No news yet on a television blackout for this Sunday’s game against the Chiefs in Oakland, but given the economy and season, brace for one.
As the Raiders prepare for their second match-up with the Chiefs, Kansas City comes in with a different look from the two teams week 2 meeting. Tyler Thigpen has developed into quite the diamond in the rough and will unlikely post the same numbers he had in Arrowhead (13 for 33, 151 pass yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, Sacked 3 times, 45.0 QB Rating).
Although the Chiefs sit at the bottom of the AFC West with a 1-10 record, the Chiefs nearly beat 3 solid NFL teams. Losing only in the last minutes of each game, the Chiefs nearly upset the Chargers, Bucs, and Jets. In their last three games, young Tyler Thigpen threw for 741 yards in the air with 8 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, and rushed for 100 yards on the ground. Both Tony Gonzalez and Dwayne Bowe are tall physical backs and will test the Raiders secondary. Meanwhile, after Larry Johnson’s club incident, the back claims to be back and ready to face the Raiders.
Since 2003, the Raiders are 2-9 against the chiefs, but have won the last two games. The Raiders are healthy and are ready to extend their winning streak to 2 games and challenge San Diego for 2nd in the AFC West Standings. Russell, McFadden, and company are good to go.
Stay tuned for television blackout updates.
The Broncos? Bring it on. After a rough showing against the Broncos in the season opener, the Raiders head to Denver this Sunday to face Cutler and co. As Denver’s defense is 23rd in the league this year giving up over 332 yards per game the Raiders look to a strong showing.
The Raiders and their recent 13 quarter offensive touchdown drought are back at full strength. Russell is back under center, McFadden feels healthy and says he’s ready to go, and Michael Bush plans to move to fullback. On the defensive end, Derrick Burgess is probable to return and start this Sunday.
Come on Raiders, I implore you to score this week.
Cable Takes Over
It’s official, Tom Cable has realized the Raiders offense is struggling. Despite forcing 4 turnovers off the Panthers in Week 10, the Raiders scored no touchdowns. Though, the Raiders offense managed a quantum leap greater than the week before where the Atlanta Falcons shutout the Raiders 24-0 in the Black Hole.
Gregg Knapp, the now former coordinator worries his removal will deeply strain young quarterback Jamarcus Russell:
“I’m frustrated because I’m trying to help this guy develop and become a very good quarterback in this league.”
Sure thing Knapp, as by taking the ball from the center and handing off to a running back for over 75% of the plays, there’s a simpler way of doing that. It’s called the Wildcat. Jamarcus Russell’s in his second seasonand if Knapp was watching the same games we are, Jamarcus has little opportunity to develop.
Let Cable take a shot, afterall, he is the “interim” head coach. Cables out as soon as Davis can bait anyone into coming to Oakland; We know it, Al knows it, and Cable knows it. As “interim” head coach, Cable’s a bit like FEMA. He’s not really a solution, but somebody has to be plugged into the problem.
