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2011 Oakland Raiders In-Season Thread (2 Viewers)

McFadden is in great shape. The eye injury didnt prevent him from working out. He's been practicing some as well. Might be the healthiest you have ever seen him come week 1.

Bush is healthy, Jones is healthy, Bennett is healthy. The backfield is ready to rock and roll.

 
'az_prof said:
Do you guys think that DMAC will jump into game 1 of the regular season against Denver and be given the rock 20-25 times after not having played a preseason game at all? I don't doubt that he will be physically recovered from his eye socket injury, but I wonder if they will want to work him back into game shape gradually over the first couple of games? Would anyone start Bush as a flex option vs Denver? I think we all know McFadden will start the game. The question I have is how hard will they ride him right away and will Bush at least get goal line work as a result?
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I think the reason they sat him the pre-season is because they want him to be a bell cow once Week 1 hits.
 
Would be big to have MM back on the field. Here's a recent tweet from Steve Corkran:

S Mike Mitchell speaks for first time since knee injury. He said he's running around, making solid progress. Still might play Monday night.
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I'll take anyone's money on Briggs coming here. Ain't happening. OLB are not big on Al's priority list, and Briggs is constantly whining.

I am guessing Miller, Boyd, and Bennett are first to go if new guys come on board, Pryor gets added, etc. Do we really need Michael Bennett on this team?

 
'massraider said:
Do we really need Michael Bennett on this team?
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I really, really hope this isn't b/c they are entertaining offers for Bush. We could use some extra draft picks, but not for him. If anything, we need to sign him long term. He is the perfect compliment for DMC.
 
'LawFitz said:
'massraider said:
Do we really need Michael Bennett on this team?
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I really, really hope this isn't b/c they are entertaining offers for Bush. We could use some extra draft picks, but not for him. If anything, we need to sign him long term. He is the perfect compliment for DMC.
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:no:He's 27 yo, has been injury prone, wieghs 250 lbs. How many more good years do you think he has left? Assuming you are making the argument that he's had a light amount of carries, how many big frame RB's over 30 make an impact? Jerome Bettis maybe. Bush is replaceable and there lots of guys like him that can reasonably fill his shoes. There are usually 3 or 4 guys just like Bush available every year. RB's like him are a dime a dozen. I think Al should entertain offers while he still has value. DMC is a free agent next year and when/if he has another monster year, consider what CJ3 just got ($30M guaranteed). There's no way that Al Davis can keep both, and Bush will just walk away at the end of the season with nothing to show for it. The time to deal is now.Oh, and regarding Briggs: If bringing in a 6 time probowler at the WLB position over maybe the weakest incumbent starter in Groves isn't a move to be considered, then why bother trying to stop the run. Briggs is a major need and upgrade that cures a glaring weakness. I am much for a deal with Chicago. Briggs is a malcontent only because of the money. With the Raiders $5.3 million in cap space, it should be easy to make Briggs very happy to play for the Raiders.
 
Backup safety Mike Mitchell spoke Sunday for the first time since he suffered a knee injury in practice almost a month ago.He said he is making progress, running around and gearing up for the Broncos.“I feel good, I feel great,” Mitchell said. “Everything’s coming along good. The only thing, I’m not going to give a team a tip whether I’m going to play or not. Make them guess.”Mitchell’s injury was severe enough to cause him to need crutches to get around at one point during camp. He said he intends to make sure that he is all the way healed so that his injury doesn’t linger or become aggravated and cause him to miss an extended period of time.“Everyone has said, ‘Be smart with it,’ and that’s what I’m doing,” Mitchell said. “If we were playing the Super Bowl, I wouldn’t have missed a preseason game, but we’re not, it’s the preseason. It’s really no point to aggravating something or injuring something if there’s no need to. We’re talking about a 16-game season. I don’t think I will, but if I was to miss a game or two, there’s still 14 more for me to come in and make an impact in.”
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I feel better now. I wonder how comfortable they really are with Mitchell and Branch in coverage. It was possible that Mitchell and Branch would have been the two starters if Huff wasnt resigned. If they arent comfortable, Boyd could soon be cut for a more natural safety. If they are, they could leave the safeties as is. Boyd may get cut for a CB or OL also. He might stick though, taking Sam Williams spot as a special teams guy. Did Hagan's strong camp cost a DB like Brown, Sheppard, or S Moore their job? That might be the case. It may have boiled down to the Raiders preferring to keep both Hagan and Schilens instead of a 10th DB. Miller was preparing today to be the team's PR for the Broncos. That means Miller will be active on game day and at least two other guys wont.If they were willing to cut Bennett, I think they would have already done so. Jones probably isnt being considered as a feature back, but rather a third down back and special teams guys. Jones is likely too small and not considered the third starter if the first two get injured. Still, Jones will be active on gameday and Bennett wont. Cartwright is what he is, a 31 year old special teams star. He's not the third starter either, probably not the 4th at this stage of his career.The 4 TEs will probably stick at least until Pryor is allowed to practice. I imagine Pryor will be inactive on game day for a while while he's learning. Only two or three TEs will be active.That leaves one or two more inactive players on game day on the defensive line. Other than who will be cut for Pryor if he's allowed to practice this week, we might be looking at the roster the way it is at least for opening day.
 
