The Raiders are poised at the edge of a slippery slope. A loss today would all but end their season.
I know that many of you gave up even before last week's putrid showing in New Orleans and I think that we are still 3-4 weeks away from being the team that I envisioned this year, BUT, if the Raiders can manage to go 2-1 over the next three weeks, they will have a chance to regain some Pride and go 8-8 or better.
Today's opponent will not go down easily, in fact, now that they've found a running game they could be well positioned to make a playoff run and we all know what Brett Favre did the last time he was here.
Oddly enough, his favorite target, Javon Walker, is now on our side.
HERE IS THE NY TIMES BLOG PIECE: Thanks again to all who entered their thoughts. Unfortunately, we had a Wednesday deadline or else I may have been able to get all of your takes published on there. As it was, I was able to get THREE!!! Enjoy.
Here are some previews, written by our very own contributors:
LiveAdam:
Brett Favre the Raider Killer and his Jets enter the Black Hole this Sunday. The Raiders will rely on their 4th ranked rushing trio on offense. The Jets seemingly pose a challenge against that game plan with the 3rd ranked run defense, but it is a paper tiger, as the Jets face the third fewest rushing attempts while teams choose to throw the ball, and have effectively, against the Jets’ 28th ranked passing defense. Unfortunately, the Raiders aerial attack is not in sync and may not be able to take advantage. The Raiders got embarrassed against the Saints and should come out to redeem themselves with at least a good effort. Jets, 17-14.
Masaryk:
How will the revived Jet’s Run Defense handle Oakland’s Running Backs? These are the kind of match-ups that football fans love. The number three run defense of the New York Jets matched up against the potent three-headed running back monster that is Justin Fargas, Darren McFadden, and Michael Bush. This is going to be fun to watch! Kris Jenkins was brought in to help shore up the Jet’s run defense that was ranked 29th last year. However, the Jet’s haven’t seen a trio of talented runners like Fargas, McFadden, Bush, so it will be important for Oakland to establish the run early and often and set the pace for the throwing game. Should be one of the Jet’s biggest RB challenges this year and they will have the added power that is the "Black Hole". Raiders 24 – Jets 21
Committed:
When Brett Favre last faced the Oakland Raiders, he was sporting the green and gold of the Green Bay Packers, but this Sunday, he’ll be with his new team along with a few more new faces to do battle against the speedy Oakland defense. The Raiders will have to lock up Favre’s receivers and contain Thomas Jones in order to have a shot at this game. On offense, controlling the clock and keeping big Kris Jenkins out of the backfield so the trio of talented tailbacks can eat up yardage on the ground are the keys to the game. Final score: New York Jets 28, Oakland Raiders 24.
RaiderPete:
If the Raiders are going to win this game it’ll certainly be the result of another poor performance by Favre. And if Brett doesn’t willingly provide a “gun slinger” performance the Raiders could be in a position to force one. Oakland currently ranks 5th in adjusted sack rate wheras the Jets are sitting at 20th in pass protection. The Raiders corners, even the much maligned Hall, could potentially have a field day if erratic Brett, not lucky Brett, shows up to play.
The Raiders offense is not in any position to take advantage of other team’s weakness’s, and Oakland will have to continue to rely on stand out special teams performances. But a combination of a scattershot Favre and a ball and field control offense could lead to the Raiders pulling this off.
Bacon:
Farve sees the TERRIFYING fans in the Black Hole and wets himself. After wetting himself, he proceeds to throw 3 interceptions to D Hall that are returned for touchdowns.
After this HUGE defensive outburst, J-Russ loosens up and throws 4 TD passes of 80+yards to Javon. Also, our RBs proceed to gash the Jets for 300+ yards. And to top it off, Seabass makes a 76 yard field goal to finish the scoring.
So by my count, we’re looking at Raiders 52, J-E-T-S 0!!!!
Since this is REDEMPTION SUNDAY, I'm going to get this started off right...
OOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAKKKKKKKKKKKLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNDDDDDDDDDDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIDDDDEEEEERRRRRRRRRRSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!