Darren McFadden fighting for extra yardage against Washington last week

The Oakland Raiders (4-9) will face the Denver Broncos (8-5) on Sunday at Invesco Field. Denver has won six of the last eight meetings but still trail the overall series 56-42-2. In their first contest in late September, the Broncos rushed for 215 yards and dominated the time of possession 36:15 to Oakland’s 23:45.

OAKLAND RAIDERS

On Offense:

JaMarcus Russell will sit again this weekend, but this time Charlie Frye will start ahead of him, as this current Raider staff has all but given up on the former first round picks ability to lead this team. Oakland will tab the journeyman to get an offense going that was jolted by the insertion of Bruce Gradkowski a few weeks ago. “Yeah, me and Bruce come from the same mold as far as our past and what we’ve done to get where we’re at,” commented Frye this week.

He may be without tight end Zach Miller who sat out practice on Friday and has been dealt with cautiously after sustaining his second concussion of the season.

Also, Langston Walker will start at left guard for just the second time in his career in place of Chris Morris. “Just the play of what we got last week at left guard and trying to secure that a little bit,” said Tom Cable, about starting the mammoth Walker.

What to Expect:

With Frye in, the Raiders will look more like the team that Gradkowski led rather than the Russell directed bunch. Cable will be able to expand on the playbook, continue to use bootlegs to move around the quarterback and utilize his passing game to attack the Broncos 2^nd ranked pass defense. Without Miller, rookie Brandon Myers will have to play a big role as Tony Stewart is not mobile enough to scare the Denver secondary down the field.

On Defense:

Greg Ellis will be handled with care as the season winds down, as the wily veteran has had knee issues since getting it drained back in October. He participated in practice, but Oakland will try to limit any strenuous work in the week so he can play at end once Sundays roll around.

Matt Shaughnessy has had groin issues, but he is listed as probable. Michael Huff, who suffered a stinger last week, could play and was active on Friday during practice.

One player in secondary who will see more reps as the season winds down is safety Mike Mitchell. The Raiders have set-up new packages in recent weeks for thee week and last Sunday; he tallied his first career sack. In the red-zone he is a solid tackler and even though he has issues covering in space, Mitchell can be used as a blitzer when the Raiders go to their Nickel looks.

What to Expect:

Since week nine versus Pittsburgh, Brandon Marshall has been tearing up the league averaging 108.6 receiving yards per game, including 5 touchdowns and a NFL game record 21-grabs versus the Indianapolis Colts last week. Oakland’s secondary has allowed big plays all season and back in week-three versus the Silver & Black, Marshall hauled in his first score of the season. The Raiders need to find a way to get to Kyle Orton and make him move his feet in the pocket to disrupt his accuracy. If Orton is hitting his targets, Oakland gets blown out.

DENVER BRONCOS

Daniel Graham mocking the crowd in Oakland during their first match-up

On Offense:

“Knowshon is going to be a great player in this league. He’s still learning a lot of things as a rookie. There are still a lot of things he has not seen. But, all in all, he’s doing great,” said Correll Buckhalter.

Knowshon Moreno had 21-carries for 90-yards in his first meeting versus the Raiders and in the last five weeks, he has tallied an average of 82.8 yards on the ground. The rookie is finding his groove late in the campaign and impressing his teammates and coaches.

“Knowshon runs the ball pretty tough in short yardage,” stated his quarterback Kyle Orton.

What to Expect:

Denver will run the ball to eat clock, move the chains and set-up big passing plays to their targets. They dominated the Oakland front-seven in their first match-up with the tandem of Buckhalter and Moreno. So more of the same can be expected. Kyle Orton waxed poetically about his big play receiver stating, “His size and physical ability is what to me is the most impressive. But he’s a total football player. You’re not as good as he is without understanding the game and understanding defenses and what teams are trying to do.”

On Defense:

Josh McDaniels has pointed out all wee the importance of corralling running back Darren McFadden. Last week, the multi-purpose rusher tallied 3 receptions for 85-yards and the Raiders will need him to be a focal point versus Denver if Miller cannot play.

“They’re using him split out, away from the formation and seeing what kind of matchup they get,” McDaniels said, “though I’m not sure the guy covering him really matters, because they’ve thrown on corners, they’ve thrown on safeties, they’ve thrown on linebackers and he’s been very productive in each way, and he can also throw the ball.

“So we’re aware of all the skills he has and all the ways he can hurt us.”

Elvis Dumervil is continuing his pro-bowl push and now has 15.0 sacks to lead the NFL.

What to Expect:

The Broncos’ resurgence on defense this season has been the reason why they are in a position to make the playoffs as we enter the last quarter of the season. They’ll try to make life difficult for Frye who has not seen football action since October 12, 2008. If they rattle him, he’ll make a mistake or two. What the Broncos cannot allow is the Raiders to run the ball for big chunks.

GAME NOTES

• Linebacker Sam Williams (illness) is listed as questionable.
• Darrius Heyward-Bey will miss his third straight game with what Cable said was a ‘foot sprain.’ The rookie has 9 catches for 124 yards.
• Center Tim Mattran was inked to the practice squad this week.

KEY MATCH-UPS

Nnamdi Asomugha vs. Brandon Marshall

Asomugha won’t cover him all over the field, but when they do square off, it will be a treat for all observers. Marshall will get most of his yardage when facing Chris Johnson.

Frye, or Fried?

If Oakland can get a steady performance out of their new passer, then they make this a competitive game. The Raiders won 31-10 in 2008 last year in Denver with steady play from their quarterback.

PREDICTION

Broncos 29 – Raiders 16

TV & RADIO

The game will be televised on CBS with Gus Johnson providing play-by-play and former NFL performer Steve Tasker handling color analysis. The game will air locally on KPIX Channel 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 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 Oakland Raiders web site)

GAME INFO

Sunday, December 20, 2009, 4:05 p.m. ET | Invesco Field at Mile High, CO

Home Team: Denver Broncos (8-5) Home: 4-2 Road: 4-3

Road Team: Oakland Raiders (4-9) Home: 2-5 Road: 2-4

LINE: Raiders are a 14-point underdog

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