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09-14-2007, 12:13 AM
By Scouts Inc

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Why To Watch

Two of the NFL's best defenses highlight this matchup between the Raiders and Broncos. Both teams feature talented secondaries run by talented best defensive coordinators in Oakland's Rob Ryan and Denver's Jim Bates. Oakland's defense didn't hold up as well as it has in the past last week so it's up to Ryan to put it back on track. Denver's defense lived up to expectations in a last-second win against Buffalo. Denver head coach Mike Shanahan has to get more production out of his young QB Jay Cutler and rookie head coach Lane Kiffin has to decide on whether to stick with QB Josh McCown or start veteran Daunte Culpepper. Culpepper may be the offensive jolt the Raiders need to win a game. Both teams play with a physical and relentless attitude and the sound of shoulder pads colliding will be a familiar one this week.


When the Raiders have the ball

Rushing: The Raiders will try to out-physical the Denver defensive line with off-tackle run plays. If the Raiders can run down field instead of running zone stretch and toss plays, it will keep the Denver linebackers from making scrapping plays, something they excel at. Running at the Denver defense will help the Raiders in all facets of the offense, including setting up play-action pass. The Broncos defense is built around speed and athletic players. Defensive tackle Sam Adams (6-foot-3, 350 pounds) is the anchor of the defensive line and if he is double teamed, the defensive ends, along with DT Amon Gordon, are the penetrating players who can be single-blocked by the Raiders O-Line. The Denver linebackers are led by ILB D.J. Williams, who is extremely athletic and powerful. Williams as well as OLBs Nate Webster and Ian Gold are very active and run sideline to sideline well. Denver does run its share of stunts and pressures to keep offenses guessing.

Passing: The Oakland passing attack may face its stiffest competition the entire season as WRs Jerry Porter and Ronald Curry are going against the best secondary in the NFL. Pro Bowl corners Dre Bly and Champ Bailey are the complete package and when you add in Pro Bowl safety John Lynch, who enjoys hitting and knocking players out of games, you instantly have a happy defensive coordinator. The key to the Oakland passing game against the Broncos will be TE Zach Miller and RB LaMont Jordan catching the football. Jordan is a load to tackle when he catches passes out of the backfield and Miller can stretch a defense enabling WRs to get open on underneath routes. The Denver pass rush has been upgraded most recently by the addition of Simeon Rice and first-round draft pick Jarvis Moss. The talent is there for Denver and now the biggest obstacle will be getting those players developed and in consistent roles.

When the Broncos have the ball

Rushing: If there's one thing the Broncos are known for it's their run offense, led by offensive coordinator/offensive line coach Rick Dennison and his zone scheme. Center Tom Nalen and left tackle Matt Lepsis have been in the same system for a long time. RB Travis Henry signed with the Broncos this offseason and should experience some of the success that most Denver backs have had in this system. But the Oakland run defense is stingy. Defensive end Derrick Burgess and DT Warren Sapp will try to overpower the Denver offensive line and force the zone runners to run sideways in order to get linebackers Kirk Morrison and Sam Williams to clean up the mess. Denver will also run the draw play against Oakland's aggressive line. The Raiders will counter, however, by either leaving someone home or running twists that sometimes take an end or tackle straight into the runner by design.

Passing: The Broncos will face an exceptional Oakland secondary and Denver head coach Mike Shanahan has to involve TE Daniel Graham and Henry in the pass game in order to draw attention away from his wide receivers to get them open. The Raiders have a disciplined and stingy secondary that will press and jam on the line of scrimmage but can also run with the receivers. Nnamdi Asomugha can match-up against the opponent's best receiver, which in this case is Denver's Javon Walker. Ryan does and excellent job of game planning with his staff on how to take away the strongest player on offense and force the opponent deviate from their game plan. It sounds like an easy thing to do but the Raiders actually have the defensive personnel to apply the concept. The Raiders defensive line is built for rushing the QB to create hurries and especially sacks and Sapp and Burgess thrive on both.

