Silver And Black Pride - Welcome to Gameday: Buccaneers at RaidersCovering all things Las Vegas Raiders footballhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49501/sbp-fav.png2012-11-04T20:43:14-08:00http://www.silverandblackpride.com/rss/stream/33634932012-11-04T20:43:14-08:002012-11-04T20:43:14-08:00Carson Palmer showing his gunslinger mentality
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<figcaption>Thearon W. Henderson</figcaption>
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<p>The Raiders have not had quarterback like Carson Palmer for quite some time. He showed on Sunday versus the Buccaneers that he will put it in the air without hesitation. That mentality is a double edged sword.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Raiders</a> needed Palmer to put the ball in the air in this game after they lost both of their top two running backs. The result was throwing 61 passes, completing 39 for 414 yards.</p>
<p>For the first three quarters, being forced to put the ball in the air was not paying a lot of dividends. They had just one touchdown and just ten points. And the one interception he had resulted in a touchdown by the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Buccaneers</a> to help them jump out to a 28-10 lead.</p>
<p>Then the fourth quarter began and that's when Palmer really started connecting downfield. He went 15 of 23 for 149 yards and 3 touchdowns in the fourth quarter alone. That's a whole game worth for most quarterbacks. That was the good. The bad was the two interceptions he threw in that quarter.</p>
<p>He led the Raiders back to within three points on three straight touchdown with the final TD requiring a two-point conversion to bring the Raiders within three points. That two point conversion, he had defenders hanging on him and he put the ball up high for <span>Juron Criner</span> who came down with it in the back of the endzone.</p>
<p>This kind of play has engendered great confidence from his teammates.</p>
<p>"In one word, it's refreshing," says <span>Marcel Reece</span> who caught eight Palmer passes in this game for 95 yards and touchdown. "Carson is a leader out there, he's our leader, and we appreciate him and the way he always stays composed and leads this team. We always know, if we stay within striking distance, we have a chance. That takes a lot off a lot of guys' shoulders, and coaches."</p>
<p>"We trust him, we believe in him and we're ready to play."</p>
<p>The Crowd was going crazy after the improbable comeback especially after the defense had given up three long touchdown runs from <span>Doug Martin</span>. The defense held the Buccaneers this time and the Raiders would have one last shot.</p>
<p>All they needed to do was get in field goal range to tie it and with the way Palmer was throwing the ball, it seemed more than possible. Then on the second pass of the drive, he threw an easy interception. The Buccaneers took the ball at the Oakland 22 yard line and scored three plays later. He then lined up and threw another interception on two plays. It went from great comeback to game over just like that.</p>
<p>"All interceptions you regret," Carson Palmer said after the game. "They made a good play on [the first] one. On the second one, it was jut a little bit off. Not on the same page [between] myself and [<span>Denarius Moore</span>] and mistakes like that you can't overcome, you can't make. Me being the quarterback, I can't do that obviously. You can't throw that ball, you just need to take a sack sometimes if things are off of the same page and come back the next play."</p>
<p>The gunslinger mentality is one of classic Raiders Daryle Lamonica and Ken Stabler. It is how Lamonica got the nickname "The Mad Bomber" and why Stabler is often referred to as the master of the two minute drill. But neither of them were known for the kind of yards Palmer has put up this season and in his career as a Raider thus far.</p>
<p>Palmer's 414 yards ranks fourth most in Raiders' history. He just missed the third overall mark of 417 yards which he set in the final game of last season against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a>. He also had the second most attempts (61) and completions (39). Rich Gannon owns the top spots in both of those categories (43 of 64) which he set in the same game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a> in September of his 2002 MVP season.</p>
<p>All those numbers are nice but both of his big passing performances have been in a loss. When the Raiders ask him to throw that much it usually means the defense has put them in a hole of which Palmer must dig out. But in each case, he makes plays and then falls short with a critical interception.</p>
