Silver and Black Report

The Oakland Raiders (1-0) traveled last season to Tennessee to face the Titans (1-0) and were defeated 13-9. This Friday, both teams will meet again for their second pre-season contest, marking the 10^th time both franchises have met prior to the regular season.

Lane Kiffin and Jeff Fisher will try to stretch their starters into the 2^nd quarter in hopes of getting them primed for their third contest of the pre-season, where they will get an entire half of dress rehearsal.

Oakland is coming off an 18-6 victory versus the 49ers, while the Titans started their pre-season with a 34-13 win against the St. Louis Rams.

 OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

After the explosive performance of the rushing attack last week, Oakland feels good about their situation in the backfield and the status of the offensive line in terms of their run blocking. And that will get better with time…

But the aerial game was put under the microscope this week and will surely be the emphasis against the Titans, as they try to get JaMarcus Russell and his targets in rhythm as the season approaches.

He will have Ronald Curry at his disposal on Friday, along with Javon Walker, who has gained momentum this week with some solid practices.

As for having more than five attempts in this game and seeing more action, Kiffin stated last weekend, “It wasn’t by design for [Russell] to have so few attempts, but we knew he was not going to play very much. He’ll play more next week, so he’ll throw more in general.”

What to expect:

Curry will start this week; Zach Miller will most likely be incorporated into the passing game a bit more and its time for Walker to show that he can get in sync with his new quarterback. Others like Chaz Schilens and Jonathan Holland will have to start showing they are worthy of remaining on this roster and possibly taking a job on a unit that is looking for depth. Arman Shields will sit out the game and at this point, he looks like a player that will either be headed to the injured reserved list or the practice squad.

 On Defense:

Ricky Brown is making a strong push for the job at strong side linebacker. He has competed mainly against Sam Williams and Robert Thomas, but with the addition of Adam Archuleta this week, things may get interesting.

Brown is adept playing in traffic, fighting through blockers and getting to the football due to his background as a kickoff and punt coverage specialist. And that is what Oakland is looking for at this point in trying to improve their run defense and stoutness within the front seven.

What to expect:

The addition of Archuleta will also help the secondary at this point, which is looking for bodies to field for these pre-season games. Oakland also added Nick Sanchez this week, an un-drafted free agent that will likely get a long look on Friday to compensate for the ailments of DeAngelo Hall, Tyvon Branch and others along the defensive backfield. When the Raiders pull their first team secondary on Friday, it will be interesting to see who is playing where in the secondary as they approach cut time looking to make decisions on who will be back-ups for Hall, Nnamdi Asomugha, Michael Huff and Gibril Wilson.

On Special Teams:

Last year during the pre-season, Johnnie Lee Higgins made a splash on punt returns, but then looked shaky in the regular season. This year, he started quickly with his explosive punt return for a touchdown against San Francisco. This week, Oakland hopes to get him looks as a kickoff returner, along with Jonathan Holland, as they are hoping someone steps forward and earns that spot with solid performances in games.

Oakland will be without the services of punter Shane Lechler (quadriceps). Aaron Elling is expected to handle kicks and punts versus the Titans.

TENNESSEE TITANS

On Offense:

Jeff Fisher and the Titans will love to pound away at the Raiders front seven, as they did last week against the Rams during their 340-yard rushing performance.

”The Raiders are big and stout,” Fisher said. ”They will bring pressure and it will be a great challenge for our offense.”

The first string offense of the Titans has looked good this week in practice, and with Vince Young looking to get in sync with his new targets, expect the former Texas quarterback to hook up early and often with tight ends Alge Crumpler and Bo Scaife.

On Defense & Special Teams:

Former Raider Chris Carr made some nice plays on defense during practices against Young, specifically recording an interception earlier in the week against the first team.

But he will also have to make some plays on special teams also to increase his chances of being an impact player for the Titans in 2008.”I think right now that is my role [returning kicks],” Carr said. ”I would like to help out the team in whatever way possible, and if they want me to return kicks then I will do it. If they need me to step in at any other position then I will be ready.’”

KEY MATCH-UPS

Oakland’s LT vs. Kyle Vanden Bosch

Russell is expected to play a half, and whoever is starting at left tackle will most likely have the assignment of protecting his blind side for the game’s first two quarters. But since Kwame Harris is out with a shoulder injury, Mario Henderson will likely get the nod; a player that has been outwardly critiqued by Kiffin and that has struggled mightily since camp started.

Raiders run defense vs. Titans ground game

This week, Rob Ryan’s bunch will face a team that is very good at running the football and that has a rookie that has made headlines. Chris Johnson dazzled teammates with his 66-yard run against the Rams and will get more touches this week against a team that will look to establish their presence in the line of scrimmage.

GAME TID BITS

• Cornerback Nick Harper (concussion), tight end Dwayne Blakely (groin), kicker Rob Bironas (groin) and linebacker Kurt Campbell (ribs) are some Titans with ailments. Jevon Kearse and tackle David Stewart were given rest this week by Fisher.
• John Bowie will sit out the game Friday.
• John Wade will start at center.
• The Raiders are not expected to give Darren McFadden opportunities to return kicks this pre-season.

PREDICTION

Sorry, not yet…

GAME INFO

Home Team: Tennessee Titans (1-0) Home: 1-0 Road: 0-0

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (1-0) Home: 1-0 Road: 0-0

When and Where: Friday, August 15, 2008, 5:00 pm PT | LP Field – Nashville, Tenn.

RADIO & TV:

This week’s game will be televised live on the FOX Television Network with Kenny Albert providing play-by-play and former NFL players Daryl Johnston and Tony Siragusa handling color commentary.  The game will air live in the Bay Area on KTVU Channel 2. The game would also air live in Sacramento on KXTL Channel 40. KSFO 560 AM is the Raiders flagship for the multi-state Raiders Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, head coach and assistant Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year. (Broadcast information found on the official Raiders web site)