Oakland vs New Orleans: Sunday's matchup

Well, what a difference two weeks can make.

Since the Raiders last played, against the Chargers, they fired one coach, elevated another to head coach, and got busy training for this week's game.

The Saints, meanwhile, have had their own share of issues. The won big against the 49ers, but then lost last week against the Vikings, spoiling a good game by Reggie Bush.

Going through the records, these two teams both seem to have the same problem....closing out a game.

Oakland, to it's credit, could have been 3-1, with losses to Buffalo and San Diego, in the fourth quarter. The Saints, for their high power offense, has lost by 5, 2, and 3 points in their losses.

Both teams have had to deal with injuries, the Raiders missing Justin Fargas, and the Saints with Deuce McAllister, Jeremy Shockey, and a host of other players.

What i'm seeing is going to be key to the game, is the defensive package Oakland can bring. Against the last 3 opponents, Oakland's defense was great in 3 quarters, failing to hold the lead the last two. If they can get a full game from the defense, playing smart, and limiting mistakes, the Raiders have a chance.

One other item, that has Raider fans angry about, is our lack of execution in the red zone. Several times the Raiders would get down into the red zone, and after Russell would overthrow people, they'd have to settle for 3, instead of getting 7.

Part of this is simple growing pains, that a young QB will go through. With his arm strength, a simple flip, is going off at 70 plus miles per hour. From the games I've watched, the receivers aren't used to this speed, counting times that the players have been hit in the hands, and dropping the ball.

Russell to his credit, hasn't been playing bad. One interception, and 2 fumbles....decent stats, but he needs to get the receivers into a more solid unit.

Otherwise, it'll be a long day, for his homecoming.

Considering this game is in New Orleans, home field will help this club a lot....but there's a chance, that some of the home crowd would love to see the LSU QB come back for a big game:

Oakland 24, New Orleans 21