<p>The Raiders know he is no "game manager". They know he has the toughness to hang in the pocket and is not afraid to air it out to make a big play. While that has its rewards, it is the risks that have had the Raiders falling short. It will mean big numbers for Palmer but perhaps not the numbers he really wants-- those in the win column.</p>
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2012/11/4/3601938/carson-palmer-showing-his-gunslinger-mentalityLevi Damien2012-11-04T19:52:42-08:002012-11-04T19:52:42-08:00Raiders run defense not all it's cracked up to be
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<figcaption>Thearon W. Henderson</figcaption>
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<p>The Raiders defense was feeling pretty good about themselves after three weeks of holding opposing running backs down. All that was undone in one game.</p> <p>This week there were stories all over the place about the newfound Raider run defense. But I wasn't falling into that trap. Any praise from me wouldn't come until after this game against the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buccaneers</a>. The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> showed me why I was taking a wait and see approach.</p>
<p>What they showed was a level of ineptitude with which we had become all too familiar during their near decade of double digit losses. They were well known for their poor run defense. This particular implosion was in epic fashion. Rookie running back <span>Doug Martin's</span> 251 rushing yards were good for tenth all-time and the best ever by a Buccaneer.</p>
<p>This performance surprises a lot of people. It surprises me as well. But it isn't a fluke or a blip. Think about what the Raiders have faced this season.</p>
<p>Week one the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a> were without their starting running back, <span>Ryan Mathews</span>, week three the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> were without their starter, <span>Rashard Mendenhall</span>, week five they held down <span>Michael Turner</span> but has only run for over 100 yards once this season. The <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jaguars</a> lost <span>Maurice Jones-Drew</span> after one carry. The <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chiefs</a> only gave the ball to <span>Jamaal Charles</span> five times.</p>
<p>The other three games they have given up 172 yards to <span>Reggie Bush</span>, 112 yards to <span>Willis McGahee</span>, and now 251 yards to Doug Martin. This game may be worse than anyone expected but it is no fluke. This run defense is a serious issue.</p>
<p><span>Richard Seymour</span> and <span>Tommy Kelly</span> were facing two backup offensive guards in the game and were routinely handled on the block. <span>Rolando McClain</span> is supposed to be the run stopping linebacker for the Raiders and he continuously is out of position, misses tackles, and can't get off his blocks.</p>
<p>It won't get worse than this but don't expect things to get much better. Next week they face <span>Ray Rice</span> of the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Ravens</a>. I foresee some long turns on the oxygen for him next week.</p>
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2012/11/4/3601706/oakland-raiders-run-defense-not-all-it-was-cracked-up-to-beLevi Damien2012-11-04T18:31:27-08:002012-11-04T18:31:27-08:00Raiders can't recover after Doug Martin runs wild
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<figcaption>Ezra Shaw</figcaption>
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<p>The Raiders and Buccaneers appeared to be pretty evenly matched coming into this game. It started out as a defensive battle and ended in a shoot out with the Raiders not able to overcome a record day by Buccaneers rookie Doug Martin.</p> <p>This game was very competitive in the first half. The Raiders were up 10-7 at halftime to show for it.</p>
<p>There were two highlights in the first half-one for each team. <span>Lamarr Houston</span> got pressure on a field goal try in the first quarter to block the attempt. He then picked up the ball and returned it 34 yards. The Raiders would drive for a field goal to get on the board first.</p>
<p>The Buccaneers would re-take the lead in the second quarter on two long passes to Vincent Jackson. The first for 63 yards and the second for a touchdown from 20 yards out.</p>
<p>The Raiders would then do what they have done every game this season and score in the final two minutes of the first half. This time it was a touchdown. It was set up by a gorgeous one-handed grab for 46 yards by Darrius Heyward-Bey. Then two plays later, Palmer hit <span>Rod Streater</span> for a 25-yard touchdown pass and catch.</p>
