warren Sapp (who never was that great against the run), and the behemoth known as Terdell Sands playing nose.

The Bills' defense is their Achilles heel, though. Being the 25th-ranked run defense is not good news when facing the trio of McFadden, Bush, and Fargas. They did add Marcus Stroud and Kawika Mitchell at DT and LB, but two players may not be enough.

The pass defense was, however, embarrassing and with no new players except rookie Leodis McKelvin, it doesn't look to be any better.

I just don't see the Bills being able to stop the Raiders' offensive attack, and the offense, while it has pieces to be good, can't support its leaky defense.

Final: Raiders win 24-13

Week Four: Chargers at Raiders

Last meeting: Raiders lose 30-17 in JaMarcus Russell's first career start

The only game against a 2007 playoff team through the first four weeks is also the only loss I predict for the Raiders before the bye.

The Chargers, on paper, are as talented and well rounded as can be. However, they are not without their issues. The three most important players on offense are coming off serious injuries (Phillip Rivers, torn ACL; Antonio Gates, toe, and LaDainian Tomlinson, sprained MCL).

Rivers and Tomlinson are both reported to have fully healed, but until I see them in action, I will remain skeptical. Rivers can be erratic at times and is a little more turnover-prone than you would like. And playing against a turnover-happy defense like Oakland's isn't good news.

In the Chargers' favor though, is a defense of their own, more than capable of controlling a game. Their suffocating run-defense should slow down Oakland's rushing attack, which, in turn, will make it that much harder on Russell. And a young, inexperienced QB having to throw to win games usually spells trouble.

Oakland can win, if and only if, the run defense plays the way it did in the last meeting, where Tomlinson was held to 56 yards on 15 carries, and they create turnovers from a susceptible Rivers, while limiting their own. However, that scenario isn't too likely.

Barring unforeseen injury concerns I think San Diego wins in a close one, despite a turnover or two from Rivers.

Final: San Diego wins 24-17

Part Two coming soon.