Studs and Duds From Week 7

 Posted by at 12:32 PM  No Responses »
Oct 252011
 

Studs

Michael Bush

While he was stone-walled at the goal line by Derrick Johnson three times he still managed to put up a very respectable game with 99 rushing yards on 17 carries. That’s a very healthy 5.8 yards per carry. He managed a respectable game despite little to no threat passing and an early two score deficit. He wasn’t amazing, but no one was on Sunday.

Darrius Heyward-Bey

He snarred another 5 balls for 89 yards and he’s the Raiders leading receiver and it isn’t close. Heyward-Bey is on pace for over 1100 yards receiving on 72 receptions. Over the past four games Heyward-Bey is averaging 96 yards and 6 receptions. If that trend continues he’ll finish the season with 82 receptions for nearly 1400 yards. It probably will not continue at the same level, but it is worth noting. Ten receivers finished the 2010 season with more than 1100 yards and only Brandon Lloyd finished 2010 with more than 1400 yards. The sample is still relatively small, but Heyward-Bey may have finally arrived. 

Aaron Curry

Flying around and consistently around the ball. He hasn’t looked as lost in coverage as he did in Seattle. The Raiders turned in another solid performance against the run and Curry was a big part of it. The Raiders have been playing a lot of big nickel and Curry isn’t a part of it, but what the Raiders have asked him to do he has done well. Let’s hope it continues as he gets more and more comfortable in the defense.

Demarcus Van Dyke

 He did allow a few receptions, but he was targeted a lot and had pretty solid coverage most of the game. Obviously he is a rookie so he is still learning things. He showed more willingness to tackle and use his body on Sunday. He’s thinly built, but he’ll get bigger and can’t shy away from contact. Rod Woodson and Kevin Ross have done a good job with the Raiders young corners. It wasn’t a great game for him, but it was a good game and worthy of recognition.

Honorable Mentions: Tyvon Branch, Stanford Routt, Lamarr Houston

 

Duds

Kyle Boller

It would be easy to write and entire post here about how poor Boller played. He locked onto receivers, he made bad decisions. There just isn’t a lot to say. If the Raiders have their way he wont start again and he shouldn’t.

Hue Jackson

Just for talking large and then letting his team put up a goose egg is enough for dud status this week for the Raiders leader. He’s wearing a lot of hats now and made a spectacle of the Raiders acquisition of Carson Palmer. Then there was a decision on who to start at quarterback and some shoddy playcalling. Hue did just about everything wrong last week, but those same moves are genius if the Raiders win. That’s just life as a coach that talks a big game. He’s only seven games into his head coaching career and will rebound from the loss and learn from some of his mistakes.

Denarius Moore

Four of the six interceptions were in the direction of Denarius Moore including one that bounced off his chest. Perhaps the quarterbacks placed a little too much confidence that Moore would “make a play” and it seems like there was a communication issue and a poorly run route among the interceptions. Boller has to make the right decisions, but Moore wasn’t helping on Sunday.

Jared Veldheer

At least one of the interceptions was the result of pressure from Tamba Hali. Hali bull rushed Veldheer and blew through him giving Boller less than two seconds to make his read. He was blown into the backfield numerous times and failed to get enough of a push at the goaline to open up things for Bush on the wildcat run that would have made it 14-7. He’s had a very good season, but he struggled with Hali.

Dishonorable mention: Carson Palmer, Samson Satele

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Week 7: Matchups To Watch

 Posted by at 7:01 AM  No Responses »
Oct 232011
 

Matchups

Hue Jackson vs. Romeo Crennel

Regardless of who the Raiders quarterback is Hue Jackson is in a difficult spot. This game will feature the Raiders passing game at its lowest point of the season. Expect Crennel’s defense to key in on the run and attempt to apply pressure on passing downs. Look for Kansas City’s cornerbacks to play bump and run in attempt to throw Oakland’s passing game off its timing. Crennel, who won three Super Bowls as defensive coordinator in New England, will try to force Hue Jackson to use the passing game.