<p>The bad news for the Raiders was that <span>Darren McFadden</span> left the game with an ankle injury and did not return. He was replaced by <span>Mike Goodson</span> and then a short time later, Mike Goodson too left with an ankle injury.</p>
<p>As if the loss of the running backs was cause enough to put the ball in the air, the Raiders would give up three touchdowns in the third quarter to put them in a situation where they needed to score a lot of points quickly. The result was 61 passes from Carson Palmer.</p>
<p>But while the Raiders offense was without their top two backs, the Buccaneers needed just one-<span>Doug Martin</span>. He had just 31 yards with no touchdowns at the half but by the time the game was over he had 251 yards rushing and three touchdowns. He had three huge touchdown runs in the third and fourth quarter-45, 67, and 70 yards.</p>
<p>"We didn't tackle well." Dennis Allen said of the big runs the Raiders surrendered. "I thought [the Buccaneers] did a good job of blocking, I thought the runner did a great job of running, and I think we had an opportunity to make a few plays and missed some tackles. And when you miss tackles on that guy, he takes it for big gains and that's exactly what happened."</p>
<p>"Well, we're gonna have to continue to work on it. I think we've done a good job of tackling but today was not one of... was not a good day. We did not tackle well today and we gotta keep working on it and keep improving on it."</p>
<p>The Raiders looked to be out of it down 28-10 and then 35-17 but two late touchdowns and a two point conversion would bring them within a field goal. The defense held and the Raiders would have 2:42 to get in field goal range. On the second play, Palmer threw an interception. The Buccaneers would score another touchdown on three Doug Martin runs to put the game away.</p>
<p>It was one of those games where you look at <span>Carson Palmer's</span> line and wonder whether he is the hero or the goat. He threw for 414 yards on 39 of 61 passes and four touchdowns. He also had three interceptions which killed the Raiders. The Buccaneers converted both into touchdowns with the final one ending the Raiders comeback hopes.</p>
<p>Dennis Allen explained why Carson Palmer threw the ball 61 times: "Well at the end of the day the game ended up dictating that. We were successful moving the football. We didn't make enough plays to win the game but we were successful moving the football. I thought our team hung in there, I thought our team battled. We tried to make a comeback and came up a little bit short."</p>
<p>X-rays on McFadden's ankle came back negative. Goodson was not so lucky as his was ruled a sprained ankle. <span>Matt Giordano</span> also left with a hamstring injury. <span>Desmond Bryant</span> was taken to the hospital with a rapid heartbeat but the Raiders said it was more of a precautionary measure.</p>
<p>Box Score</p>
<p><a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> (4-4-0) <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Oakland Raiders</a> (3-5-0)</p>
<p>Buccaneers</p>
<p>Passing CP/AT YDS TD INT</p>
<p>J. Freeman 18/30 247 2 0</p>
<p>Rushing ATT YDS TD LG</p>
<p>D. Martin 25 251 4 70T</p>
<p>J. Freeman 5 22 0 13</p>
<p>L. Blount 2 5 0 3</p>
<p>Receiving REC YDS TD LG</p>
<p>V. Jackson 2 84 1 64</p>
<p>M. Williams 4 68 1 37</p>
<p>D. Clark 2 22 0 12</p>
<p>D. Martin 4 21 0 8</p>
<p>N. Byham 2 15 0 10</p>
<p>T. Underwood 1 12 0 12</p>
<p>D. Ware 1 12 0 12</p>
<p>E. Lorig 1 11 0 11</p>
<p>L. Stocker 1 2 0 2</p>
<p>Fumbles FUM LOST REC YDS</p>
<p>J. Freeman 2 1 0 -8</p>
<p>E. Biggers 0 0 0 0</p>
<p>A. Black 0 0 0 0</p>
<p>J. Zuttah 0 0 1 0</p>
<p>Kicking FG LG XP PTS</p>
<p>C. Barth 0/2 0 6/6 6</p>
<p>Punting NO AVG I20 LG</p>
<p>M. Koenen 4 38.5 2 47</p>
<p>Kickoff Returns NO AVG TD LG</p>
<p>A. Benn 2 29 0 34</p>
<p>A. Black 1 3 0 3</p>
<p>Punt Returns NO AVG TD LG</p>
<p>R. Parrish 3 15 0 26</p>
<p>Defense T-A SCK INT FF</p>
<p>L. David 14-2 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>Q. Black 5-0 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>L. Johnson 5-1 0.0 1 0</p>
<p>R. Barber 4-2 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>A. Black 4-1 0.0 1 1</p>
<p>E. Biggers 3-0 0.0 1 1</p>
<p>M. Foster 3-2 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>E. Wright 3-1 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>M. Barron 2-2 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>D. Bowers 2-0 1.0 0 0</p>
<p>M. Bennett 1-0 1.0 0 0</p>
<p>M. Lewis 1-0 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>D. Te'o-Nesheim 1-0 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>G. McCoy 0-1 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>Raiders</p>
<p>Passing CP/AT YDS TD INT</p>
<p>C. Palmer 39/61 414 4 3</p>
<p>S. Lechler 1/1 4 0 0</p>
<p>Rushing ATT YDS TD LG</p>
