Raiders vs. Jets: Mark Sanchez Won't Be Hot-Dogging This Year

The last time the New York Jets came to Oakland, they embarrassed the Raiders 38-0. This was one of many ugly games during the JaMarcus Russell era and an early indication of the success the Jets were building towards.

Here we are in 2011, and the Jets will be making the trip to the West Coast once again. However, a lot has changed since the blowout in 2009.

Let's start with the biggest reason why this year is different. I stress the word "biggest" because the Raiders no longer have the biggest waste of black and silver clothing at the quarterback position.

JaMarcus Russell is gone. I'll repeat that statement because I know Raiders fans love to hear it. JaMarcus Russell is gone! Jason Campbell is looking solid so far this year. After a conservative Week 1 game, where the Raiders rushed the ball the majority of the time, Campbell broke out in Week 2 against the Bills and currently has the best QBR (ESPN's statistical rating of quarterbacks) in the AFC West. Campbell also has many options at receiver to pass the ball too, unlike in 2009 where his best option was the tight end Zach Miller.

The Raiders rushing attack was alright in 2009, but not the force it is in 2011. Darren McFadden is second in the NFL in yards per game and looks to be having another tremendous season. Bruising halfback Michael Bush and versatile fullback Marcel Reece also are very effective in the rushing game and will compliment McFadden well.

The Jets have a Top 10 run defense, but it won't be able to shut down the Raiders' explosive rushing attack. With McFadden's and Reece's abilities in the receiving game, it will give the Jets defense fits.

So, I mentioned that the Raiders offense will do well against the Jets. But what about stopping a Jets offense that scored 32 points in Week 2? While the Jaguars aren't a great team, 32 points doesn't just happen. Stopping the rush will be no problem for the Raiders even though they struggled against Fred Jackson last week. Jackson is a star and will light up defenses all season.

The Jets are not the top rushing attack that they were in 2009. In fact, they are far from it. The Jets are rushing for 73 yards a game. That's about as intimidating as the hot dog that Mark Sanchez ate in their 2009 matchup. The key for the Raiders is to stop playmakers in the passing game such as Santonio Holmes. If Stanford Routt can contain Holmes, the Raiders will have success.

About that hot dog I just referenced, don't think Richard Seymour and his fellow defenders forgot about being disrespected by a rookie in 2009. Pro Bowl center, Nick Mangold, is injured and will not play this week. That means that the super talented and down right nasty defensive front for the Raiders will be after Sanchez all game. Expect Sanchez to be paid back for the hot dog incident, all game long.

It will be a tight game, but the Raiders should improve to 2-1 this Sunday. Perhaps the players should all enjoy a hot dog on the field to celebrate the victory of their 2011 home opener.