Darren McFadden/Michael Bush vs. Kansas City Linebackers

The pressure is on DMC and Bush this week to carry the load. DMC and Bush will also be the quarterback safety valve in the passing game. Look for more plays that have Bush and DMC in the backfield together and don’t be surprised if Bush gets more touches overall. The Chiefs run a 3-4 defense and are anchored by inconsistent linebackers Jevon Belcher and Derrick Johnson. Tambi Hali has four out of the five Chief sacks this season. With the Chiefs eyeing the run and recalling how the Raiders have run over them last season, they are sure to be highly motivated. This is a match-up the Raiders running backs need to consistently win.

Raiders Quarterbacks vs. Chief’s Secondary

To succeed offensively, the Raiders quarterback does not need to throw for 300 yards. The Raiders quarterback needs to distribute the ball and not make mistakes. More than any other game this season, the Raiders quarterback needs to be clutch. Kansas City lost Pro Bowl safety Eric Berry early in the season to injury, but they still have cornerbacks Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr, who have three interceptions combined. Flowers and Carr play aggressive, but do have a have a tendency to get beat deep. If the Raiders offense is to be effective, look for the Raiders quarterback to take advantage of any soft coverage given to wide receivers and any coverage mistakes by the Chief safeties.

Raiders’ offensive line vs. Chiefs front 7

After having their worst game in Houston, the Raiders offensive line regained their form last week against the Browns. This week, the pressure will be on them to deliver in the running game. The Raiders offensive line faces a defensive front that is in the bottom third in the league in rushing yards allowed. The Chiefs are 31st in the NFL in sacks with only  five and Hali has four of them. The Chiefs will surely test the communication between the Raiders offensive line and the Raiders quarterback. Look for the offensive line to provide running lanes for the running backs against eight-man fronts and run blitzes.

Raiders Tight Ends vs. Chiefs Defense

The Raiders tight end’s need to make critical blocks against the Chiefs outside linebackers that seal the edge for the running game. The Chiefs run a 3-4, and the Raiders running game has had mixed results when facing 3-4 teams. The Raiders had a season high 234 rushing yards vs. the Jets and a season low 94 against the Texans. Not only will the Raiders tight ends be counted on in the run game, but also must play a vital part in the passing game. When the Raiders do pass they will rely on play action and short, safe throws. With Berry injured the Raider tight ends will work the Chiefs safeties. Outside of the fake field goal touchdown last week Kevin Boss has been a non-factor for the past two games. This is the time for Boss to make his presence felt in the passing game.

Matt Cassel vs. Chuck Bresnahan

The last two games the Raiders have held the opposing teams to an average of 68 rushing yards and the blitzes are coming from everywhere. Bresnahan has been able to get his defense to play with the right mixture of disciple while remaining aggressive. With Jamaal Charles’ injury, the Chiefs offense was forced to adapt. In both of the Chiefs victories, Cassel  passed for over 240 yards, in all three of losses, Cassel did not hit 200. For Cassel and the Chiefs to have success, Cassel needs to expose the Raiders when they play undisciplined. The Raiders aggressive defense may have problems covering the running back in the flat and tight ends when the Chiefs use play action. Look for Cassel to attempt a good handful of draws, screens and play action passes.

Thomas Jones/Jackie Battle vs. Raiders Defensive Line

With youth and size on his side, expect Jackie Battle to shoulder the running load and Thomas Jones to get a few carries as well. Against the Colts, Battle had a breakout game running for 119 yards on 19 carries, but the Colts line isn’t built like the one in Oakland. The Raiders defensive line is the unquestionable strength of the team. Since an undisciplined day vs. New England, the defensive line has been dominant. Matt Shaughnessy is officially out for the rest of the year. Expect Desmond Bryant, Jarvis Moss and Trevor Scott to step up. Look for the Raiders defensive line to command the line of scrimmage once again. The Raiders should continue to prevent the Chiefs from getting their first rushing touchdown of the season.

Dwayne Bowe vs. DeMarcus Van Dyke

Dwayne Bowe is by far the Chiefs most explosive and most consistent offensive weapon. Out of the Chiefs five games, he has been the game’s leading receiver in four of them. Bowe has accounted for half of Kansas City’s touchdowns and nearly half of the receiving yards. The Chiefs do not have a rushing touchdown because they rely on Bowe in the red zone. With Chris Johnson still not healthy and Stanford Routt being largely avoided, look for Cassel to take advantage when Bowe is matched up against Van Dyke. Bowe to be against Van Dyke in the red zone. It’s the rookie’s first true test.

