Asomugha

The Raiders fell to the Carolina Panthers today 17-6. It’s too bad Al Davis couldn’t wait until the end of this week’s match up to cut DeAngelo Hall. After Hall’s comments last year on Steve Smith:

“You best believe, when he’s hanging in the air, I will be taking a shot at him. Period. I’m trying to kill people this year. Period.”

I was looking forward to what either Smith or Hall would say this week. Oh well. As for today’s game, the Raiders couldn’t manage to score a touchdown despite strong defensive showing barring a freakish run to DeAngelo Williams.

Asomugha dominated and showed everyone (again) why he’s the best corner in the league right now. With Steve Smith coming into the game hot with 100+ receiving yards in each of his last 3 games including 3 TD grabs, Asomugha made him a non-factor. Smith ended the game with once catch for 9 yards while having two passes his way picked off, one by Asomugha. It’s too bad that Asomugha has been SO effective that teams don’t even throw his way. With today’s 2nd half interception being his first of the year, Asomugha’s defensive numbers won’t merit a Defensive Player of the Year, yet he’s certainly shutting down any receivers thrown his way like one.

But anyway, as far as the game goes, the revitalized Panthers are coming to Oakland fresh of a bye week tomorrow. Carolina comes to Oakland with a solid passing game behind Jake Delhomme, Steve Smith, and Muhsin Muhammad. The Carolina running game may miss Jonathon Stewart (listed as questionable) due to a heel injury.

Raiders Look To Hold Off Julius Peppers And The Carolina Defense

For the Raiders Darren McFadden remains questionable with turf toe and is reportedly a game-time decision. But with only 2 wins, the Raiders will likely sit McFadden to prevent any further damage — turf toe is just one of those football injuries that lasts a while.