Silver and Black Report

Part 1
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Part 2
video management, video solution, video streaming

In my column ‘Countdown to Paydirt’ last week, I commented, “will the real Raider rush defense please stand-up….”

Well, we got our answer this weekend and over the course of the last two games, as the Oakland Raiders have allowed 388 yards rushing versus the Chiefs and Broncos. This after their impressive effort in week-one against the Chargers when John Marshall’s group held Darren Sproles and LaDainian Tomlinson to 21 first half yards and 77 the entire game.

They are allowing 155 ground yards per game (28^th in the NFL), and after an off-season of talking about being disciplined, staying in gaps and the acquisition of Richard Seymour, the Raiders look like the same team that cannot stop the bleeding against the run.

“We were not able to stop them from running the football,” said Tom Cable after the game.

And the disappointment of not being able to hold their own in the trenches boiled over, especially when Richard Seymour got flagged for a personal foul in the 2^nd half. “I think there is a lot of stuff that goes on in the line of scrimmage. He could have been. His frustration probably was more on the fact we weren’t getting of the field and we are getting the ball run on us,” Cable continued.

Oakland now faces a stretch where they will face Houston, who has struggled to run the football, but feature a capable Steve Slaton (38 car. 127 yards), New York (the 8^th ranked rushing offense in the league averaging 142.0 per contest), Philadelphia (ranked 12^th in rushing) and the New York Jets (12^th ranked rush attack), before facing San Diego again.

WALKER; IS HE IN, OR OUT?

The Raiders need to make a decision on Javon Walker. The former Bronco receiver who was inactive yesterday said after the game that he was ready to play, stating, “I’m more than healthy enough.”

If that is the case, why is he not on the field?

JaMarcus Russell is struggling, partly because of the inexperience at wide receiver and the lack of talent on that unit. So why not play a veteran who claims to be healthy and that you have paid a lot of money to? It seems like Oakland is fine with Walker collecting a check and not contributing to this club. And that is a bad message especially since Walker is saying all the right things and claiming he is ready to go.

With the offense ranking 30^th in points scored per game, last in passing yards per contest and struggling mightily, why is he inactive then?

“I watch those guys make plays on the opposite side of the ball. It’s kind of weird because every time they made a catch, they would look at me because they know that, they know my mentality playing football. I was in Denver with all those guys.”

Walker continued, “They know my aggressiveness when it comes to attacking balls and making plays. That has not changed here.”

Chaz Schilens may come back this week, but that won’t suddenly make this offense more potent. Schilens has 15-career receptions and is a project himself, even though he may be recognized by the staff as their best receiver.

“I’m just going with the flow,” commented Walker.

I guess I would too if I already banked $12 million in my first year as a Raider and have close to $4 million coming to me this season.

NOTES:

• Prior to the game yesterday, Oakland activated Jonathan Holland from the practice squad and waived running back Louis Rankin.
• John Bowie had an MCL injury, Michael Huff could not finish the game with quad and rib injuries and Mike Mitchell sustained a thumb injury.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders have said many times over the last few years that they are building. They are trying to get back to winning ways and they cite many of their young players as keys to getting back atop the AFC West.

But the players they have selected in the last three drafts are showing major flaws, are slow to develop and have many fans uneasy whether or not they will ever be deserving of their high draft status.

In this age of the NFL; drafting well and picking the right talent coming out of college is vital in staying competitive or getting to a high level of success. The Raiders have had many opportunities to get it right since 2003 and their picks in recent years are going through growing pains – and it’s showing on the product on the field.

Case #1: JaMarcus Russell

His woes are well documented. Russell is the worst rated starting passer in the NFL (39.8), has the lowest completion percentage of any starter in the league (41.3%) and there are little signs of improvement in his game since he took over the main duties in Silver & Black.

Russell’s incomplete passes are comical at times; as he sails tosses over his intended targets heads, cannot get in rhythm for any prolong periods and his leadership has been in question since he arrived to Oakland. He is the key piece to this puzzle, and this organization will either sink or swim with his future.