<p>D. McFadden 7 17 0 7</p>
<p>C. Palmer 1 3 0 3</p>
<p>T. Jones 1 2 0 2</p>
<p>M. Goodson 2 0 0 0</p>
<p>Receiving REC YDS TD LG</p>
<p>M. Reece 8 95 1 26</p>
<p>D. Heyward-Bey 5 74 0 46</p>
<p>D. Moore 4 66 0 26</p>
<p>B. Myers 8 59 2 13</p>
<p>R. Streater 4 54 1 25T</p>
<p>M. Goodson 6 52 0 12</p>
<p>R. Gordon 1 8 0 8</p>
<p>D. Hagan 1 6 0 6</p>
<p>T. Jones 1 4 0 4</p>
<p>D. McFadden 2 0 0 2</p>
<p>Fumbles FUM LOST REC YDS</p>
<p>T. Jones 1 0 1 0</p>
<p>M. Reece 1 0 0 0</p>
<p>A. Carter 0 0 0 0</p>
<p>R. Seymour 0 0 1 0</p>
<p>Kicking FG LG XP PTS</p>
<p>S. Janikowski 1/1 29 3/3 6</p>
<p>Punting NO AVG I20 LG</p>
<p>S. Lechler 4 43.0 1 58</p>
<p>Kickoff Returns NO AVG TD LG</p>
<p>M. Goodson 1 22 0 22</p>
<p>Punt Returns NO AVG TD LG</p>
<p>P. Adams 2 0 0 2</p>
<p>Defense T-A SCK INT FF</p>
<p>T. Branch 9-2 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>R. McClain 5-1 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>P. Lee 4-0 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>P. Wheeler 4-2 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>L. Houston 3-0 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>M. Burris 2-4 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>A. Carter 2-0 1.0 0 1</p>
<p>M. Giordano 2-1 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>M. Huff 2-3 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>P. Adams 1-0 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>D. Bryant 1-1 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>T. Kelly 1-1 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>D. Tollefson 1-0 0.0 0 0</p>
<p>M. Shaughnessy 0-1 0.0 0 0</p>
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2012/11/4/3601262/oakland-raiders-cant-recover-after-doug-martin-runs-wild-tampa-bay-buccaneersLevi Damien2012-11-04T15:14:48-08:002012-11-04T15:14:48-08:00Raiders vs Buccaneers game thread: Second half
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<figcaption>Ezra Shaw</figcaption>
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<p>The Raiders head into the second half up 10-7 on the Buccaneers in a game that is playing out competitively as expected.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> offense started out looking terrible. They failed miserably on their first two drives. That's when things began to pick up.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buccaneers</a> drove into scoring position and lined up to kick a field goal but <span>Lamarr Houston</span> got pressure and leapt in the air to block the attempt. He then picked up the ball and returned it 34 yards. That play seemed to wake the Raiders up and suddenly their offense began to move. They drove in to score the first points of the game on a field goal by <span>Sebastian Janikowski</span>.</p>
<p>The Buccaneers would re-take the lead in the second quarter on two long passes to <span>Vincent Jackson</span>. The first for 63 yards and the second for a touchdown from 20 yards out.</p>
<p>The Raiders would then do what they have done every game this season and score in the final two minutes of the first half. This time it was a touchdown. It was set up by a gorgeous one-handed grab for 46 yards by <span>Darrius Heyward-Bey</span>. Then two plays later, Palmer hit <span>Rod Streater</span> for a 25-yard touchdown pass and catch.</p>
<p>The Raiders headed into the locker room up 10-7 over the Buccaneers.</p>
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2012/11/4/3600462/raiders-vs-buccaneers-game-thread-second-halfLevi Damien2012-11-04T13:16:10-08:002012-11-04T13:16:10-08:00Raiders vs Buccaneers game thread
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<figcaption>Thearon W. Henderson</figcaption>
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<p>Game on. Chat with your fellow Raider fans here for the first half of the Raiders vs Buccaneers game today.</p> <p>This is a huge game for the Raiders. While every game is important, this one is truly pivotal. If they win, it means 4-4 and tied for second place in the AFC West. If they lose it means 3-5 and they would have to finish the season with a 6-2 record if they hope to have a shot at the wildcard. That is a tall order.</p>
<p>The Raiders have won two in a row but those wins were against the two worst teams in the NFL. They are looking to prove they are for real by beating a good team in the Buccaneers.</p>
<p>The Raiders suddenly stout run defense will have another tough test in rookie phenom running back Doug Martin. The pass defense will look to show that their play in the last three games wasn't a fluke as they will face two very good receivers in Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams. Not to mention a pretty good quarterback throwing the ball instead of the likes of Blaine Gabbert, Brady Quinn, and Matt Cassel. They performed well against Matt Ryan three weeks ago so they will be out to prove that was not the exception but the norm.</p>