Special Teams

If there's one side of the ball the Broncos dramatically improved this offseason is the special teams. This was simply done by Shanahan hiring special teams coordinator Scott O'Brien. The kickoff return unit will be productive due to O'Brien's 5-man front, 4-5 man wedge scheme, which has the front line mostly single blocking and the wedge swallowing up any leakage to the ball carrier. If you're a coverage player on Oakland's punt team, there isn't any time to waste getting down field to make the tackle because Shane Lechler often outkicks his coverage.


And From Sporting News...

This is where we can keep the WAR ROOM Posts.

Why To Watch

This is a good, early-season matchup between longtime rivals. Oakland, for the first time since the Jon Gruden and Super Bowl years, has reason for hope behind the new leadership of Lane Kiffin. Denver didn't score much in a narrow, last-second win at Buffalo in Week 1 but shows much promise behind young quarterback Jay Cutler.

The Raiders' offense presents a good test for a Denver secondary that limited the Bills to only 72 yards passing last week. Josh McCown threw for 313 yards last week, and Ronald Curry collected 133 yards on 10 catches. Now, with McCown likely out with a cracked index finger, it's Daunte Culpepper's turn to see if he can thrive in Kiffin's offense.

That's not the only QB news in Oakland: The team finally came to terms with No. 1 overall draft pick JaMarcus Russell this week. Russell probably isn't close to seeing the field, so with McCown out, Culpepper has a great chance to wrestle the job away for the time being.

It will be a treat to see Denver cornerbacks Dre' Bly and Champ Bailey square off against Oakland's revitalized passing attack. . . .

Plus, it's another chance for Mike Shanahan to upset Al Davis. Broncos-Raiders always is fun, no matter where the teams are in the standings.


Raiders Keys For Success


1. Stop Travis Henry. The Raiders' defense must carry this team. The Oakland offense may struggle against Denver, so the Raiders' defense must control the tempo of Sunday's game. Henry had 139 yards rushing against Buffalo last week, and Oakland must contain him to stay close. If the Raiders can plug holes and contain Henry on Denver's vaunted stretch plays on first and second downs, it will put more pressure on second-year quarterback Jay Cutler.

2. Control the time of possession. Running back LaMont Jordan is the key to controlling the clock. The Raiders must pound the ball between the tackles, using Jordan's physical style to exploit the Broncos' lack of size in the front seven and create more manageable third-down situations. The Raiders must move the chains and manage the clock to keep Denver's potentially explosive offense off the field.

3. Make plays on special teams. With the offense likely limited this week, Oakland must find other ways to score. Raiders return man Chris Carr can be a huge factor. If Carr can shorten the field with big returns and strong-legged kicker Sebastian Janikowski and ace punter Shane Lechler can pin Denver deep, Oakland can stay in the game.




Broncos Keys For Success


1. Control the line of scrimmage. The strength of Oakland's defense is its front four, led by tackle Warren Sapp and end Derrick Burgess. Denver is known for its zone-blocking scheme and quick linemen who maintain blocks. The Broncos' line was banged up in '06 and must prove itself this season. If Denver wins the battle up front, it will be a long day for the Raiders.

2. Throw over the middle. Denver has a solid corps of receivers, led by Javon Walker. The Raiders have outstanding cornerbacks in Nnamdi Asomugha and Fabian Washington, but safeties Stuart Schweigert and Michael Huff are the weak links. The Raiders allowed three touchdown passes over the middle against Detroit last week. The Broncos should several three-receiver sets with Brandon Stokley outside and Brandon Marshall in the slot. Marshall is a big, strong receiver who can have a big day working against Huff and/or Schweigert. Cutler also should look for tight end Daniel Graham, an excellent blocker who was underutilized as a receiver in New England.

3. Make the Raiders throw. Denver has the NFL's best cornerback combination in All-Pro Champ Bailey and Dre' Bly. The Broncos should drop down safety John Lynch and make the Raiders either run against eight men in the box or throw at Bly and Bailey. McCown had a great game against Bly's old team, Detroit, but Culpepper faces a significantly tougher challenge in the Broncos, especially in Denver. McCown had a great game in the opener, but the Broncos present a significantly tougher challenge, especially in Denver.

