Raiders vs. Broncos: Midweek Notes
Robert Gallery underwent surgery to repair a broken left fibula that could keep him out as much as six weeks.
“It’s not as easy as just plugging in a new left guard or a new center,” head coach Tom Cable said Monday. “You want to make sure it all gels together. If this was a week issue or something like that, maybe it’s pretty easy, but it’s not. I think you have to look at it as a month issue.”
Preliminary reports stated that Cable could opt to play either Khalif Barnes or Erik Pears at left guard; two players that are more adept at tackle spots. A long shot for the nod is Paul McQuistan, a career back-up who has stepped in due to injuries in the past for short spurts.
Gallery had started 34-straight games at left guard and was the best lineman on the Silver & Black.
Oakland must get back to running the football the way they did versus the Chargers in order to help out an anemic offense that has been hindered by the inconsistencies of JaMarcus Russell.
Losing Gallery won’t help. And re-shuffling the line won’t either.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll see how Cable will cope and adjust to finding new chemistry in the trenches and how he will direct this offense.
Chaz Schilens is on his way back. Cutting down the load on Darrius Heyward-Bey and making him a third option could help the aerial attack. And finding creative ways to get Darren McFadden the ball while using Michael Bush and Justin Fargas to move the chains on the ground will be imperative.
One thing will be a constant; Chris Morris at center.
Cable likes the way he handles the middle and the technique he brings to the trenches.
BRONCOS DEFENSE STOUT EARLY
After two games, the Denver Broncos have allowed only one touchdown and 13 points. Opponents are averaging 70 yards a game on the ground (10th in the NFL) and 204 via the pass (11th in the NFL).
Add to that, their playmaking so far; as they have recorded three interceptions, tallied seven sacks, forced three fumbles while recovering two.
The Broncos are 2-0 on the strength of their newly revamped 3-4 defense. So if Oakland expects to threaten the upper half of the AFC West, they must play mistake free football on offense, establish the run and keep Russell upright on Sunday.
Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