Right now, it does not look good. Oakland paid him a lot of money and will use as much time as possible to determine whether or not he is the passer they thought was worth of the number one overall choice three-years ago.

One thing I always ponder is if he could have succeeded elsewhere? Drafting is not a science. And there are no handbooks in developing quarterbacks. But if Oakland had a stable coaching situation and surrounded him with a nurturing system from the start of his career, would this situation be different? What about the offensive line? If they could just field adequate talent and give him a chance to sit in the pocket comfortably, would that had helped his development so far? And what about his targets? Russell has rookies, has-beens and never will be type talents around him.

But that should not save him from the critique he must absorb. A quarterback taken that high in the draft should be expected to make his team better, regardless of the state of the team. At this point of his career, he should help elevate the play of others and show more in his character, play and ultimately, wins, losses and performances on the field.  Russell has not.

And when you see Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco lead their teams at a similar young age, Matthew Stafford as a rookie stare down the barrel of a historic streak and give Detroit signs of life and Mark Sanchez go 3-0 in his first three starts as a pro, you get the impression that Russell is in a no-win situation or will never be the guy Oakland wants him to be.

Case #2: Darren McFadden

The speedy rusher that was picked to make life easier for Russell. His multi-dimensional talents are impressive. But at this point, worthless, because Oakland has to simplify the offense as much as possible as to not make their quarterback feel overwhelmed.

McFadden had durability issues in his first year, played in 13-games and only managed 499 rushing yards. So far in 2009, many of the knocks on him during draft time have proved to be true. McFadden has fumbled three times (losing 2), has gone down easily whenever a defender lays his hands on him and is appearing like a load of talent that either will never be used correctly in Oakland, or that will be un-tapped while by the Bay.

He is by far the Raiders most explosive talent. Yet the offense ranks 30^th in scoring, 31^st in yards per game and a pedestrian 21^st in rushing yards per contest.

Case #3: Darrius Heyward-Bey

The most scrutinized of all three picks, and the selection that drew the most attention this past draft throughout the entire league.

Heyward-Bey has been non-existent since he arrived. A case of the dropsies in the summer, a quiet pre-season and a horrid start to his regular season already has many questioning his existence in Silver & Black.

He has one-catch for 18-yards so far. In comparison, fellow rookie Louis Murphy, a fourth round selection, has 8-receptions for 138 yards and a score.

The decision to bring Heyward-Bey in will only intensify the critique the Raiders have had in the past of their eye for work out warriors and players with impressive measurables rather than their ability to put on pads and play the game of football.

The product out of Maryland was the first receiver taken – seventh overall – and when you take a player that high, he should just be more than a deep threat, but a true potential ‘go to’ guy. And at this point, Heyward-Bey does not even look like a player that can be a playmaker. Certainly, not a talent deserving of such a high draft status.

So next time you look at the Raiders on offense and see their struggles, just take a glimpse of their last three draft classes and realize what is going on.

I’m not expecting a rookie like Heyward-Bey to light up the league, nor do I think that McFadden should be on the same level of an Adrian Peterson. But when you draft that high consistently, and add talent to your team with such prized selections, you would think that more production, growth and hope would be drawn from three valued prospects.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

video management, video solution, video streaming

video management, video solution, video streaming

video management, video solution, video streaming

video management, video solution, video streaming

QUARTERBACK: F

JaMarcus Russell continues to look lost, overwhelmed and his passing woes carried over this week again, which directly led to the ineptitude of the Oakland Raiders’ offense for a second straight contest. He was 12-of-21 for 61 yards and 2 interceptions. The 2.9 yards per completion was embarrassing. Oakland attempted to shorten routes, limit his attempts to dump offs and screens to his best players on offense – the running backs – and that still could not get the big-armed passer going. His interceptions led to ten Denver points. At the start of Oakland’s second drive, Russell was not able to hit his fullback on a short pass in the flat that Champ Bailey almost picked off. A play later, he went deep to Darrius Heyward-Bey, a poor decision due to the double coverage presented, being backed into your own end-zone and needing to be more of a game manager, playing smarter football in keeping your team in the game early, as the ball was intercepted by Renaldo Hill. His next throw was another overthrow to his speedy rookie receiver which fell into the hands of Andre’ Goodman. His best toss of the game was in the 2^nd quarter; an 18-yard rocket to Louis Murphy on 3^rd and 4 that hit his target in stride. Before the half, he appeared to hit his tight end for a gain of 29-yards, but a booth review determined that Zach Miller was not able to stay in bounds. Russell is not getting better. His confidence looks shot. And through this, Oakland is trying to run basic plays to get him out of the funk.