<p>For the Raiders offense, Darren McFadden will try to put two good games together. The offensive line and offensive coordinator Greg Knapp seemed to have found a nice mix of power and zone blocking near the end of last week's win in Kansas City. If they can keep up that momentum, McFadden may be able to get back on track.</p>
<p>Carson Palmer should have a good day. The Buccaneers have the 31 ranked pass defense and the only possible reason he wouldn't take advantage of it is if his protection breaks down and causes turnovers. He is looking to continue is Raider record streak of 13 straight games of over 200 yards passing.</p>
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2012/11/4/3599872/oakland-raiders-vs-tampa-bay-buccaneers-game-threadLevi Damien2012-11-04T11:12:22-08:002012-11-04T11:12:22-08:00Welcome to Gameday: Buccaneers at Raiders
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<figcaption>Denny Medley-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>It's week 9 and the Raiders (3-4) play host to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4) in a pivotal game for both teams.</p> <p>Who: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> at <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a></p>
<p>Where: O.co Coliseum, Oakland CA</p>
<p>When: 1:05pm Pacific time</p>
<p>TV: FOX</p>
<p>Both the Raiders and Buccaneers have played well of late. The season has been an up and down one for both squads and they will look to this game to find out if they are for real.</p>
<p>The Raiders have won two in a row after a close loss to the undefeated <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Falcons</a> in Atlanta. They now sit at 3-4 looking to reach .500 and keep pace with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> in the AFC West.</p>
<p>The Buccaneers just came off a dominating win over a tough <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> team on Thursday night last week and look to keep it going.</p>
<p><b>Injury report:</b></p>
<p><b>Raiders</b></p>
<p>Out</p>
<p>T <span>Khalif Barnes</span> (groin), CB <span>Shawntae Spencer</span> (foot)</p>
<p>(CB <span>Ron Bartell</span> is still on injured reserve and LB <span>Aaron Curry</span> has not been activated from the PUP list)</p>
<p>Doubtful</p>
<p>LB Keenan Clayton (shoulder)</p>
<p>Questionable</p>
<p>RB Taiwan Jones (knee), LB <span>Rolando McClain</span> (toe)</p>
<p>Probable</p>
<p>DT <span>Desmond Bryant</span> (elbow), LB <span>Travis Goethel</span> (back), RB <span>Mike Goodson</span> (toe), K <span>Sebastian Janikowski</span> (left groin), RB <span>Darren McFadden</span> (shoulder), S Michael Mitchell (finger), DT <span>Richard Seymour</span> (knee), DE <span>Matt Shaughnessy</span> (shoulder), T <span>Willie Smith</span> (ankle), DE <span>Dave Tollefson</span> (shoulder), T <span>Jared Veldheer</span> (elbow), C <span>Stefen Wisniewski</span> (ankle)</p>
<p><b>Buccaneers</b></p>
<p>Probable</p>
<p>DE Michael Bennett (ankle), CB <span>Brandon McDonald</span> (ankle), T <span>Donald Penn</span> (wrist), CB <span>Eric Wright</span> (achilles)</p>
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2012/11/4/3599410/welcome-to-gameday-tqampa-bay-buccaneers-at-oakland-raidersLevi Damien2012-11-04T10:56:12-08:002012-11-04T10:56:12-08:00Live chat with Levi Damien at noon
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<figcaption>Kirby Lee-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Hey sports fans, what better way to gear up for the game than to chat with lil ole me? Ok, so there are a lot of better ways, but add that to the list.</p> <p>I will be here live to talk all things <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> as at noon for a half hour they warm up to face the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buccaneers</a> at O.co today. I'll be reporting live from the press box at the coliseum as per usual so shoot me any questions you have or we can just chat.</p>
<p>Anything Raiders is fair game but possible game related subjects might be: Both teams playing well of late, Raiders run defense versus <span>Doug Martin</span>. Containing <span>Josh Freeman</span>. Raiders pass defense versus the Buccaneers talented wide outs. The offensive line blocking schemes. Whether Darren McFadden can put together two good games in a row. <span>Carson Palmer's</span> control of the offense.</p>
<p>This game could be pretty important as the Raiders try to prove that they belong in the race for a playoff spot.</p>
<p>No need to wait for me to enter the conversation. Go ahead and get started and when I arrive, I'll join in.</p>