Oakland’s Special teams vs. Steve Hoffman

Oakland’s special teams  is probably one of the league’s best. In the past two games the Raiders have had a kickoff return for touchdown, a fake punt run for 35 yards and a fake field goal for a touchdown. The Raiders will miss Janikowski’s presence,but Steve Hoffman, the Chiefs special teams coach, has had to get his unit ready for anything.

Prediction: With this game being a transition game for Raiders because of the quarterback situation. Expect an old-fashioned AFC West intense, hardnosed, and close game. Raiders 17, Chiefs 13

Week 7: Chiefs at Raiders Preview

 Posted by at 7:00 AM  1 Response »
Oct 232011
 

For the first time in a long time, the focus of the NFL has been on the Oakland Raiders quarterback.  We just don’t know who that quarterback is going to be…

Hue Jackson is dancing with the media; winking, hinting, manipulating, and enjoying every second of it.  Reports came out early in the week that newly acquired Carson Palmer would start after just three practices.  Yesterday ESPN and several other news sources stated that it was “unlikely” Palmer was going to start on Sunday.

We may see Kyle Boller, Palmer, and even Terrelle Pryor at some point against KC.  Hue Jackson is an absolute wild man with his play-calling…he will throw everything at you.  We’re not even halfway through the season and we’ve seen a fake punt, fake field goal, flea flicker, and numerous reverses.  How can we have the slightest idea of what to expect?

One thing you can bank on, Darren McFadden will be a very busy man.  Everybody knows it including Kansas City Defensive Coordinator Romeo Crennel. McFadden will have a heavy workload, regardless of the quarterback so the key will be getting him the ball in more creative ways as the Chiefs will likely crowd the box with eight or more bodies.  Running screens and  flexing McFadden out in the slot may work. Anything the Raiders can do to get the ball in McFadden’s hands, expect to see Sunday.

Kansas City is playing better football over the past few week, but that isn’t saying much. The Chiefs couldn’t play any worse after getting blown out in the first two weeks by a combined score of 678 to 6.  The Chiefs strung together two wins in a row against Minnesota and Indy, opponents with a whopping combined record of 1-11.  Todd Haley is treading on thin ice and the bandwagon has been sold to the pilgrims.

Dwayne Bowe is starting to heat up and running back Jackie Battle (who sounds like a character from some 1970s funk movie) is coming off an impressive 100 plus yard performance. Don’t bet your house on the Chiefs’ offense against an improving Oakland defense at home.

The Raiders will continue to blitz and pressure the quarterback.  Matt Cassel should get to know the Raiders’ defensive line well on Sunday.  The Chiefs’ offense will have to BATTLE for yards all game long.  (Sorry, couldn’t resist.)

The Raiders will be without Sebastian Janikowski for a couple of weeks due to a hamstring injury.  Not only will the Raiders field goal game suffer,  but their kickoff coverage will as well. The Raiders will have to do better for Dave Rayner than the 43-yard line.

Even without Janikowski and with a Kyle Boller sighting the Raiders will take this one.  Although it may be a little closer than previously expected. Raiders 27,  Kansas City 20

Always interesting in Oakland

 Posted by at 7:30 AM  No Responses »
Oct 212011
 

This year has been very interesting in Oakland.

On October 8, Al Davis passed away. The entire sports world focused on the life and accomplishments of Al Davis and the Raiders. The next day the Raiders responded with a win on the road against a quality opponent. Football fans everywhere will remember how the Raiders sealed the victory with only 10 defenders.

This week, the football world almost lost their minds when the Raiders pulled a Mike Ditka and gave up big time draft picks for one player, Carson Palmer. The trade showed Hue Jackson’s commitment to winning now. Good receivers rely on great quarterbacks to become great and once Palmer gets his legs under him, the sky is the limit for the Raiders young receiving corps.

Last week against the Browns, the Raider turned some heads when newly acquired Aaron Curry started after one practice. The Raiders then held Cleveland’s offense to 65 rushing yards and for the first time this season the Raiders defense held the opponent under 300 total yards. Gone was the Raiders linebacker problem. No doubt, Hue Jackson’s living on the edge mentality and play calling has rubbed off on defensive coordinator Chuck Bresnahan. Mixing up coverage packages and using exotic blitzes is exactly what the Raiders defense needed. When the secondary becomes healthy, the Raiders defense will be one of the league’s best.

For the first time since 2000, in the hay day of Tyrone Wheatley and Tim Brown, the Raiders have a good chance of boasting both a 1,000 yard rusher and a 1,000 yard receiver. A feat accomplished only seven times in the history of the Raiders. As it stands Darren McFadden leads the NFL in rushing with 610 yards, over a 100 yards per game average. Darrius Hayward-Bey has 345 yards a 57 yard per game average, but over the last three games DHB has 296 yards, nearly an 100 yard per game average. With a couple more 100 yard games, DHB will likely hit 1,000 yards. Hue Jackson is a varied and risky play caller so DHB and DMC have a great chance to make Raider history.

For years Al Davis made Oakland interesting. It may have been Davis’ infatuation with the vertical passing game, acquiring castoffs, resurrecting careers, benching star players, lawsuits, relocation, more lawsuits, intimidating opponents, cheating or simply winning superbowls. Even during times of irrelevancy, the Raiders remained interesting. For decades, the Oakland Raiders have been anything but boring.

In America’s favorite sport, there is no team quite like the Raiders. For decades NFL people around the nation, have said “The NFL is better when the Raiders are good.”

Carson City

 Posted by at 3:35 PM  No Responses »
Oct 182011
 

Carson Palmer lined up his 15-foot putt on the eight hole.

{BUZZ}{BUZZ}{BUZZ}

Carson’s phone vibrates, he fishes it out of his pocket, reads the text. Carson drops his putter, runs his 5.6 second 40-yard dash to the golf cart and speeds toward the clubhouse.

“Carson! Where are you going?!” T.J. Houshmandzadeh yells.

“I gotta get to the gym!!”

 **********************

Let’s hope it didn’t go down like that way and the reports are true that Carson Palmer is in good shape.  The Raiders have traded a 2012 first-round pick, and a second-round pick that could be a first for the “retired” Bengals quarterback who hasn’t played a snap of football since January.

The Raiders are taking heat for the deal. They gave up a lot, no question, in one of the biggest trade deadline deals in NFL history: potentially two first rounders for a quarterback who hasn’t played at a Pro Bowl level since 2006.  He did throw for 4,000 yards last year and 26 TDS, but also 20 interceptions.  The Raiders have virtually no draft picks next year, minus a fifth and sixth round pick (and the compensatory picks for Nnamdi, Miller, and Gallery).   It’s a roll of the dice.  One thing is for sure; Hue Jackson and the Raiders have made a clear, loud statement: Just Win NOW, Baby.

The Raiders are two games over .500 at 4-2 for the first time since 2002.  They are playing good football, with the best rushing attack in the league and an improving defense.  The Raiders are in a winnable division, with Kansas City and Denver struggling, it’s a two-team race with San Diego.  When Jason Campbell went down with a broken collarbone, the Raiders playoff chances took a big hit as well.

With Palmer coming in, the Raiders have a veteran, experienced signal caller with a strong arm.  He played with Hue Jackson when Jackson was the wide receivers coach in Cincinnati.  But Palmer won’t be asked to throw the ball 45 times a game.  He can stretch the field with the deep ball and prevent defenses from loading the box like they would against Kyle Boller.  Safeties will have to respect his arm, and can make them pay if they creep toward the line of scrimmage.

Carson Palmer will be motivated.  He wants to prove Bengals owner Mike Brown wrong and prove he can still play at a high level. He has plenty of weapons at his disposal in Oakland: A group of fast, young, explosive wide outs, one of the best running backs in the game, a reliable tight, and an offensive line that is top five in the league in sacks allowed. The table is set for him to perform at a high level.

The Raiders weren’t going to win with Kyle Boller.  Lost in all this, perhaps, is the lesson that it’s important to invest in a good backup quarterback.

Does Carson Palmer automatically stamp the Raiders ticket to the Super Bowl? Absolutely not.  Did they mortgage part of their future with a roll of the dice? Definitely.  Does Carson Palmer give them the best chance to win RIGHT NOW given the options available? YES.  After rotting in the AFC basement the last  nine years, I think Raider Nation are glad they are taking that chance. I know I am.

 

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