Oakland Raiders Combinations for the Knockout in AZ
I'm expecting Lamarr Houston and Bruce Gradkowski to make sports headlines Monday for their positive performances in Glendale Arizona Sunday; here's why:
Last week, Lamarr had his way with St. Louis RT, Jason Smith, getting into Card QB Sam Bradford's face 7 times and sacking him once for a 13 yard loss. #99 stuffed the run all day from his LDE position, continuing solid play just where he left off against Tennessee's RT, Stewart.
Sunday Houston faces Arizona's RT, Brandon Keith, whose skill set is on par with Jason Smith who Lamarr brutalized throughout the Ram's 23:11 Time of Possession. Given Lamarr's constant improvement, intensity and high-motor, expect him to again dominate his turf and make Derek Anderson's day a living hell. Don''t be surprised when Lamarr Houston is named Rookie of the Week.
As for Bruce, his breakout time has arrived. The Arizona secondary is ranked 21st; it's had 53 completions thrown against it over 2 games. Card DBs, CBs Tyler and Cromartie-II and FS Rhodes and SS Wilson have allowed 463 yards through the air and 4 TDs (but also have 3 picks). They are especially susceptible to the quick 10-15 yard pass which complements Grad's hot-potato approach to getting the ball away before his protection collapses. Then, when the CBs come up tight on DHB and Murphy, Grad will prove again that he has a very accurate mid-range, 20-30 yard, touch.
Last week, Arizona got creamed by a tough Falcon team, 41-7, and eked out a win against St.Louis (as we did) before that, 17-13. They have a tough time putting up points and a porous secondary.
Bottom Line: Raiders Time of Possession could well be in the 34-36 minute range with sustained drives, and 1st downs galore. Our DL under Mike Waffle's brilliant oversight, should stifle Arizona's running game and get the ball back after unprecedented 3-and-outs.
The Raiders revealed themselves for who they really are throughout the 2nd Half last week and our coaches showed inspiring ability to make adjustments in sets, strategy and personnel. We are all about winning again - just winning Baby - whoever, whatever, however that comes about.
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Im looking for Dmac to Run all over arizona!!!!
If the o line can win in the trenches or at least hold there own we can win in this game with ease!!!
by americaneagle510 on Sep 25, 2010 10:35 AM PDT reply actions
I voted D.H.B...
I am looking for solid play all around, I want an improvement for the o-line we all do i imagine.
If we can just start lighting up the score board. We could be that dark horse team out of the AFC.
" And at the center of it all a blind man shall stand upon his own grave, there he shall see again, and weep for what was wrought
The amazing fact is we are the 3rd best rushing team in the NFL and that was without Bush(!). So the power blocking and
DMC’s breakout have put us on top despite our lines pass-D weakness. Arizona will have to bring players up to the LOS and if they are so foolish as to crowd DHB or Murph – they will get burned badly with the post or fly. Hugh must be lying awake with his heart racing for this opportunity.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 11:11 AM PDT up reply actions
So basically Hugh is licking his chops...as am i.
I want to be the modern day version of Super Mario Brothers!!! Dont care for *shrooms*, but would love to *get large* and *spit fire*...unless im constantly told "thanks, but your girl is in another castle". That would rate a 8.9 on the ole *Suck-ometer*!!!
by Kobe Won Kenobi on Sep 25, 2010 11:14 AM PDT up reply actions
Our WR's still have to prove that...
They can be that deep & consistent treat. As much as i want to believe that Run DMC has finaly arrived i am not 100% convinced but then again i am skeptic of all things.
Getting that o-line to hold for a couple of more seconds will give us that deep treat coupled w/ a good running game: Death, Murder, kill of all in our way.
" And at the center of it all a blind man shall stand upon his own grave, there he shall see again, and weep for what was wrought
DHB has double the receptions and receiving yards as Michael crabtree
…..just sayin’
"We want to win. The Raider fans deserve it. The Raider players deserve it, even my organization deserves it. You have to win and you have to win with a vision for the Super Bowl. That's our passion here." - Al Davis
by Ozraider on Sep 25, 2010 5:54 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Who would've thought that....
Oh wait Alex Smith plays on that team. LMFAO….“Got Crab(tree)’s”
" And at the center of it all a blind man shall stand upon his own grave, there he shall see again, and weep for what was wrought
by bojackson34 on Sep 25, 2010 10:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Thank you Oz
That brought tears to my eyes!