RUNNING BACKS: F

Darren McFadden looked fragile this afternoon. Denver rocked him a few times, which led to him going down easily on a few plays and coughing up the football in critical spots. On the second play of the game, a poorly executed screen pass, McFadden lost handle of the football. On 2^nd and 11 in the 2^nd quarter, he had the ball ripped out of his hands by Mario Haggan (a play that almost took them out of FG range) and in the 3^rd quarter, he fumbled away the possession in the red-zone during Oakland’s only realistic threat to hit paydirt. He ended with 12 carries for 45 yards. Michael Bush did not perform any better, tallying 20-yards on 6 carries. Justin Fargas recorded his first touches of the season in mop up duty. Luke Lawton made a cameo early in the game.

WIDE RECEIVERS & TIGHT ENDS: F

Again, Louis Murphy was the lone receiver to record some touches, ending with 2 grabs for 25-yards. Bush led the team in receptions with 4 for 20-yards, but most of them were off broken plays, short dump offs that were ineffective, as opponents are not afraid of the Raiders vertical attack. Defenses are collapsing on the Raiders, which is causing a lot of traffic around the line of scrimmage. Heyward-Bey is not ready to handle a starting role in this league, and it is showing week-to-week. Javon Walker was inactive. Oakland is pinning their hopes on Chaz Schilens’ return; a receiver with only 15 career catches to ignite a dormant aerial attack. Zach Miller had 2 receptions; his 12-yard gainer on a 3^rd and 16 helped the Raiders set-up their lone scoring opportunity.

OFFENSIVE LINE: F

This unit has gotten progressively worse since the 1^st half of the Charger game. They are not playing with any fire; they cannot push around anyone and are passive during run plays. Tom Cable’s favorite group is beaten at the point of attack consistently and it has a serious impact on their inability to run the football. They managed only 38-yards rushing at the half and 95 for the game. Robert Gallery’s presence was missing. Cornell Green would have added to his resume of penalties this week with another hold, but Denver had mercy on the Raiders and decline it to force a 3^rd and 10. Erik Pears had a false start infraction late in the game and looked mediocre at best in his first start as a Raider. The line allowed three-sacks and was out of sync for the majority of the game. Chris Morris was flagged for a holding penalty, negating a Raider first down and putting them in a 2^nd and 13 trap. Any success Oakland had running the ball came from rushing behind RG Cooper Carlisle.

DEFENSIVE LINE: F

Well, after three-games, we can establish that not much has changed concerning the run defense. The Raiders are allowing 155 rushing yards per game, as they allowed a season high 215 yards against Denver on Sunday. Correll Buckhalter ran for 108 yards and the rookie Knowshon Moreno added another 90. From the start of the contest, Denver gashed the Oakland front-seven, attacking Greg Ellis on edge runs and pushing aside Gerard Warren and Tommy Kelly in the interior. Richard Seymour was flagged for a personal foul on the opening drive of the 2^nd half. That 15-yard infraction gave Denver the ball on the Oakland 15-yard line, and two plays later, the Broncos hit paydirt to take a commanding 20-3 lead. The Raiders did not record a sack, nor did they even come close to Kyle Orton all afternoon. That lack of pressure let the Denver passer sit in the pocket comfortably and make solid decisions all afternoon. Oakland mustered up courage on Denver’s opening drive, stuffing 5 straight rushing plays before getting them off the field on 4^th down. Trevor Scott appeared out of position at times, as Denver took advantage of Oakland’s aggressiveness up the field.

LINEBACKERS: F

We observed poor tackling and an uneventful afternoon for starters Ricky Brown, Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard. Morrison was torched early by Brandon Marshall; not being able to stay with the explosive receiver on gains of 14 and 11 yards on Denver’s opening drive, and on 3^rd and goal on Denver’s first touchdown, a 2-yard pass on the Broncos’ second drive. John Marshall did not adjust early to Denver’s game plan, isolating the linebackers underneath with shallow routes and causing favorable man-to-man match-ups with some of their elusive targets.

SECONDARY: D

They only allowed 157 passing yards, but only because Denver played a conservative game at and Orton was able to go to shorter routes to get his team down the field. Nnamdi Asomugha tried to help in run support, but to no avail. He even got beat late surprisingly, as Orton connected wit Marshall on a very good pitch and catch for 17-yards. Stanford Routt was beaten a few times by Jabar Gaffney, once on a 15-yard gain to set up a 1^st and goal. On 3^rd and 11 in the 3^rd quarter, Gaffney drew a pass interference flag on Chris Johnson and a few plays later, the Raider defense looked lost on Daniel Graham’s 24-yard reception on 2^nd and 15. Rookie Mike Mitchell recovered a fumble and was in on the Raiders only stout series at the end of Denver’s opening drive that ended at the goal line. Michael Huff almost came up with another interception on one of the few plays Oakland actually got pressure on Orton. On a 3^rd and goal, the Raiders blitzed and Huff jumped in front of Orton’s dump off option. That play at the time saved a touchdown and held the Broncos to a 13-3 lead.

SPECIAL TEAMS: D

Jonathan Holland will not make anyone forget about Justin Miller. Holland was not very good, nor did he put any fear into the Denver coverage unit. Sebastian Janikowski nailed his 48-yard field goal attempt and Shane Lechler punted four-times for an average of 47.5.

COACHING: F

Tom Cable’s team was not ready for this game. Was that Josh McDaniels on the sideline or Mike Shanahan toying with the Raiders’ defense? Oakland was out of position, off-balance on defense and it took them far too long to adjust to Denver’s schemes. McDaniels is off to a 3-0 start with a quarterback that plays it safe, can manage a game and that puts his team in winning situations. Denver jumped out on the Raiders with a quick 7-0 lead. They opened the 2^nd half with an 8-play 80-yard drive to take a 20-3 lead and the Broncos did not punt till the game was already in hand during the 4^th quarter. John Marshall’s defense was pushed around and since the 1^st half versus the Chargers, they have looked like the same unit from 2008 with major flaws and schematic deficiencies. Cable will now have to play the role of psychologist to get his quarterback right, his defense back biting instead of barking and his overall team believing that they can avoid another miserable year before this type of play lingers and they reach a tough stretch in their schedule.

DENVER’S DEFENSE SETTING THE TONE

After three-games, Denver’s defense has allowed one touchdown, 16-points and opponents are averaging 78.3 rushing yards per game. They have tallied 5 interceptions this season, 10-sacks and have recovered three-fumbles to start the campaign.

Elvis Dumervil has six-sacks this season.

INEPT OFFENSE

Oakland for a second straight week could not tally more than 200 yards of total offense. It was just the third time since 1993 that the Raiders achieved such ineptness in back-to-back weeks.

The crowd let Russell know how they felt in the 2^nd half with constant ‘boos’ and chants that were unfavorable to the former number one overall pick.

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Has it really come to this?

Do the Oakland Raiders feel so immune from criticism, that they will actually keep one of their past greats, now an analyst out of their building?

The current losing slide the Raiders are mired in is well documented. Everyone knows that this football organization from top-to-bottom has been unstable and the product on the field has showed the consequences of this.

But this has been a prideful organization regardless. One that still tries to cherish its past and many times, to their own fault, masquerade a little of the ineptitude by embracing those that made the history of the Raiders what it is.

