Oakland Raiders RB - Justin Fargas

The Oakland Raiders (0-1) have no time to look back at the debacle of Monday night, as they travel to Kansas City this weekend for another divisional contest against the rival Chiefs (0-1).

In their last meeting, the Silver & Black exorcised many demons when they rolled to a 20-17-road victory. At that point, Oakland had ended a streak of seventeen straight losses to AFC West opponents and a nine game losing streak to the Chiefs.

Led by Justin Fargas’ 139 rushing yards, Oakland pounded away with success at the Kansas City defense to attain the rare road victory. This Sunday, the Raiders will have to play from in front and run the ball consistently to have any shot of getting a rare two-game victory against the Chiefs.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

Fargas’ running, the utilization of Darren McFadden and getting back Javon Walker to aide an anemic passing attack will be keys on Sunday. The hamstring injury that kept Walker inactive for week-one is expected to be healthy enough to get back on the field and give JaMarcus Russell more explosive options.

Without Walker, Oakland compiled a meager 157-passing yards. The lone bright spot about that attack was Russell’s ability to place the ball in certain spots to his targets and the absence of interceptions.

What to expect:

The Raiders need to control the game on the ground, and they need to play from in front. If Russell has to drop pack in the pocket more than 25-times, it means that their behind in the game and that the run game is not effective. And with the struggles along the offensive line and possibly having a new starter at left tackle for Kwame Harris (knee), the last thing Lane Kiffin wants is to have his young quarterback shoulder the load. Marion Henderson will start if Harris can’t go. So its imperative that Fargas repeats the effort he had last season at Kansas City.

On Defense:

Mike Shanahan toyed with Rob Ryan’s revamped unit on Monday night. Cornerback DeAngelo Hall was torched by a rookie receiver, Gibril Wilson – who was acquired to solidify the safety spot and help improve the run defense – was part of a unit that allowed 141-yards rushing and 41-points later, the defense was taking the brunt of the ire of Raider fans.

“That’s all on me. I put the game plan in, I run the defense, and it’s all on me,” Ryan stated Thursday. “I just want to set it straight because I’ve been here five years and I don’t think people necessarily have the right story.

“I’m disappointed, but I just wanted to tell my side of the story for once because there’s so many other things that come out where I have to read it and take it and I just want the truth as I know the truth.”

This a day after Kiffin removed himself from the spotlight regarding the poorest showing of the defense, which highlighted the approach taken by the coordinator during the Bronco game.

Adding to the turbulent state of the sideline, Kiffin stated on Wednesday, “Rob and the owner (Davis) are always in communication”

“For the most part, I let Rob do his thing over there. He has a belief in certain things and he has a conversation with the owner about that. So, that wasn’t the way the game plan ended up the other night.”

SBReport reported earlier in the week that Kiffin’s tenure with the Raiders may be nearing the end. And with what appears as finger pointing and a organization facing looking at a 19-62 record in recent years, another loss at the hands of a rival in disappointing fashion could facilitate the process a lot quicker.

What to expect:

The Raiders need to attack more. Jay Cutler was given all day to pick apart the secondary and the lack of blitzes just highlighted the lack of pass rush this team has. Derrick Burgess, who participated during Wednesday’s practice and is expected to play with a shoulder injury, must make his presence felt. And on early downs, the Raiders must flood the line of scrimmage with linebackers and safeties in order to shake up the passing game and present traffic to Kansas City’s rushers.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

On Offense:

Brodie Croyle will miss two-to-four weeks with a separated shoulder. So veteran Damon Huard steps in, but head coach Herm Edwards noted that 24-yard old Tyler Thigpen will also see some time.

“He’ll get to play. Whether he starts, we’ll determine that,” Edwards reported. “But he is going to play. You don’t have to worry about that.”

Larry Johnson ran the ball for 74-yards on 22-carries last weekend against the New England Patriots. And with his history against the Raiders, expect a heavy dosage of Johnson on Sunday to support whoever is at quarterback for the Chiefs.

What to expect:

Huard was 8/12 for 118 yards last weekend in relief. And with the Raiders bad showing on Monday, Kansas City may surprise and attack with Tony Gonzalez and Dwayne Bowe.

If Johnson is churning out yardage early, or if the Raiders leave their cornerbacks out on an island, the Chiefs have a dangerous receiver and a hall of fame bound tight end to move the chains quickly down the field.

On Defense:

The Chiefs defense had a respectable showing against the Patriots last week, allowing 17-points and forcing a couple of turnovers.

Oakland’s already struggling passing game will face formidable defenders in the backfield, as Patrick Surtain was very active and had a good game last weekend as well as safety Jarrad Page.

The pass rush is not imposing after the departure of Jared Allen, but Alfonso Boone notched a sack last weekend and linebacker Derrick Johnson is someone to look out for.

What to expect:

The defensive line of Tamba Hali, Glenn Dorsey, Tank Tyler and Turk McBride will have one objective – stuffing Oakland’s ground game.

Hali and McBride had solid efforts in week one. But considering how much Oakland depends on their run game and the depth at the rushing position, the defensive line will be depended on to keep Russell in long down and distance situations.

GAME NOTES

• This will be the 96th regular season contest both clubs, with the Chiefs holding a 50-43-2 advantage.
• Kansas City is 10-4 versus the Raiders since 2001.
• Michael Huff recorded his first career interception last season at Kansas City while defending Tony Gonzalez.
• Ronald Curry has averaged 95.3 yards per game against the Chiefs in his three starts.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Raiders ground game vs. Chiefs front-seven

If Oakland can run the ball, they’ll be able to dictate the pace of the game and more importantly, take that loud Chief crowd out of it.

Which Rob Ryan defense will show up?

Will it be the outclassed defense that Shanahan, Cutler and Royal embarrassed, or the active young group that can defend in the secondary? The Raiders still need to prove they can stop the run with consistency, and Johnson and the Chiefs are a good test.

PREDICTION

Chiefs 23 – Raiders 17

With the turmoil surrounding the club and the hideous showing of the defense, it’s hard to see the Raiders go into Kansas City and win their second in a row at Arrowhead. Kiffin must open up the passing game and give his young quarterback more options down the field. Zach Miller has to be incorporated into the offense more often, and if Walker plays, the Raiders should attempt to stretch the field with more consistency. The Chiefs want to pound the football and then take advantage of what may be a more aggressive Raider defense after receiving critique about their lack of blitzes and inability to pressure the passer without sending extra personnel.

TV & RADIO

This week’s game will be televised on the CBS Television Network with Kevin Harlan  providing play-by-play and former Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon handling color analysis.  The game will air locally on KPIX Channel 5. The game would 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 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 11th straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KGO’s Rich Walcoff. (Broadcast information found on the official Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Home Team: Kansas City Chiefs (0-1) Home: 0-0 Road: 0-1

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

When and Where: Sunday, September 14, 2008, 10:00 a.m. PT | Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO