Countdown to Paydirt: Denver Broncos vs. Oakland Raiders
On Sunday, the Oakland Raiders (1-1) will try to take a step towards the top of the AFC West when they face the rival Denver Broncos (2-0). Denver has won six of their last eight meetings, but Oakland leads the regular season series 55-40-2.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
On Offense:
It’s time for the Raiders to re-establish their run game and support JaMarcus Russell with a steady dosage of Darren McFadden and Michael Bush. Oakland’s passing game is erratic, mainly because of the inability of their young passer to accurately hit his targets consistently. Oh, and those targets themselves are not dependable considering their youth.
But the Silver & Black will have to get their offense in rhythm with a new left guard – Erik Pears. The former Bronco has a huge frame – 6-8 308 pounds – and how he will play in replacing the Raiders steadiest lineman could dictate how this offense performs. Cable talked about the similarities Pears has with Robert Gallery, who was a tackle in college and shares the same traits.
“We went through that same thing with Robert,” Cable said. “But I think having those same kind of talks with Erik, he’s a very bright guy and he’s figured it out pretty quick.”
Pears will have to be ready to slug it out and mimic what Gallery did in week-one against the Chargers. “Things are quicker in there. Outside it takes a little more patience,” Cable said. “Inside it just happens right now. It’s like a street fight. You start throwing and you start fighting. Outside you kind of… you’re like in the ring. You move around, you got more room.”
What to Expect:
Oakland will run…a lot. They can’t survive every week with Russell’s maddening stretches. They can’t expect to stay close every week and hope that he can put together one-drive, or make one-play that can alter a game. They’ll eventually be put in holes because of it. So trying to get the ground game going is imperative. Problem is, they showed a lack of muscle against the Chiefs and they are facing a tougher defense this week. Plus, they are missing their best lineman. Justin Fargas will be active; a positive as Cable described, “He runs so violently, he changes tempo. He as a starter kind of sets tempo for you. My opinion is, you need his energy and you need his intensity that he brings to the game.” Oakland will need that. And if they can’t run the ball, Cable better hope his defense can keep it close enough for another frantic finish.
On Defense:
Hiram Eugene did not practice late in the week and most likely won’t play. And after Michael Huff’s start to the season, the former first rounder deserves to be in the starting line-up. His interceptions have been game changing. And with young players expected to be in the back-end of the secondary, his experience should be a plus for John Marshall’s unit.
“He’ll just play more. But we’ll have a plan in terms of backing it up in with Tyvon (Branch) and Mike Mitchell, perhaps John Bowie,” Cable said.
Huff is steady, knows not to get over enthused about his start and is focused to continue his play.
“I try not to get too riled up about the first two games,” Huff stated this week. “I want to go out there and be consistent and prove it week in and week out.”
What to Expect:
Kyle Orton is steady. And the Broncos will not expose him, nor will they ask him to pull any rabbits out of a hat. So Oakland will have to pressure the first-year Bronco into mistakes. Richard Seymour, Trevor Scott, Greg Ellis and the rest of the front-four must get into the backfield and disrupt any timing Denver will try to develop in their passing game. The Broncos are averaging 130.5 rushing yards a game so far. And after giving up 173 yards on the ground to he Chiefs, will the real Raider rush defense please stand-up!
On Special Teams:
Johnnie Lee Higgins looks to be ready to take over the punt return duties after a week off.
“I’m not a person who likes to sit on the sidelines and watch,” Higgins stated. “ In Kansas City, when we came out of the locker room I still had the shakes and everything and was ready to go and I looked down and was like, ‘I ain’t even suited up.’ Just sitting on the sidelines, that’s really not me.”
Cable even stated that Fargas my see some action on special teams, on coverage units throughout the game.
DENVER BRONCOS
On Offense:
All is well so far for Josh McDaniels who had a tough start to his career in Denver with the Jay Cutler trade and the Brandon Marshall drama. “We can only be 2-0 at this point and we’re certainly not pleased with everything that we’ve done on the field, but we’ve played well enough to beat two teams. In this league, every win is critical so we’re happy where we’re at and we’re getting ready for Oakland right now,” said the first year head-coach.”
Kyle Orton is directing his offense, tallying a steady 506 yards, 2 touchdown passes and no interceptions, completing 36-of-65 passes.
Orton has a nice complement of receivers, especially when Marshall is healthy and primed to play. This week, Marshall may see more action, and after missing last year’s contest in Oakland, the fiery receiver is anticipating his match-up with Nnamdi Asomugha.
“He’s a very smart player, athletically gifted,” Marshall said. “He just fights every play.”
Brandon Stokley leads the team in receiving, but with Marshall primed, Eddie Royal having a brief but successful history against the Raiders and Jabar Gaffney in the mix, Denver will look to spread out the Silver & Black and keep them un-balance on Sunday.
What to Expect:
Correll Buckhalter and Knowshon Moreno have combined for 216 rushing yards this season. There is no doubt that McDaniels will like to test the Raiders’ rush defense and see if they are the stout club that faced the Chargers, or the team that allowed Kansas City to rack up yards. Denver will spread out the Raiders, run the ball from many sets and then try to play action and get the ball to their many targets. They won’t try anything eventful down the field; but moving the Orton out of the pocket, short quick tosses and possession football will be the game plan, as they try to confuse the Raiders with their varying attack.
On Defense:
Elvis Dumervil leads the Broncos with 4-sacks. Oakland will have to contain the defensive end if they want their dormant passing attack to awaken on Sunday.
“I’ve always had tremendous respect for him,” Cable said. “He’s always a handful. He’s a competitor and he brings it every snap … To me, this was not really a breakout game. I think this guy has been a good player for a while.”
After two games, Denver has 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.
What to Expect:
Denver wants to clog up the trenches and put the game in the hands of Russell. If they can build an early lead and play from in front, force the Raiders to pass more than they would like, it could lead to the turnovers and big plays the defense has been accustomed to early in this season.
GAME NOTES:
- Orton ranks first in the NFL with a 4th quarter passer rating of 152.1.
- The Raiders have not won back-to-back games versus Denver since 2002.
- Out for the Raiders due to injury: Gallery (broken fibula), Chaz Schilens (foot), and Nick Miller (shin).
KEY MATCH-UPS
Mario Henderson vs. Elvis Dumervil
The Bronco DE had a career day last week versus Pro-bowl LT Joe Thomas (Browns). This time, he goes against a first-year starter protecting Russell’s back side.
Raiders’ rush defense vs. Broncos’ ground attack
If Oakland cannot stop the run, this game won’t be close. They currently rank 20th in the NFL after one good showing, and bad outing.
Orton vs. Russell
Both passers have had their moments in the 4th quarter this season. Orton is the steadier of the two throughout the game and in the final quarter. Russell has made plays when the game is on the line. Will Russell dig the Raiders in a deep hole? Or can he play steady enough to keep them close and make plays at the end again?
PREDICTION
Broncos 26 – Raiders 24
TV & RADIO
The game will be televised on CBS. If sold out per NFL blackout rules, the game will air in the Bay Area on KPIX CBS 5. The game will also air in Sacramento on KOVR Channel 13 as well as on KHSL in Chico, KION in Monterey and KJEO in Fresno. The game will air on Raiders Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black’s Flagship for the multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player, assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 12th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KSFO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information cited from the official Raiders web site)
GAME INFO
Sunday, September 27, 2009, 4:15 p.m. ET | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, CA
Home Team: Oakland Raiders (1-1) Home: 0-1 Road: 1-0
Road Team: Denver Broncos (2-0) Home: 1-0 Road: 1-0
Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