Raiders injuries
Updated Player
Pos. Injury
Status
9/11/07 Josh McCown QB Cracked finger Could miss Week 2
9/9/07 LaMont Jordan RB


The Bottom Line

Denver has too many weapons to be shut down by Oakland's defense, which struggled last week and will struggle again this week. Denver will put eight in the box and make Culpepper challenge its elite cornerbacks. Oakland's offense will not generate much production and will give the ball away several times to the Denver defense. Cutler will have a decent day, but Henry will assure Denver's victory.

Pick: Broncos 27, Raiders 10

http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn...c.php?t=262680 (http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=262680)

shank
09-14-2007, 12:22 AM
i'm glad this is going to be a "better" match up than the last few years. I love to hate the raiders, and recently it's been like hating a kid with down syndrome; which doesn't feel good, no matter how d-baggy the kid is, ya know?

i think the raiders will look better, but i see their prediction as being pretty reasonable at 27-10.

omac
09-14-2007, 09:01 AM
Thanks for the post, topscribe. :beer:

I don't really agree with some of their assesments.

Since when have the Raiders been good against the run? They were ranked last or close to last against it last season, and now, they're good at it? Tatum Bell played in the Lions pass-heavy offense, and was still able to get some good yardage, despite almost never breaking initial tackles. They weren't that good against a weak running team, and now they have a stingy run defense?

And since when have our special teams been that great? Elam and the field goal unit, yes, but kickoff and punt coverage or return units didn't produce very good results against Buffalo.

If the previous game was any indication, McCown was the right man for the job, as he was able to get the team to move the chains consistently, as well as being able to finish off drives. They used a short-yardage passing offense with their running, and it fit McCown to a T. Culpepper's strength is the deep ball, and he still has to show if understands Kiffin's offense in moving the ball short yardages. With McCown's injured finger, we might see Russell play though.

Also the assesment of Oakland's pass defense has no explanation as to why Detroit had such an easy time with them. We're just supposed to take it as word that Oakland's pass defense can get it done. Based on last season, yes, but not based on anything we've seen this season. They were eaten alive by Detroit.

Denver's defense was good against Bufallo, but that was against a team that was playing scared/safe offensively. To say that Denver's D will be the focus against Oakland's D is off. The matcup will be a potentially high powered Denver offense against a strong Oakland passing defense, and an improving Oakland offense against an improving Denver defense.

If both teams play their best, Denver wins big. Oakland has to bring out the worst in Denver in order to make the game competitive, but that's has a good chance of happening with this new team.

topscribe
09-14-2007, 09:38 AM
Thanks for the post, topscribe. :beer:

I don't really agree with some of their assesments.

Since when have the Raiders been good against the run? They were ranked last or close to last against it last season, and now, they're good at it? Tatum Bell played in the Lions pass-heavy offense, and was still able to get some good yardage, despite almost never breaking initial tackles. They weren't that good against a weak running team, and now they have a stingy run defense?

And since when have our special teams been that great? Elam and the field goal unit, yes, but kickoff and punt coverage or return units didn't produce very good results against Buffalo.

If the previous game was any indication, McCown was the right man for the job, as he was able to get the team to move the chains consistently, as well as being able to finish off drives. They used a short-yardage passing offense with their running, and it fit McCown to a T. Culpepper's strength is the deep ball, and he still has to show if understands Kiffin's offense in moving the ball short yardages. With McCown's injured finger, we might see Russell play though.

Also the assesment of Oakland's pass defense has no explanation as to why Detroit had such an easy time with them. We're just supposed to take it as word that Oakland's pass defense can get it done. Based on last season, yes, but not based on anything we've seen this season. They were eaten alive by Detroit.

Denver's defense was good against Bufallo, but that was against a team that was playing scared/safe offensively. To say that Denver's D will be the focus against Oakland's D is off. The matcup will be a potentially high powered Denver offense against a strong Oakland passing defense, and an improving Oakland offense against an improving Denver defense.

