2011 NFL Schedule: Raiders and Broncos Meet on Monday Night with Much to Prove

The Oakland Raiders return to the scene of the crime of last year's blowout of the Denver Broncos. Both teams are preparing to answer their critics with success in 2011. The journey begins on Monday night. 

Both teams have fallen from the pedestal they enjoyed for so long in their illustrious histories. The Broncos have not stepped foot into the postseason since 2005. 

The Raiders have been even more abysmal in their efforts, not mounting a playoff drive since 2002. Since that time, they have gone through five head coaches and a myriad of humbling experiences. 

Both teams have had more buzz surround their questionable draft selection, the Raiders with JaMarcus Russel and the Broncos with Tim Tebow. 

It is a new day. The Raiders commanded one of the most prolific offenses in 2010. Their 410 points were sixth in the NFL. The season may once again see them mount 5600 yards in total. 

They certainly have the burners to do it behind studs like Darren McFadden. They need Jason Campbell to stay healthy and consistent. The Raiders are one team that enjoyed the highest of highs as well as deplorable lows. 

The Broncos have brought back a renewed emphasis on the run game. Denver will try to be a more well-rounded squad this season. 

The one area they have bolstered is on defense. We will see on Monday night whether their answer to a running attack is as stout as they hope it will be. 

Rookie Von Miller joins a healthy Elvis Dumervil to stop the run and clog the middle. It is paramount that the defense hold their own as the questions on offense are answered. 

Regardless of how you feel about either team, the NFL is a better, more exciting place when the Broncos and Raiders are involved in the playoff picture. 

Both fan bases deserve better than they have been given. This is supposed to be the season that both franchises take a step forward. Monday night will go a long way to prove whether each have shaken past seasons. 

Both will battle for more than a win. Tonight is about mettle, pedigree and prestige. Neither can afford to be on the losing end of any of those things. 

Sunday, September 18th
Kansas City at Detroit	1:00 PM	CBS
Oakland at Buffalo	1:00 PM	CBS
Tampa Bay at Minnesota	1:00 PM	FOX
Chicago at New Orleans	1:00 PM	FOX
Baltimore at Tennessee	1:00 PM	CBS
Cleveland at Indianapolis	1:00 PM	CBS
Jacksonville at NY Jets	1:00 PM	CBS
Seattle at Pittsburgh	1:00 PM	FOX
Arizona at Washington	1:00 PM	FOX
Green Bay at Carolina	1:00 PM	FOX
Dallas at San Francisco	4:05 PM	FOX
San Diego at New England	4:05 PM	CBS
Houston at Miami	4:15 PM	CBS
Cincinnati at Denver	4:15 PM	CBS
Philadelphia at Atlanta	8:20 PM	NBC
Monday, September 19th
St. Louis at NY Giants	8:30 PM	ESPN
Week 2 Schedule	Time ET	Network