Oakland Raiders: The Beat Goes on, Get Ready for the Cincinnati Bengals

The "boos" ought to be hushed. The "cheers" ought to be loud. We expect an improved performance since a few changes have been made in the lineup of the Oakland Raiders.

The global comparison of the Oakland Raiders and the Cincinnati Bengals shows the performance of each team in several categories.

So much is involved in the prediction of the outcome for Sunday. Nevertheless, we can be encouraged to know that, overall, the Oakland Raiders do have some positive attributes when you look at the historical data.

The chart shows the strengths and weaknesses, from a global standpoint.

The outcome of a football game depends on more than deterministic data. There are all types of probabilities involved. There are coaching decisions, too.

Would you be disappointed if the change in quarterback did not dramatically change the outcome of the game on Sunday, Nov. 22?

Yes, we expect victory. Some analysts see it differently.

Jimmy Boyd had this to say:

"Last week, Russell was pulled in the third quarter after completing just 8 of 23 passes for 64 yards.

"It’s hard to say his replacement, Gradkowski, was better as he was picked off twice. He strained his hamstring in last week’s game with the Chiefs and that could keep him out of the starting discussion this week.

"Whoever Cable ultimately decides on will lead an offense that ranks 31st in the league with a 9.8 points per game scoring average.."

Now add this comment Boyd made and, perhaps, get a little encouragement:

"A win Sunday would give the Bengals a fifth straight road victory, which is something the team has never done before. While they are nearly a double-digit favorite, pulling off the feat figures to be no easy task as they are 0-8 all-time on the road against the Raiders.

"The Raiders already showed they can hang with the big dogs on any given Sunday with a win over the Eagles earlier this season so the Bengals will have to avoid any letdowns after an emotional win last week."

Sometimes you have to dig deep to get a little encouragement, but what the heck, we will do what it takes.

We will never give up hope for a renewed commitment to excellence and to winning, again. Go Raiders!