What they attempted to do to Rich Gannon this weekend, how they did not want Gannon to attend Saturday’s television production meetings prior to Sunday’s Raiders-Broncos game, is just appalling.

“Rich Gannon is not welcome here,” Raiders executive John Herrera commented Friday when questioned about the ban. “We told CBS we did not want him in our building, we did not want him to be part of our production meeting, and that’s where it sits.”

The same Rich Gannon who helped alter the course of this organization, helped bring back respectability to the Raiders, helped the Raiders win back-to-back-to-back AFC West crowns, who took them to two conference championship games and one Super Bowl. The same Gannon who now, is doing his job, as good if not better as he did with the Raiders, analyzing, giving his observations of team’s around the NFL and carving a very creditable career as a booth analyst for CBS Sports.

Gannon has done more on the field for the Raiders that any current player has ever done. Gannon has continuously said what he feels; good and bad about the current state of the Oakland Raiders. And for that, he gets treated like just another person who Oakland feels takes shot at them unnecessarily; the good ole’ ‘everyone is against us’ bit, the media hates Oakland shtick.

“Rich Gannon is an objective and analytical broadcaster and he will be broadcasting the game as assigned by CBS,” said LeslieAnne Wade, senior vice president of communications for CBS Sports.

For years many have said what Gannon has said. For years many print, radio and web journalist have bashed the Raiders more unmercifully that Gannon has. Heck, Raider fans have showed more disdain for this organization than any single media member. Why don’t John Herrera and the Raiders organization lock their gates and keep them out as well?

“He’s attacked us on a regular basis since becoming a member of the media,” Herrera said. “After affording him the opportunity to establish a career here, he has since gone on to attack us in a way that’s totally unacceptable.”

No, what is totally unacceptable is the way Oakland handled this situation.  You just alienated more fans by trying to ban one of their favorites of the past that donned the Silver & Black. You just showed how much of a baby this organization can be when it comes to how they are perceived, something that was once a strong aspect of this organization when they pillaged and ran through the NFL, had castaways and other misfits that made a mark within the organization and they did not care one bit what anyone said about them. The oversensitivity act was taken too far, and they picked the wrong guy to make an example of.

Oakland believes in the mantra, ‘Once a Raider always a Raider.’ And they probably feel that if you were a Raider once, you have to abide by their rules, play nice and not bash the team you once played for, even though you may be saying the truth. Well, what they just did is heightened Gannon’s career, giving him more credibility and showed that the Raiders will not be able to make their former quarterback a pre-programmed robot.

Herrera reiterated Gannon’s comments about how the Raiders should just “blow up the building and start over.” Gannon’s words were picked apart and then the Raider brass literally took them as a concrete saying, while then throwing a cheap shot in at a player who played with pride and poise while in Oakland: “We think in a post 9/11 world, that’s not a very proper thing to say,” Herrera stated. “It’s uncalled for. He seems to be a guy who can’t get over the fact that he played the worst Super Bowl game in the history of the game and he wants to blame everybody but himself.

“I guess it’s our fault he threw five interceptions.”

No, but Gannon is right. He won’t blame the Raiders or anyone else for what was the worst game of his career in the grandest stage of his life, but he is absolutely correct in saying that the organization is at fault for the mess they are in. It is their fault, because of their faulty drafting, poor free-agent decisions, inept trading and horrid staffing decisions along with poor coaching methods that have this team one of the worst operated franchises in all of sports.

Something that never would have happened when he was a Raider. Maybe it is fitting he is not allowed in the stadium during these days. Why should he be in attendance to watch such misery when he contributed to glorious football as a Raider?

Maybe it’s a good thing then that the game is blacked-out. Many won’t here what he has to say…

Heck, fans could’ve been at home just agreeing with him as they’ve had in the past.

(The views expressed are solely those of the author/speaker and do not reflect the views of SBReport.net, other contributors to the site or those of any affiliated parties)

Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

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 (10^th in the NFL) and 204 via the pass (11^th 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 4^th 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 20^th in the NFL after one good showing, and bad outing.

Orton vs. Russell

Both passers have had their moments in the 4^th 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