In The Can: Oakland Raiders Start to Look at Kansas City Game

As one old Raider used to say, "It's in the can."

The meaning was simple: the game is over, don't dwell on it, and move on to the next week.

For the Raiders, it was a tough game that ran two minutes too long.

But, as it goes, the Raiders learned some good lessons.

For one, they have a defense that, if allowed time to rest, could be potent. They dropped several players and going into the Sunday matchup against the Chiefs, should have an easier time.

Their offense, while spotty, did pass for over 200 yards, and the running game produced over 100 yards between Darren McFadden and Michael Bush.

We should have had two TDs from Louis Murphy, but it does show his drafting was a good pull.

How does all this compare up against the Kansas City Chiefs?

For one, there is still no "yes" or "no" regarding Matt Cassel's start for KC. Brodie Croyle lost last week to a Baltimore Ravens team that rolled up 501 yards on offense. To his credit, Croyle did have a 116.1 rating with two TDs. But his team managed only 188 yards and got spotty help on the ground.

If the Raiders can turn in a comparable defense to remove Larry Johnson's ability and Richard Seymour can get into Brodie's face on a constant basis, Oakland should have a better game here, evening their schedule.

And a little side note: That Baltimore team gets to go play the Chargers next week, too.