My profile pic is a Todd Marinovich painting.
by Rich Langford on Sep 26, 2010 2:18 AM PDT up reply actions
Zach Will Be "The Man"
This is a homecoming for him and he will put on a show for the family.After Dmac running wild last week it should make for a good afternoon for Bruce’s favorite target.
Zach has 7 receptions so far and is due for a big game. Too bad Travis Goethel's still messed up - this must be hard on him
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions
DMAC should have a field day.
I’ll take 11 players with heart on the field over 11 guys with just talent. Talent is fleeting, it goes away over time. Heart is what drives you to be better. To push yourself beyond what you think your capabilities are. To show us that when you strive, all things are possible.- SMP
I'm also a Raider Fan dammit!!! RAIDER NATION!!!!
jinx
can we just win? i don’t care how we do it. D needs to step up and play solid, no big runs.
No jinx, no smoke, no overconfidence. On paper and on the field we are the better team. Plus, Cable looked more concerned
and haggard than usual on Friday, so he’s not overconfident, which is also good.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Good thing there is no such thing as...
Opportunity is what you make of it. There is no other power running things.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((GO RAIDERS))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
" And at the center of it all a blind man shall stand upon his own grave, there he shall see again, and weep for what was wrought
Darrius Heyward-Bey could be in for another really nice game.
He had six grabs for 80 yards last week. I imagine Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, a very good corner and their obvious best, will be busy with Louis Murphy. That’s why I voted for Heyward-Bey; he’s a bit of a dark horse pick.
"You're all like big, fat failure turtles." - Edge
by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 25, 2010 3:45 PM PDT reply actions
Enjoyed watching him use his stregnth after the catch, once he unlocks his potential. He's getting past the "just catch the ball"
stage and entering the “threat after the catch” phase that may get him one or even two TDs Sunday.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 5:50 PM PDT up reply actions
i voted DHB
Seems like a nice time for a breakout game. Hope Bruce can get him the ball.
And Posey is having amother great game.
You're the worst Al Capone
by JohnnyDangerously on Sep 25, 2010 5:12 PM PDT reply actions
Bey's getting separation, catching the ball, and finally getting yards after the catch. Bruce spreads it around and Bey was
targeted most last week – 13 times – compared to only twice in Tenn.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I voted Run DMC
I think with Bish back Darren it will keep Darren fresh and he will break off a couple of big runs
"We want to win. The Raider fans deserve it. The Raider players deserve it, even my organization deserves it. You have to win and you have to win with a vision for the Super Bowl. That's our passion here." - Al Davis
by Ozraider on Sep 25, 2010 5:24 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Az is 31s against the rush, so running it 75%+ is in the works and this is a good opportunity to get Bush back in the groove
but voted Grad b/c he will be leading a balanced attack where Darren has another huge day, 130-50 and Bey shows us more of that 2nd effort after the catch for some long gains and a higher possibility of scoring.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 5:47 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I wouldn't be surprised if Grad had a big day
He came in and was on fire with those shorter routes and with a full week of first team reps the longer plays and throws will be more consistent. I just think having Bruce will open things up for Darren even more as we saw in the second half last week.
"We want to win. The Raider fans deserve it. The Raider players deserve it, even my organization deserves it. You have to win and you have to win with a vision for the Super Bowl. That's our passion here." - Al Davis
by Ozraider on Sep 25, 2010 6:01 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
I'm also looking for some interceptions this week
"We want to win. The Raider fans deserve it. The Raider players deserve it, even my organization deserves it. You have to win and you have to win with a vision for the Super Bowl. That's our passion here." - Al Davis
by Ozraider on Sep 25, 2010 6:02 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Then it will be Routt's pick b/c Asom1 is gonna shut Fitz down (there's a picture of Nnamdi on there website front page today.
But they’re saying, “no problem” b/c Breaston (and Early Douche?) is playing as well.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 6:26 PM PDT up reply actions
I would Love Nam to get some INT's this year
With Derek Anderson QB’ing the Cards if he shadows Fitz he should get some ops because I can’t see them bot throwing the ball up to Larry despite coverage at least a few times.
"We want to win. The Raider fans deserve it. The Raider players deserve it, even my organization deserves it. You have to win and you have to win with a vision for the Super Bowl. That's our passion here." - Al Davis
by Ozraider on Sep 25, 2010 8:08 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Early Douche is out and Steve Boobtons is questionable.