Hue Jackson said in a press conference that things might have gone different for Bruce Campbell and Heyer if they had been healthy. The right side of the line could definately still change at some point this season.

 
Raiders Close to Full Strength

Oakland’s new 53 man roster made today’s practice look totally different than it has so far this year.

DT Richard Seymour rejoined the D-line. It seems like the big man gets convenient hammy issues when the Raiders want to rest him. Either way he’s back and that’s always a good thing.

Unless you’re an opposing QB and or your name is Roethlisberger.

After a brief stint with the Patriots reserve, MLB Ricky Brown rejoins the Raiders. Brown enters his 6th season and provides some much needed depth to the LB corps. At 6-2, 235 Brown is under sized but a contributor on ST.

Also back was oft-injured WR Chaz Schilens who dinged a knee after getting tangled in the sideline carpet on a reverse against Arizona.

Many fans and some writers thought Chaz would be a cut down casualty but he is and has been an economical 7th round pick so he's not breaking the bank and if he can stay healthy would give Oakland a legitimate "X" receiver.

He's not the only injured wideout, Louis Murphy makes the cut but is out with groin / hammy issues that required surgery and will sit at least past game one against Denver.

CB Chris Johnson practiced after missing most of the off season with a reportedly similar injury. He underwent a successful procedure, healed up and finally rejoined the Asomugha-less secondary. He says he hasn't felt this healthy in at least two years.

Fans took the torching of rookie DeMarcus Van Dyke as a sign Oakland’s secondary is in trouble without Aso and yes, it won't be as good without him but DVD faced the best the League has to offer right out of the gate, gained invaluable experience and should only benefit from the experience.

Now, with the season a week away, it’s time for the starters to step in.

CB Stanford Routt has been playing with steady, cool professionalism in the face of "replacing" Asomugha as the new #1. He looks like a man on a mission.

Safety Stevie Brown was cut last year and rejoined Oakland at the start of the season but this year he was cut and signed by Carolina.

Fellow Safety Mike Mitchell's status remains unknown but we've learned he may have suffered a torn meniscus in his knee and is in all likelihood out for at least game one, maybe beyond.

Oakland wanted rookie WR Denarius Moore to get reps returning punts this off season and he looks smooth doing it but he got blasted late in the last game and maybe that was enough to finally convince them what we've said all along, he's too valuable to waste as our return man.

Don't be surprised to see him back there on occasion, but Nick Miller looks to be slated to do the lions share on returns.

Phew!

HC Hue Jackson picked up on our assertion that the real Raiders haven't been seen yet and that’s true.

Today we got closer than ever.
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From Adam Schefter via Twitter: Colts announced they have suspended gameday consultant Jim Tressel the first six games of the season.

Maybe the Colts were under pressure from the NFL to handle the situation? Odd that a TEAM would hire somebody only to decide to suspended them... for the exact same number of games as a current League suspension.

Did Pyror's appeal just get a bit harder to win?

