Oakland Raiders News: A Few Quick Hits

by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Oct 6, 2008 10:05 AM PDT Comment 6 comments

- It is "Saints" Week, so I'm hoping that it is Saint's Week.

- I Loved how Jack Del Rio, a real coach and a real man at that, asked for his owner's blessing before demoting Byron Leftwich and promoting David Garrard. That is how it is supposed to be done. (Note to Kiffin...Especially when it's in your contract)

- The roster is apparently all systems GO for the game on Sunday, which means that, Smash (Bush), Crash (Fargas) and Dash (McFadden) should rack up big yards on the ground in the BIG EASY.

- Rookie DT Sedrick Ellis will be out and that can only be good news for the running game.

- I am excited to see just how many catches Javon Walker gets this week and IF Chaz Shillens will finally be unleashed on the NFL. The more that I learn about Lane Kiffin, the more I see him as a TINY man who holds grudges and a little part of me thinks that he may have shelved Javon.

- I wonder if we will see a proper balanced attack this week? You know where you run to set up the play action or when you pass to set up draws and soften up the middle of the defense. This is what Cable has mentioned and I know that Knapp can do a fantastic job, I'm just hoping that he does.

- New Orleans is averaging 414 yards per game (3rd in the League) with 327 of them coming through the air. Our run defense has been stout so this should be a test for Nnamdi, Hall and our pass rush. In fact this will be their biggest test yet.

- With two weeks to prepare for this game I am expecting the raiders to win this game. I expect 200 yards rushing. The Saints give up an average of 122 yards a game and 5.2 yards a carry (Tied with the Broncos for last) and they have not seen a running game like the Raiders, when healthy, yet.

Go Raiders!!!!

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I watched an interview with Cable

on Saturday night, and really liked what I heard. When asked about the defense and any input he would have he said simply, “attack, attack, attack”. That was music to my ears.
He also made an interesting comment when talking about his Idaho experience when he said: " I was 34 at the time and I thought I knew everything but I knew nothing". I know he didn’t mean anything but I couldn’t help but think about Kiffin when he said that. That to me was the biggest problem with Kiffin. As anybody noticed that Kiffin nor anyone else has denied anything Davis said about him. Kiffin is getting a free pass but I think it was egregious that he was interested in the Arkansas job before his first season was finished in Oakland, and that he fired defensive coordinator Ryan before even consulting Davis. Frankly this is old news and I am tired of reading, hearing or even writing about it but I did find that aspect interesting. All I hope to come out of the NO game is a victory, and a running attack that goes after them. I also hope that Russell is let loose to go deep. It is in Louisiana and I know he will be psyched to do well, turn him loose. The receivers are getting open but he is not throwing to them, let’s see if they can catch a ball. By the way, release Curry as soon as possible.

by Laoren on Oct 6, 2008 10:36 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs

Javon Walker

I really don’t understand the criticisms of Javon Walker from the media, Kiffin, or anyone else. From what I noticed of his receptions against both Buffalo and San Diego was that he was finding holes in zone defenses very well and was fighting for yardage after the catch. I think his 29 yard reception against San Diego alone proved that he still has some fire in him and wants to contribute to the team. Chaz also had a great block on that play as well, which was nice to see.

Cable and Knapp will find a way to get the best receivers the ball on Sunday, and hopefully will get JaMarcus and all the recievers in a groove against a poor New Orleans defense.

Time to watch MNF and take notes on how to attack the Saints.

"I love being here. I love these players. I'm loyal to these players and this team, all right? I'm on the side of the players and the Raiders. And anybody who isn't on the side of the Raiders, then I'm not with them." - Randy Hanson, DB coach.

by LiveAdam on Oct 6, 2008 5:46 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs

There was a TON there:

For starters, Drew Brees likes to throw at the blitz. Every time the Vikes blitzed he looked for the receiver on the blitz side first. That should be something that the Raider’s quick secondary and linebackers can take advantage of.

Secondly, I think that Thomas Howard should shadow Reggie bush. Howard has the quickness to keep “near” him and his ball hawking skills may produce a turnover or two.

But when they start scheming us the way these guys did, and we weren't particularly ready for it, anything can happen."

by Raymond St. Martin (Saint) on Oct 6, 2008 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

A few more things

- Big question: Do you punt to Reggie Bush? Kiffin and special teams coach Brian Schneider dared Devin Hester to beat them last year and covered him well. I say give Lechler and Branch at least one opportunity to knock Bush in the mouth, but depending on the situation, punt it out of bounds.

- Also, Reggie Bush has a serious case of fumblitis. The back 7 need to hit him hard and try to knock that ball loose.

- Vikings had more success running between the tackles than running to the edge. Even without Sedrick Ellis, the Saints D-line did an admirable job in stopping Peterson and Taylor.

- Play action: The Saints had 8 men in the box for a significant number of plays to stop Peterson/Taylor. If they game plan the same way for us there should be ample opportunities to throw with play action.

by LiveAdam on Oct 7, 2008 6:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs

With Lechler

there will be lot’s of options on how to play Bush. Lechler is one of if not the best angle punters in the game. Lechler will do his part, it will all come down to the coverage teams and especially the gunner (Branch) getting to Bush. They will probably situational kick to him unless and until they get burned.

Your team is your child...You love it no matter what.

by TheRaiderWay on Oct 7, 2008 6:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs