Oakland Returns to The National Stage...Are They Ready?

The last time the Oakland Raiders played football in a nationally televised game, it was against the San Diego Chargers on Opening Night.  Although they ultimately lost, the Raiders earned a degree of respect due to their physical play, and many thought the year had finally come where the Raiders turned the corner. 

Fast-forward to today, and the Raiders are 3-7, at the bottom of the AFC West.  Still, two of the Raiders three wins came against established playoff contenders, and their other win came at a hostile stadium, Arrowhead.

Thursday afternoon, on Thanksgiving, the Raiders will make their return to the national spotlight against the Dallas Cowboys.  I would venture to guess the Raiders plan on making a statement during this game.  As the Raiders ride the momentum of their come-from-behind victory over the Bengals, the Cowboys limp into Thursday barely surviving against the Washington Redskins. 

The Raiders will have to be on their game once again.  The run defense is still weak and with a possibly injured Tony Romo, the Cowboys may run early and often.  Stopping the run early will be key, so Romo is forced to throw against a very solid Raiders secondary, with Michael Huff, Tyvon Branch, Chris Johnson, and some guy named Nnamdi Asomugha.  Greg Ellis and Richard Seymour aren't 100%, and the Cowboys may look to exploit that.

Offensively, QB Bruce Gradkowski needs to replicate the enegery he brought against the Bengals.  Limiting turnovers will be critical.  Gradkowski, Michael Bush, and Darren McFadden are all fumble risks, and the way DHB volleys the ball into the air, interceptions are always a possibility.  Gradkowski needs to look to his surest-handed receivers, Zach Miller and Chaz Schilens, as much as he can.  Split the carries between Bush, Fargas and McFadden to keep them all fresh.

On special teams, I say let Shane Lechler have some fun and aim for the big screen.  Why not let him pop it once or twice?  Special teams won us the game last week, and hopefully that has the kickoff team fired up again.  Sebastian Janikowski is having one of his best years ever, only missing two kicks so far all year.

The Raiders should be looking forward to this game as an opportunity to show people what they can do.  I hope it'll be a great day of Raider football, and maybe we can ruin Thanksgiving for some Cowboys.