 
'kaso said:
From Adam Schefter via Twitter: Colts announced they have suspended gameday consultant Jim Tressel the first six games of the season.Maybe the Colts were under pressure from the NFL to handle the situation? Odd that a TEAM would hire somebody only to decide to suspended them... for the exact same number of games as a current League suspension. Did Pyror's appeal just get a bit harder to win?
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:yes: I think so.It's hard to argue the NFL's jurisdiction on applying college sanctions on NFL players. It's almost like being extradited for a crime committed in a different country. For Goodell to accept Pryor's eligibility, Pryor had a short time frame to concede suspension in order to be considered a supplemental draft candidate. Now Pryor has to live with the parameters of that deal. This whole situation of Tressel and Pryor's suspensions is really fishy business, and not on the up-and-up, imo.
 
'Raiderfan32904 said:
'kaso said:
From Adam Schefter via Twitter: Colts announced they have suspended gameday consultant Jim Tressel the first six games of the season.Maybe the Colts were under pressure from the NFL to handle the situation? Odd that a TEAM would hire somebody only to decide to suspended them... for the exact same number of games as a current League suspension. Did Pyror's appeal just get a bit harder to win?
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:yes: I think so.It's hard to argue the NFL's jurisdiction on applying college sanctions on NFL players. It's almost like being extradited for a crime committed in a different country. For Goodell to accept Pryor's eligibility, Pryor had a short time frame to concede suspension in order to be considered a supplemental draft candidate. Now Pryor has to live with the parameters of that deal. This whole situation of Tressel and Pryor's suspensions is really fishy business, and not on the up-and-up, imo.
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A follow up re-tweet from Schefter pointed out that Pryor will lose out on $100k during his suspension. On the flip side Tressel will give up a huge $0.00.
 
This suspension thing is getting really interesting. Tressel was suspended by the team, not the league. He's also not a player. Also interesting that he wont lose any money from the suspension. If this had happened before the CBA negotiations the union probably would not have agreed to it. Its opening up a whole new can of worms and the next CBA is a long ways away. Could end up in court.

 
'UnknownCoach said:
Breaking down the hybrid roster... updated 9/5QB Campbell, BollerQB/WR PryorWR Ford (ST: KR), Moore, DHB, Murphy, Schilens, Hagan, Miller (ST: PR)TE Boss, Myers, GordanTE/WR (H-Back/WR) AusberryFB/TE (FB/H-Back) ReeceHB/FB Bush, Cartwright (ST: leader)HB/WR DMAC, JonesC SateleG/C WisniewskiG CarlisleT/G Campbell, Barksdale, Heyer, BarnesT/C VeldheerDT Kelly, HendersonDT/DE Seymour, Houston, BryantDE ShaughnessyDE/OLB Wimbley, Scott, MossOLB (OLB/MLB) Groves, Blackstock, DavisMLB (MLB/OLB) McClain, R Brown SS/OLB Mitchell, BoydSS/FS BranchFS GiordanoFS/CB Huff, ChekwaCB Routt, Johnson, DVD, Porter (ST: "Gunner")K JanikowskiP LechlerLS CondoWhile many players play ST: Cartwright, Porter, Miller, and Condo are mainly on the roster because of their ST roles.
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Updated
 
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Carolina released Stevie Brown. Oakland has the opportunity to pick him back up instead of Giordano.

It may be Giordano or Brown might only be on the roster as long as Mike Mitchell remains sidelined. If they dont pick up Brown, that's even more likely the case.

 
Any homers have any clue what this offense is gonna look like vs the broncos as far as sets and formations? I am considering tossing Denarius Moore in at WR 3 in a non PPR league. I see Dodds has him rated as the WR2 in terms of expected production (behind Ford and before DHB) even though Moore is technically listed as a WR3 on the depth chart. Do they run a lot of 2 TE sets? Or do they spread it out and run 3 or even 4 wide a lot. I am trying to gauge how much opportunity he'll have to see the field and score. Any insight appreciated. I kinda see a bit of a shootout in this one (though a good bit of the scoring could be done by both defenses even) but wanted to see what our Raider Nation felt on this. TIA

 
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It’s tough to say at this point, because I really don’t think the Raiders showed their hand in the preseason. That 0-4 record has as much to do with ‘vanilla’ playcalling and sets as a lot of guys being hurt. But now that all the offensive pieces are together at last, it’s tough to say what type of sets and formations they run. I think that until Kevin Boss returns, the TE position will be primarily used for blocking. Darren McFadden is going to be the centerpiece, and they will want to get him going as much as possible. The starting lineup hasn’t been announced yet, but I’d guess you’ll have DHB, Ford, and Schilens starting on Monday Night. Don’t sleep on Schilens, as they still like him to be the potential #1 WR. Maybe he can avoid a hangnail and jumble up the whole Raider WR situation. We still don’t know how often Hagan will be used either. I don’t put much stock in who is the starting WR’s. They will all rotate in and out and used in different ways.

I think the gameplan is to use them all in a blitzkrieg, with Jason Campbell executing pre-snap reads and finding the mismatches in open space. Who that benefits is a tactical chess match, and with the much improved pass rush of Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller, it’s a sure thing that Campbell will be firing short lasers in the flat to abate the rush.

I honestly don’t know how they are going to attack the Broncos on Monday Night. I'm sure Al Sauders has a creative gameplan. But I am putting my money where my mouth is, and starting Denarius Moore, my WR5, over other options. I just have a feeling that they will look to exploit his receiving ability he has shown all preseason. If I owned Ford, I’d definitely start him. Those are the only 2 wideouts worth starting at this point, imo.

 
Schilens On The Mend? Ford Draws Rave Reviews; Boss Still Hurting

Written By Bob Harris | Football Diehards | Posted 08-Sep-11 @ 2:12 AM PT



According to Oakland Tribune staffer Steve Corkran, wide receiver Chaz Schilens is doing more than practicing on a regular basis these days. He's also making a rare appearance in the locker room during media access.To that end, reporters approached Schilens to get his take on his health, what he expects this season and anything else he might care to discuss.

"I plan to play in the game," Schilen said of Monday night's tilt with the Broncos. "And I hope everything goes good."

As Corkran suggested, hope seems to be the operative word with the oft-injured Schilens. His speed, size, hands and overall talent give the Raiders and their fans hope that he stays healthy and realizes his immense talent.

Schilens returned to practice this week after being out since he suffered a leg injury against the Arizona Cardinals on Aug. 11. He isn't babying his latest injury, either.

"Actually, probably the opposite," Schilen said. "I try to come back even harder, so maybe that's why I've gotten myself in some of the problems. But, nah, I try not to think about it at all, really."

Schilens looks around and sees several new faces on the offense, from receivers Derek Hagan and Denarius Moore to running back Taiwan Jones and tight end David Ausberry.

It's enough to send his mind wandering about the possibilities if he and his teammates are healthy at the same time — Louis Murphy is out for the opener.

"Yeah, I'm excited," Schilens said. "I'm excited when we can all get out there, especially when Louis comes back and everything. We'll be good. It will be hard (for defenses), a pick your poison kind of thing."

Corkran reminded readers that Schilens turned heads when, as a rookie, he performed like a seasoned veteran from the outset. He now has a locker right next to Moore and shakes his head when asked about Moore's meteoric rise.

"Ah, he's amazing," Schilens said. "He's amazing. I expect big things from him and I'm excited to see him in his first game on Monday night. ..."

Meanwhile, Corkran reports that few players get head coach Hue Jackson as excited as wide receiver Jacoby Ford. His eyes widen, he smiles and cuts loose with a string of superlatives whenever someone brings up Ford.

That's understandable, given Ford's immense success his rookie season last year. He scored touchdowns on kick returns, receiving and running.

This season, Jackson said he wouldn't be surprised if Ford catches 75-80 passes. The fact Ford is only 5-9 and 185 pounds doesn't limit what Ford can do, Jackson added.

"I don't subscribe to that theory," Jackson said. "If he can score touchdowns, I'm going to give it to him. He likes the ball in his hands, we like to put it in his hands. He's a good player. We need to go and turn this guy loose. He has some special ability, and I'm looking forward to watching him play. ..."

Also of interest. ... Hagan returned to practice Wednesday, just as he promised he would. That leaves only Murphy and tight end Kevin Boss as the only skill players on the 53-man roster who aren't able to practice.

There's still time for Boss to return in time to get in some meaningful reps and get up to speed for the regular-season opener Monday night against the Denver Broncos.

His status won't be revealed until later today, when the Raiders are required to designate players probable, questionable, doubtful or out.

As of now, it appears as if Murphy will be declared out. Boss likely will be questionable.

