I don't know why but with no Mangold in the lineup in fact he didn't even make the trip I'm not so confident in us rolling over this team. It's reflected in the line as well as we're only a 3 - 3 1/2 point favorite. The Sharps are on the Raiders as well. They are going to present problems and if MJD gave us a hard time with no passing game I think Dmac is going to as well. Campbell is a decent QB and they have some weapons in the pass game. Denarius Moore is looking like he is going to be a good player and they have a solid defense. I think Hugh Jackson knows Ryan's tendencies and it's going to take a good effort and even better game plan to win. Sanchize is going to have to play better then he did last week if we are going to win today. It's a long trip and a potential let down spot following an easy win and some tough games on the horizon. I just don't think this is going to be the easy win most people think it is. If it comes down to a FG I like Janikowski better then Folk and even though I think Sanchez is a better QB Campbell has been a bit more consistent throughout his career. Our OL is going need to play their best game of the season if we intend on escaping with a W. Baxter is going to have his hands full and guys like Hunter and Moore are going to need to step up today. I'm hoping Brick takes a leadership role today and the OL plays a good game.
I've been nervous about this game all week. West coast trip against a top running game and a disruptive front line. Not sure we can run the ball, and we all know what happens if we're forced to pass it. The key is forcing turnovers out of Campbell and scoring off them. That's why last week was a rout. Campbell is certainly gettable, but he's better than McCown.
I'm actually not nervous about this game at all--I guess I just don't have as much respect for the Raiders as most people around here do. Their offense is reliant on a running game that I'm confident we can shut down, and they struggle defending the pass...as long as Sanchez doesn't shit the bed, I'm pretty confident that we'll win.
I never like these West Coast trips - too much travel involved and statistically not many teams win after a coast to coast journey (Source: Fox Sports) We are also missing Mangold and we all saw what happened after he left the field of play after his injury. We really need to win this one to as we have some tough games coming up. That being said I'm nervous but hopeful!
They do a good job of mixing up their runs and runners. Bush can pound it inside and Dmac is a threat to break one every time he touches the ball. I'm with Mack, this game will come down to turnovers. If we turn it over we lose, if we force them and score on them we win. I really think it's that simple. I think Sanchez needs to have his A game and the OL is going to need to protect him.
That's the only thing I'm worried about--can we protect Sanchez from the Raiders solid pass rush? You can bet that Richard Seymour is going to be shifted around to try and find a mismatch, and that blitzers will be aggressively targeting Wayne Hunter until he proves that he's up to the challenge.
This is a game we should win. I'm way less confident this week compared to last week though because the raiders are a better opponent then the Jags. Playing across the country is always harder as well. I do however think we match up well against the raiders especially in regards to shutting down their run game which sets up the rest of their offense. I am about as nervous as I would be for any game against a decent (but not great) opponent.
thats my thought. Our defense will contain Mcfadden, and keep their passing game in check. That said without Mangold our offense is going to spend some time struggling. I expect us to score enough to win the game, but it's going to be low scoring barring a turnover fest by one side.
It all depends on whether or not our running game can get going. It has been much less than i expected the last 2 weeks