My profile pic is a Todd Marinovich painting.
by Rich Langford on Sep 26, 2010 2:29 AM PDT up reply actions
i really believe the defense
will either win this game for us or at least keep us in it… cause ultimately, we still have the same squad offensively as last years and if anything they were average. this game will be won on the line of scrimmage.
seymour as a tackle is more disruptive then at end so i think he’s valuable at every down he plays. hopefully houston capitalize on it. that rotation of Hen, Sey, and Kelly is where i think our money is at…
Also, helavagood job analyzing SOB. +1
aka GOLDENBOYWARRIOR
anyone here scared that the raiders might be the same
inconsistent team as last year? i hope and pray to the gods that we win tomorrow… i dont know who’s more nervous me or the actual players…
maybe im tired of losing and paranoid about calling the season after week 5 but i really hope this is different team.
just rewatching the STL game gives me hope but then i end up asking myself how did we barely beat the worst team the past 2 seasons in the NFL?
how come we left so many points on the board?
is Cable Al’s Yes Man?
is Jackson Power Run game forreal?
I ask myself all these goddam questions…. and i have to freakin wait till tomorrow! its killing me..
Sorta like goin into that Giants game last year and having that “what if” or “hope we win” but then we get smashed on… some say its Jamarcus but what about the Cowboys on thanksgiving? Brucebruce started but we still got manhandled! and im left with I knew it all along… then comes monday and hearing Cable talking about how we can put our hands on it blah blah blah… if that is the case come this monday, I will throw my GD remote control at the TV!
But if we win… I know our luck has changed. I know this is a different team. I know this is our division to win. Man, I love sundays, and it definitely isnt cause of church! All HAIL THE MIGHTY SILVER AND BLACK!!!!
aka GOLDENBOYWARRIOR
You're way off on this rehash and squemishness. Between Hugh Jackson and Grad and Rich, there's no way this team
will play like in the last decade. It comes down to leadership.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions
agreed.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Sep 25, 2010 7:29 PM PDT up reply actions
"Asshole"
That’s a bit harsh. So be it, i pulled the fuckin post…
" And at the center of it all a blind man shall stand upon his own grave, there he shall see again, and weep for what was wrought
It was proportionate. All is well in the Raidershire.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 8:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I agreed. Sons-of-Frodo.
" And at the center of it all a blind man shall stand upon his own grave, there he shall see again, and weep for what was wrought
Valid questions
This is only week 3. The team has a lot to prove before people can really be optimistic. But at least this year Seymour is not guaranteeing playoffs. That might have done us in last season.
Which week is any better than right now to start proving
I really believe we can roll on the Cards, next week different story, the Texans will probably destroy the Cowboys this week.
Then we have to face them, a win in Arizona, which I really think will happen, and maybe just maybe we’ll catch the Texans napping.
by Kevin Coffman on Sep 25, 2010 9:21 PM PDT up reply actions
I tell ya
Houston is going to be tough, but mostly I want to see how we do against the Chargers this year
Focus dammit. (Having said that, the Texans are vulnerable to the pass)
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 9:50 PM PDT up reply actions
That is true....
But we can’t have a shoot out w/them w/our o-line.
" And at the center of it all a blind man shall stand upon his own grave, there he shall see again, and weep for what was wrought
Our solid rushing gives our passing game an edge. Hugh is all about moving the ball and not limited in how
they get moved. I really believe the synergy of Hugh and Grad (5 + 2 = 9) and the improvement of our WRs makes up for our poor pass blocking. Grad gets the ball out quick, short drops, play action, and roll-outs, the WRs running shorter routes and they’re coming back for the ball / hook routes lately. It just bodes well to see the agility of adjustment that never happened last season.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 10:09 PM PDT up reply actions
As great as that sounds...
The texass may have a thing or six to say about it.
Their front 7 are pretty darn good. They can pound the rock, not like they need to w/ a passing game like they have. Awesome can only cover one receiver at a time though. Hopefully our Ends can pressure Schuab.
I do enjoying your optimistic out look.I’m a believer.
" And at the center of it all a blind man shall stand upon his own grave, there he shall see again, and weep for what was wrought
by bojackson34 on Sep 25, 2010 10:32 PM PDT up reply actions
More precisely
The Texans are leading the league in points per game and yardage. They’re also 2nd against the run.
Bruce will find success through Zach in the 2010-’11 season, and Sunday will be an example of that. Zach Miller has a huge game with 10+ receptions.
When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.
The problem with Zach this week is he will probably see a lot of Wilson
Wilson is rock solid in coverage against TEs
My profile pic is a Todd Marinovich painting.
by Rich Langford on Sep 26, 2010 2:21 AM PDT up reply actions
My vote went to Grad. He is going to want to firmly establish himself as The Man over Campbell tomorrow. Gets the ball to DHB, McFadden plays well and the defence makes some plays, turnovers etc…. Special teams needs to be good too.