 
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'Hipple said:
Any homers have any clue what this offense is gonna look like vs the broncos as far as sets and formations? I am considering tossing Denarius Moore in at WR 3 in a non PPR league. I see Dodds has him rated as the WR2 in terms of expected production (behind Ford and before DHB) even though Moore is technically listed as a WR3 on the depth chart. Do they run a lot of 2 TE sets? Or do they spread it out and run 3 or even 4 wide a lot. I am trying to gauge how much opportunity he'll have to see the field and score. Any insight appreciated. I kinda see a bit of a shootout in this one (though a good bit of the scoring could be done by both defenses even) but wanted to see what our Raider Nation felt on this. TIA
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The one thing the Broncos have that should scare anyone is their outside pass rush. Nothing scary about their LBs or DBs, but Dumervil and Von Miller (I already know I am gonna hate this guy) and your QB in a 7 step drop is not what you are looking for. I don't see a lot of two-TE sets, as the starter is questionable (I think) and if he is out, the other guys are just other guys. Rather have Moore or Reece on the field. I think the team will see if DEN can stop DMC and Bush. I think Chaz will normally line up on the right, meaning Champ, meaning little action. DHB lines up on the left, gets three balls to see if he can do anything with them. And Ford and Moore get most of the action. I own Denarius in a few leagues, and I am not starting him. I want to know he isn't just a good-looking backup before I play him.
 
Tubby Banta-Cain is getting a tryout today. Tubby is a 30 year old pass rushing 3-4 OLB who spent most of his career playing in New England. He spent a couple seasons in San Fransisco in between his New England tours.

Most likely just a backup in our 4-3 defense.

 
The roster looks like a 2 TE roster right now but it may just be that way because of the Boss injury. Its too early to say that was the plan. There is a lot of versatility with the skill position players we have.

 
Night RaidersThe strains of Monday Night Football blasted over loudspeakers as Oakland took the field for their scheduled night practice. They're trying to acclimate to playing in the evening since their debut in Denver will be on Monday night.Blaring crowd noise greeted all but Safety Mike Mitchell, TE Kevin Boss and of course WR Louis Murphy.All others were accounted for including veteran WR Derek Hagan, whose pre-season emergence has some hinting at a power struggle on tap when it comes to starting wideouts game one.We think it doesn't matter as much who "starts" especially at Wide Receiver.For the first time in years Oakland has enough quality depth to rotate there without much drop off especially if their current roster holds till Louis Murphy returns from a groin / hamstring injury that required surgery. He will not play Monday night.TE Kevin Boss took a helmet to the knee this pre-season while hauling in a 14 yard pass this pre season against San Francisco. At the time, Boss was said to have suffered what was called a contusion. We now know it’s an MCL sprain that has the 6-6, 253 lb former Giants participation in the season opener is in jeopardy.The Raider may rely heavily on two late round draft picks.7th round (241st overall) TE David Ausberry is a converted WR with size speed and supple hands for a big man capable of creating big problems down the seam and in the flats.6th round selection (181st overall) Richard Gordon is in many ways the opposite of Ausberry and has made noise with solid blocking and some decent receptions this off season.Facing off against pass rushing phenoms Elvis Dumervil and this years 2nd overall pick Von Miller will be a tall order.6-4 250 lb 3rd yr man Brandon Myers is expected to contribute as well but more on Special Teams.Tonight’s practice appears to have gone well and is the first in a series of three in row.We'll keep you posted.
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Pryor, Garrard, Hagan's Health With his former Coach Jim Tressel being suspended until game 7 for his part in Ohio State NCAA violations, Oaklands 3rd round supplemental draft pick Terrelle Pryor's bid to overturn his 5 game suspension seems to have lost traction.This wouldn't be a total loss since Oakland can carry and extra man on the roster until Pryor joins the team at home against Cleveland week 6.Though he can't practice with the team, Pryor will likely be doing everything he needs to do to grow as a QB and learn his craft, but he shouldn't be expected to be a fixture when he comes on line or even see much time at all this year.He’s a project and the only reason Oakland might need him after week 6 is if its young and questionable O line gets Campbell and Boller killed.Some have speculated on Oakland looking into former Jags QB David Garrard, who was released unexpectedly yesterday. That’s not a bad idea if he comes at a reasonable price (he was due $8 million this season from Jacksonville) and if the reason for his release wasn't medical. Garrard has suffered from Crohn's disease the last 6 yrs but his struggles seemed to come on field this off season. Former Coach Jack Del Rio said of Garrard: "He just couldn't get it going." Garrard was outplayed by Luke McCown, and rookie first round pick Blaine Gabbert is slated to be the future QB for Jacksonville.Whoever is chucking the rock downfield this season for Oakland, they'll have a bevy of WRs to choose from and that’s something that hasn't happened in Oakland in a long time.Rookie Denarius Moore, second year man Jacoby Ford, Darrius Heyward Bey, Chaz Schilens and veteran acquisition Derek Hagan all show promise. Hagan, who made waves in the off season looking like the true possession receiver Oakland has lacked since Tim Brown retired, was missing from practice on Monday but his injury is reportedly minor and he should be back for today’s practice as the Raiders gear up earnest for Oakland’s season opener at Mile High.He may not get the start but could figure prominently as the Raiders look to counter Denver’s speedy pass rushers with quick passes.Oakland no longer has TE Zach Miller and their seems to be a question as to whether his replacement Kevin Boss' knee injury will keep him out of week ones match up.Even if that’s not the case, the Raiders will need to crank up their ground game if they're going to topple Denver, but we'll talk more about that as the days draw closer...
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Rolling to the game this Monday, with 4 Broncos fans, and a Pats fan. Denver fans insist I have to wear Bronco colors, as I am sitting in the Coors box (Buddy is a member of the family). I said I will buy a Tebow jersey, heard they were on sale, hee hee.

