Oakland Raiders Gameplan VS Jets.

This week the Oakland Raiders square off against a struggling New York Jets team. The Raiders, coming off a huge upset against the Eagles have some momentum swinging their way after the big win. Not to mention that the charges against head coach Tom Cable that have been dismissed will kill a lot of the supposed distraction some may believe or may not believe is hurting the team. Also the Raiders finally get the long awaited return of Chaz Schilens, who many believed would be the number 1 receiver this year for the Raiders. 

The Jets, who are coming off an 18-13 loss to the Bills, have a deadly rushing duo with Thomas Jones and Leon Washington. Two speedsters who will be a deciding factor for the Jets offence in my opinion. Also the jets come in with a new struggling passing offense lead by Mark Sanchez who has been off the mark lately. Injuries for the Jets unfortunately include Jerricho Cotchery, and corner back Lito Sheppard.

JETS OFFENCE VS RAIDERS DEFENCE

The main thing the Raiders must defend is the double headed speedy rushing attack of Jones and Washington. Seymour, Warren, Scott, Ellis and other Raider D-lineman must be able to stuff that rushing offence and will more then likely need the help of Morrison and Howard if they want to have success at doing so. After immobilizing the run the Raiders pass coverage wont be much of a challenge as Cotchery is out for the Jets. The Raiders number 1 corner Asomugha wont have much of a challenge as all he has to do is shut out the Jets number 1 receiver for this game which is Braylon Edwards. In my opinion that wont be much of and issue for Aso since he has taken on bigger, faster, and all around better receivers in the past. As for the rest of the receivers all the Raiders need to worry about is Jets TE Dustin Keller and passes out of the backfield to Jones and Washington.

RAIDERS OFFENCE VS JETS DEFENCE

Obviously the Raiders aren't the most dangerous team offensively. The way the Raiders will put points on the board is if the Raiders can catch a spark in the passing attack. The main thing to watch for is the return of Schilens who i think will be the issue for the Jets as their busy stuffing the rush and doubling up Zach Miller. The starting RB this game will either be Bush or Fargas but will most likely be splitting carries as Mcfadden is out. The Jets will most likely be thinking run as they and every other team in the NFL realize Russells struggles and know the Raiders will try and establish an effective run offense. As for passing the Raiders appear to have found a new WR in new undersized fullback Gary Russell who helped seal the game against the Eagles with his receiving abilities out of the backfield. Watch for the Raiders to use him effectively in the pass game as both a receiver and blocker. 

             KEY MACHUPS

1. DL Richard Seymore against whoever blocks him- Seymore is a beast after having 4 sacks this season and will be a tough matchup for anyone who blocks him.

2. TE Zach Miller vs Jets secondary- It will be interesting to see if they decide to double him or not after watching what he could do against the Eagles lats week.

3. RBs Thomas Jones and Leon Washington vs Raiders rush D- The jets will run a lot if able to and the Raiders must come prepared mentally and physically.

 WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Tom Cables play calling-Knowing the Jets are looking to more likely to stop the run will he still try to do so or will he give Russell the chance to take the game in his hands.

2. Chaz Schilens return- When they do pass will he be as effective as he was vs the Cowboys, the Texans, or the Bucs.

3. Langston Walker- If he starts will he be effective in a zone blocking scheme in the pass game.

4. Mark Sanchez's bounce back- If the Raiders stop the run effectively will Sanchez be able to rebound from a 5 int performance against the Bills. Knowing its against one of the most talented passing def in the league.

5. Special Teams- Will the Raiders be able to stop speedy return man Leon Washington. Will Shane Lechler pin them inside their own ten yard line. Will Higgins take one to the house. Or will the punt coverage team keep him from achieving his first punt return TD of the season.

  MY PREDICTION

                                        RAIDER 17-JETS 13

The Jets come into a deadly black hole after a 18-13 defeat from the Bills. The Raiders have the momentum after beating the Eagles 13-9. I'm looking for the Raiders to force the Jets into throwing and Sanchez to throwing interceptions. The Raiders will be able to run decently and throw even better then the pass with the Return of Schilens and the deadliness of Zach Miller and Gary Russel out of the backfield.