Home opener for the Cards. Vegas has them favored by 4.5 points. Let’s prove Vegas and the Raider doubters wrong!
GO RAIDERS! GOTTA HAVE THIS ONE!
I voted for Lamarr.
I just like his motor combined with his athletic skills. He’s a force.
I like to believe that my best hits border on felonious assault.
-Jack Tatum
by R.I.P. JACK TATUM RAIDER D GOAT on Sep 25, 2010 7:31 PM PDT reply actions
He was a monster last week. I'm surprise he didn't get on the Rookie of the week list (5) must have barely missed.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 8:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Voted for Grad too
Grad has worked hard to get where he is now, this is his game to win.
I hope he doesn’t over think it and stay loose, he’s no rookie and has faced pressure many times before so shouldn’t be a problem.
Wells is back for the Cards along with Hightower, Fitz and Breaston always threats, but Anderson is erratic, and they’re worried about Wimbley and the D, I would be too, the Raider D step by step is improving, with Grad’s influence seeping over to them, Anderson may not make it through the game.
Ro’s body slam, while not always advisable, does send a message, the Raider D is coming, like a building storm that is wicked bad and going to annihilate anything in their path. This Storm is not full strength yet, but still quite dangerous in the desert.
The Cards D has struggled, and are without I believe two ? of their better? Not sure. but think they’d rather be where we are on D at this moment.
Cards have home field advantage? hmmm… doesn’t account that much there.
Beanie Wells is back. hmmm.. after knee surgery.
Fitz, Breaston, great play makers… hmmm… Anderson is at QB and shaky, as I said earlier and NOT wishing anyone an injury, Might not last the game, If we go after him.
I didn’t like our first game, thought there was more we should have tried or done.
The Ram game was Ok, still, coulda’, shoulda’ been better.
I’m looking for a big game from the Raiders this week, 4.5 point underdogs?, hmmm, well I’ll take your money on this one Vegas.
If the Raiders don’t shoot themselves in the foot, it’s gonna be Raiders 35, Cards 10 !
Don’t just Win baby, Crush Them !!!
Kickers...
Will win this one….and it will probably be one of the hardest hitting grind it out games of the season…i predict 14-14 with 4 seconds left and a blocked Janikowski (apologies if its spelled wrong) kick…Blocked by Calais Campbell sending it into OT…Cards win the toss and Feely kicks a 35 yarder for an Oakland heart breaker….Our passing games will be both shut down…Sorry raider nation…just no way in hell do I see this game being a shootout
In Bruce We Trust
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 9:52 PM PDT up reply actions
I agree no shoot out...
I do see the “Anderson” throwing a few picks.
So it comes down to who makes the fewer mistakes.
Oak-24
Arz-9
" And at the center of it all a blind man shall stand upon his own grave, there he shall see again, and weep for what was wrought
by bojackson34 on Sep 25, 2010 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions
kickers
Prediction or playing Madden w/ a sub par opponent.
" And at the center of it all a blind man shall stand upon his own grave, there he shall see again, and weep for what was wrought
by bojackson34 on Sep 25, 2010 10:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe you over read what I said
I said IF we the Raiders don’t shoot Ourselves in the foot, I didn’t say shootout, and no way in hell are you gonna shut down our passing game or run game at all.
I like Skelton, but he’s a ways off from being ready as is Hall from leading your team, should Anderson go down. And Anderson hasn’t proven he’s all that at leading, now has he?
All due respect Cardsfan, both teams are about equal, the difference lies in the fact that the Raiders are and have made some positive rebuilding changes and on the upward curve, while the downward trend is in your favor.
So while maybe Optimistic, again I say, Raiders 35 Cards 10
by Kevin Coffman on Sep 25, 2010 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Hah...
C’mon…IF you dont shoot yourself in the foot 35-10? We arent therams…we’re just missing a QB that broke accuracy ratings last year…although warner was good for 4 INT plagued games a year.
nice...
you guys have had the talent for a while havent you? Just had a Qb that got confused on if he was supposed to throw to the DB’s or WR’s?
All that red, probably. We'll make it easier and wear white
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 10:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Laziness
Russell wasn’t confused, he was lazy which is a whole lot worse. He never made a true effort to be a NFL QB. He was happy to take the guaranteed money and try to play with his “talent”. Instead working on what QBs need to like reading defense and having a sort timing with the receivers. Bruce may not have the talent that Russell did. But he works and I’ll take that over “talent” any day.