looking forward to seeing the team at full strength. Lots of intriguing weapons, up to Hue and Saunders to make the best use of them.

 
'massraider said:
Rolling to the game this Monday, with 4 Broncos fans, and a Pats fan. Denver fans insist I have to wear Bronco colors, as I am sitting in the Coors box (Buddy is a member of the family). I said I will buy a Tebow jersey, heard they were on sale, hee hee.
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I don't even know who you are anymore. :angry: Have fun..... I guess.

I think we'll gash the Broncos in the run game (as usual), but Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil can create havoc when we have to throw.

 
Man that sucks!

I used to live in Colorado Springs, went up to the Broncos games in my Oakland gear and sat in the games with Bronco fans (friends from work). We got along, even though I hate that team much more than they ever knew. I am sure that they hated the Raiders too, but not with the venom I had. Hope you enjoy wearing that Teablow uni. :thumbdown:

 
I keed, I keed. I make joke for you.

I ain't wearing that jersey. Frankly, I find orange and blue an offensive combination. I will not be wearing Raider colors either, I never do. I'm not trying to start a holy war when I go to a game, just trying to watch my boys.

It'll be a good time, Denver is a nice town, the stadium is great, I am told, and LODO is gonna be fun that night.

 
This game is going to be a dogfight -- they usually are (except for last season!) but you know Denver is going to be extra fired up to avenge the sweep from last year.

It's also critical to the Raiders to get the season off on the right foot with positive momentum. This has been a team that often has had the trouble beating the teams they "should" beat. Getting off strong against Denver and next week at Buffalo is crucial as we then head to aparticularly rough stretch facing the Jets, NE and HOU.

It's tough being the road dog, especially for your first two games of the season. But these are teams the Raiders can beat, and they are must wins as it may make the difference between going into the season with a potential 3-2 record with the positive momentum, or 1-4 with negative momentum.

 
'Stompin said:
This game is going to be a dogfight -- they usually are (except for last season!) but you know Denver is going to be extra fired up to avenge the sweep from last year.It's also critical to the Raiders to get the season off on the right foot with positive momentum. This has been a team that often has had the trouble beating the teams they "should" beat. Getting off strong against Denver and next week at Buffalo is crucial as we then head to aparticularly rough stretch facing the Jets, NE and HOU. It's tough being the road dog, especially for your first two games of the season. But these are teams the Raiders can beat, and they are must wins as it may make the difference between going into the season with a potential 3-2 record with the positive momentum, or 1-4 with negative momentum.
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It's all about avoiding 3rd and long, and Dumervil and Von Miller, to me. I think we can run on this team, and I think if Campbell protects the ball, we win. Orton will get his, but Knowshon doesn't scare me. I want to see the defense at full strength, for the first time.
 