https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2012/11/4/3599346/live-oakland-raiders-chat-with-levi-damien-at-noonLevi Damien2012-11-02T19:46:10-07:002012-11-02T19:46:10-07:00Key matchups: Raiders vs Buccaneers
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<figcaption>Adam Bettcher</figcaption>
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<p>It is fitting that we examine the match-ups for these two teams because they match up pretty well overall. But here are the match-ups inside the match-up.</p> <p><b><span>Miles Burris</span> vs <span>Josh Freeman</span></b></p>
<p>One major area in which the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> continue to struggle is protecting against the quarterback scramble. Even in their wins, the Raiders have been burnt by long runs by the quarterback. The times last week that <span>Matt Cassel</span> was stopped short were mostly by Burris. The rookie linebacker will have his work cut out for him keeping Freeman under wraps. He is very mobile and can throw well on the run. So Burris must not only guard against a run but chase him down to disrupt the pass. Disguising blitzes well can help in that effort considerably.</p>
<p><b><span>Michael Huff</span> vs <span>Vincent Jackson</span></b></p>
<p>Huff has been playing like the Raiders' best cornerback despite his actually being a free safety by trade. Vincent Jackson is the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buccaneers</a> best receiver. The two know each other quite well from playing across enemy lines twice a season for six years while Jackson was with the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a>. The Buccaneers will undoubtedly test out the converted free safety and hope to take advantage of him. Huff will try to continue to prove he is up to the task. He will need to be or the Buccaneers will get big plays all day.</p>
<p><b><span>Richard Seymour</span>, <span>Tommy Kelly</span> vs Patchwork interior line</b></p>
<p>The Buccaneer line is in shambles right now. They just placed All Pro left guard, <span>Carl Nicks</span>, on the injured reserve and it is uncertain who will be replacing him. They had already lost starting right guard <span>Davin Joseph</span> before the season even started. They have done well with the run game despite the loss of Joseph but the loss of Nicks is much more problematic. There are a few possible replacements for Nicks which is to say there is no one worth mentioning. There is no reason why Seymour or Kelly should not dominate this offensive line. Their play will be key to whether <span>Doug Martin</span> is able to run on this team. They have played well the past few weeks and will need to continue to do so to keep the dynamic Martin from gouging the Raiders.</p>
<p><b><span>Denarius Moore</span> vs <span>Eric Wright</span></b></p>
<p>Denarius has not been quite himself of late. He is still not back to full speed since he had his hamstring issues. Eric Wright has issues of his own. His Achilles has been hurt. He is the Bucs best corner and is still not that great. The Buccaneers have the 31<sup>st</sup> ranked pass defense in the NFL this season. Wright will be trying to keep Moore from catching a touchdown pass in his fourth consecutive game. The Raiders will need Moore to keep that streak going.</p>
<p><b><span>Carson Palmer</span> vs <span>Ronde Barber</span></b></p>
<p>Barber is getting up there in years but he's still got it. He leads the Buccaneers with three interceptions. Palmer will need to be overtly aware of where Barber is on the field at all times. As I have mentioned, the Buccaneers pass defense is next to worst in the league but Barber is opportunistic. Palmer will be looking for his receivers to get separation from their defenders but if he stares them down or doesn't look off Barber, he will make him pay. <span>Stanford Routt</span> picked off Palmer on the first play last week because Palmer threw at him regardless of coverage. The Raiders got away with it because the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chiefs</a> offense couldn't capitalize. The Buccaneers are not such pushovers. And of course, it may not only result in just an interception. It could be a pick six as it was at the end of the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a> game in week 5 or a Raider receiver getting laid out as happened to <span>Darrius Heyward-Bey</span> in week three against the <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a>. He can't allow any of those to happen if the Raiders are to win this game.</p>
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https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2012/11/2/3593556/key-matchups-oakland-raiders-vs-tampa-bay-buccaneersLevi Damien