If both teams play their best, Denver wins big. Oakland has to bring out the worst in Denver in order to make the game competitive, but that's has a good chance of happening with this new team.
Nice job, Omac. However, the Raiders are not going to unveil Russell for a
few weeks. He is out of football shape and hasn't been around to practice
and get used to their offensive scheme. He hasn't worked with the receivers,
so he doesn't have his timing down with them, and he will be rusty all around.

What I didn't understand was this guy's comments about Denver's "undersized"
defensive line. Every tackle we have is over 300 lbs. I think he is going by
last year's roster and has not kept up, which makes me question his
credibility overall. But I thought it would be entertaining.

-----

Mike
09-14-2007, 10:09 AM
"If there's one side of the ball the Broncos dramatically improved this offseason is the special teams. This was simply done by Shanahan hiring special teams coordinator Scott O'Brien."

Eh? :laugh:

TXBRONC
09-14-2007, 10:29 AM
I really hope they are right about us getting on track.

omac
09-14-2007, 11:07 AM
Nice job, Omac. However, the Raiders are not going to unveil Russell for a
few weeks. He is out of football shape and hasn't been around to practice
and get used to their offensive scheme. He hasn't worked with the receivers,
so he doesn't have his timing down with them, and he will be rusty all around.

What I didn't understand was this guy's comments about Denver's "undersized"
defensive line. Every tackle we have is over 300 lbs. I think he is going by
last year's roster and has not kept up, which makes me question his
credibility overall. But I thought it would be entertaining.

-----

Thanks, man.

And on the Russell comment, I actually meant to say Culpepper, but said Russell instead. Even Al Davis wanted Culpepper to start the first game. You're right, no way is Russell anywhere near playing a game, let alone starting. If McCown is injured, Culpepper plays, but they were pretty consistent with McCown.

TXBRONC
09-14-2007, 11:19 AM
Thanks, man.

And on the Russell comment, I actually meant to say Culpepper, but said Russell instead. Even Al Davis wanted Culpepper to start the first game. You're right, no way is Russell anywhere near playing a game, let alone starting. If McCown is injured, Culpepper plays, but they were pretty consistent with McCown.

Was McCown really have that good of a day or was Detroit's defense that bad?

topscribe
09-14-2007, 11:23 AM
Was McCown really have that good of a day or was Detroit's defense that bad?
Yes.

------

Skinny
09-14-2007, 11:25 AM
Thanks for the read Top.
Raiders injuries
Updated Player
Pos. Injury
Status
9/11/07 Josh McCown QB Cracked finger Could miss Week 2
9/9/07 LaMont Jordan RBNewberry (Center) should also be on the injury report. He left the game early last week and has'nt practiced yet this week (Hamstring).
Newberry out: Starting center Jeremy Newberry expects to miss "a couple weeks" with a pulled left hamstring.

He got hurt on the Raiders' third offensive play and left one play later after a botched shotgun snap.

"Frustrating as hell," said Newberry, who missed all of last season recovering from a knee injury. "Never hurt a hammie in my life. Didn't know I had one.

"But, my knee's still good."

Newberry's foot slid on the infield dirt at the Coliseum as he reached for a defensive tackle after the snap.

Former starter Jake Grove, who is smaller but quicker than Newberry, took over in the next series. Kiffin admitted Grove "struggled" to slow nose tackle Shaun Rogers, who weighs at least 40 pounds more than Grove.http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/09/11/SPJIS2PGF.DTL

This is an area we should try and exploit. That's a pretty big blow to Oak. O-line.

Skinny
09-15-2007, 11:55 AM
Add another O-lineman to Oak. injury report.
Sept. 15

Gallery hurt: Left guard Robert Gallery injured his hamstring during practice and could not finish. Kiffin described him as questionable and would not say who his backup is.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/09/15/SPDIS6DTK.DTL&feed=rss.raiders

Astrass
09-15-2007, 01:50 PM
Great posts....getting me fired up about tomorrow. Thanks Top!