By the way good luck to your Cards.
GO RAIDERS
No we haven't in all areas and still don't, but improving
I’m not saying we’re ready to win the SB, but we’re heading in the right direction finally, plus some better coaching in the fold, it would not be wise to underestimate us right now, as well as us overlooking an opponent, which is unlikely because of our recent history.
I think though at this point our weaknesses are not something you can effectively exploit to a degree for a win and our strengths more than outweigh a push.
Sure you can say history shows you always come back after a terrible defeat, Not this time.
Bottom line is, and meaning No offense, but I think the best team will win this one, and that team I believe will be the Raiders. Just saying….
by Kevin Coffman on Sep 25, 2010 11:37 PM PDT up reply actions
lolllooool.....
Maybe we should take lessons from the Cards on drafting a QB.
" And at the center of it all a blind man shall stand upon his own grave, there he shall see again, and weep for what was wrought
Only time will tell...
Skelton is the only Qb that Whiz regime has drafted
He as a good long ball, nice touch ... if you give him time
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 25, 2010 10:13 PM PDT up reply actions
That time maybe sooner then either of you wish....
Derek Anderson “LOL”
" And at the center of it all a blind man shall stand upon his own grave, there he shall see again, and weep for what was wrought
by bojackson34 on Sep 25, 2010 10:35 PM PDT up reply actions
just gonna win baby.....
I am actually rather confident we will win tomorrow. is that bizarre? i cant remember feeling like we SHOULD (not might) win in quite awhile. im suprised we are 4.5 dogs. gonna put my money where my mouth is. Nothing better than the raiders winning and covering, nothing.
by rat, el rat, mr. rat, the rat on Sep 25, 2010 11:21 PM PDT reply actions
Darren McFadden vs, AZ run defense
Knowing that AZ run defense is 31st, I looking for Mc Fadden to have a huge game.
grad will shine
dmac will run all over the cards dhb will continue to show that hes improving the d is is gonna blow the cards out the water and after posting back to back wins for the first since i dont know when i say the whole team deserves a game ball even the shaky o-line………WINNING ISNT ONLY EVERYTHING ITS ALSO CONTAGOUS ……LET’S GO NATION….IN BRUCE WE TRUST!!!!
I am excited to Seymour back in action.
It is hard for a DT to get player of the game, but the way he looked while healthy against Tenn I wouldn’t put it past him.
And what the hell Sons! No Nnam on this list? This could actually be a game where a QB is dumb enough to throw at him.
My profile pic is a Todd Marinovich painting.
And if they don't, that could be worthy of a game ball too
My profile pic is a Todd Marinovich painting.
by Rich Langford on Sep 26, 2010 2:25 AM PDT up reply actions
My bad, noon, too late now.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 26, 2010 7:37 AM PDT up reply actions
Double digit catches for DHB
I’m predicting it, I’m calling it NOW. The better of the receivers drafted is DHB. The only thing you get with crabs is itchy.
"God will understand. And if he does not understand, then he is not God, and we need not worry." -Orlando Bloom, Kingdom of Heaven
I think MBush will be huge today
as well, I almost want to pick him on a write in, but chose DMC, running and rec today I am guessing 140-160 yds, 95-120 on the ground, and once he gets rolling, MBush comes in fresh legs and bulldozes through the front seven and sits second gear at least twice, once for 6.
DHB is improving greatly. I recall someone posting he has 2X catches and yards as Crabtree, now if only he can get his routes more crisp and add a second move to his skillset. He is getting great seperation, attacking the ball, making a great effort after the catch and using his size. What I want to see now is those routes get super crisp, and add a goood second deep move, I think that is all that is truly missing at this point, and time enough for the QB to deliuver the ball.
NO MERCY!
Darrius is coming into his own. He was consistently fighting for yards after the catch and all the extra work is paying off
he seems bigger,stronger and I’ve stopped holding my breath about his hands.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 26, 2010 7:36 AM PDT up reply actions
Did you forget about the Raiders most productive Receiver?
Murphy WILL make a difference.
I can see a TD and 85+ yds against the Cards.
Should have. Nnamdi too. Started the piece with Lamarr and Bruce in mind - and didn't give the poll enough thought.
S-O-B: ITS HOW I ROLL, DEAL WITH IT.
by Sons-of-Blanda on Sep 26, 2010 8:16 AM PDT up reply actions


