'massraider said:
'Stompin said:
This game is going to be a dogfight -- they usually are (except for last season!) but you know Denver is going to be extra fired up to avenge the sweep from last year.It's also critical to the Raiders to get the season off on the right foot with positive momentum. This has been a team that often has had the trouble beating the teams they "should" beat. Getting off strong against Denver and next week at Buffalo is crucial as we then head to aparticularly rough stretch facing the Jets, NE and HOU. It's tough being the road dog, especially for your first two games of the season. But these are teams the Raiders can beat, and they are must wins as it may make the difference between going into the season with a potential 3-2 record with the positive momentum, or 1-4 with negative momentum.
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It's all about avoiding 3rd and long, and Dumervil and Von Miller, to me. I think we can run on this team, and I think if Campbell protects the ball, we win. Orton will get his, but Knowshon doesn't scare me. I want to see the defense at full strength, for the first time.
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Totally, and I think you astutely called out the key for winning this game in this and previous posts -- Carlisle and Barnes/Barksdale containing Von Miller on the strong side, and Satele and Wiz chipping on Dumerville on teh left side and keeping him from collapsing the pocket or blowing up runs.
 
'Ed Wood said:
'Raider Nation said:
Time to change the thread title to REGULAR SEASON! :popcorn: :popcorn:
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And on that note, anyone care to predict W-L for the season?I'm seeing 7-9.
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8-8Denver WBuffalo WNYJ L (though I think Raiders could beat them at home, it's a tall task)New England LHouston LCleveland WKC WDenver WSan Diego LMinnesota LChicago W (this is a tough one but we face them at home)Miami W (I think this is a winnable game on the road)Green Bay LDetroit L (a winnable game at home, but I think the Lions are going to surprise a lot on both sides of the ball this year)KC WSan Diego L
 
9-7.

I think this team can get rolling and get a little press. Then lose at home to a lesser opponent.

I think they might win the division. San Diego should be the favorite, but they are close to being a team that Rivers carries. Bit overrated, I think.

 
'Ed Wood said:
'Raider Nation said:
Time to change the thread title to REGULAR SEASON! :popcorn: :popcorn:
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And on that note, anyone care to predict W-L for the season?I'm seeing 7-9.
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I'll give it a shot.Last year, they went 6-0 in the division. That won't happen again. I see 4-2 or 3-3. Their 6-0 in division reacord means they were 6 under on the other 10 games. They played the NFC West last year and split those games, going 2-2 and winning the homes games. This year, they get the much tougher North. I see them losing the away games and possibly splitting the home games. 1-3 at best. In the AFC, they get the East instead of the South. They lost all 4 against the south last year. Miami beat them in Oakland and get them in Miami this year. NE and NYJ are both home and likely both losses. Buffalo is the only possible win and it is away. 1-3 at best, maybe 0-4.Their final 2 games come against Cleveland and SD. Luckily, the easy one is at home and the hard one is away. 1-1.So, overall, I tihnk they regress and go 6-10.
 
Looking for some insight from Raider homer fans for an article I wrote on Jacoby Ford. Can anyone give me the back story on why Ford was barely used in the first 8 games of 2010, and then his usage exploded in the 9th game? His receptions went up by 1100%, his returns by 200%, his carries by 150%, etc. Would love any input, thnx.

 
'drater said:
Looking for some insight from Raider homer fans for an article I wrote on Jacoby Ford. Can anyone give me the back story on why Ford was barely used in the first 8 games of 2010, and then his usage exploded in the 9th game? His receptions went up by 1100%, his returns by 200%, his carries by 150%, etc. Would love any input, thnx.
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Quad injury in preseason held him back and buried him in the depth chart. Injuries to others struck and cream rose.
 
This team can go deep in the playoffs if Campbell and the WRs can get in synch and move the ball. The Raiders have a top notch running game, average to above average defense, and excellent special teams (although they matter less this year).

The only question mark is the passing offense and rushing defense.

 
Heading to game soon in a bit. Got front row seats in upper deck, right on the railing. Please vote on banner options:

Orton 3:16

Or

Jesus Hates You, Tebow!

 
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