It was a week of shake-ups and frank player reactions for the Oakland
Raiders (2-6), who now have the daunting task of playing a Carolina
Panthers (6-2) that won two consecutive games prior to their bye week
and sit atop the NFC South.
Oakland released DeAngelo Hall and dealt with the aftermath all week,
with players reinforcing the bizarre happenings around the volatile
organization and the difficulty playing under such circumstances. One
thing is losing and another is dealing with all the extra stuff. We have
so much on our plate already. To deal with the extra stuff is not
healthy for anybody, especially when you’re trying to get a game plan in
and you’re trying to know what you’re supposed to do and all that. It’s
not a healthy situation at all,” said Gibril Wilson this week.
OAKLAND RAIDERS
On Offense:
Since Lane Kiffin’s firing, the Raiders have been outscored 100-29. Last
week against the Falcons, they didn’t get their initial first down until
the 3rd quarter. And with Darren McFadden out of the line-up with a
lingering toe injury, the offense has been in shambles.
JaMarcus Russell had the worst start of his young career, going 6-of-19
for 31 yards with an interception, while being sacked four times.
The offensive line’s play has gotten progressively worse, and at some
point, Tom Cable has to plug in Mario Henderson for the ineffective
Kwame Harris. When Henderson last saw action, the Raiders were running
the ball efficiently and the former 3rd round draft choice played very
well, starting in place for an injured Harris. Cable believed in Harris’
ability to run block and develop in his zone-blocking scheme, but Raider
fan are learning exactly what 49er fans knew all along – that Harris
should not be trusted to protect a young and pricey quarterback.
What to expect:
The offense has been abysmal. And with Carolina being the 8th ranked
defense in the NFL, it’s hard to imagine the Raiders moving the ball
consistently down the field. They’ll need big plays and breakdowns in
the Panther secondary when Greg Knapp opens it up for his quarterback.
Which is something I think he’ll do to loosen up the front seven in
order to get his running backs going.
On Defense:
DeAngelo Hall can’t be blamed for the rush defense. For a sixth straight
season, the interior of the defensive line has been a sieve, currently
allowing 157.6 yards per game (30th in the NFL). Tommy Kelly, Terdell
Sands and Gerard Warren have been pushed around, thus allowing opposing
blockers to get to the second level easily and occupying the Raider
linebackers.
At defensive end, it appears that Derrick Burgess will miss another
game, as his injured triceps isn’t healed enough. His fellow end Jay
Richardson gave his thoughts this week on the struggles versus the run,
stating, “Until we decide we want to stop some of these concepts and
some of these schemes, it’s going to be like that. I think we can, I
think we will. I know we will.”
What to expect:
What to expect…? Hmmm — maybe more of the same this week. I can’t see
the Raiders stopping Carolina’s 13th ranked ground game, led by DeAngelo
Williams. The only entertaining match-up this week will be when Nnamdi
Asomugha lines up in front of Steve Smith.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
On Offense:
Jake Delhomme is back under center a year after Tommy John surgery. And
that has made a world of a difference due to his leadership and fiery play.
It helps also when you have Steve Smith (33 rec. 613 yards 4 TD) and
Muhsin Muhammad (37 rec. 507 yards 2 TD). But what has helped this
offense click has been Williams’ team leading 522 rushing yards and
Jonathan Stewart’s 5 touchdowns as a back up.
On Thursday, Stewart missed practice and was walking with a boot to
protect his sore left heel. “It’s a sharp pain in my heel,” Stewart
said. “I have to run the ball and it hurts every time I press off on it.”
What to expect:
Williams can carry the load of needed, and the way the Raiders are
defending the ground game, he should be able to produce enough yards to
move the chains and then help Delhomme use his play action to attack
down the field. Center Ryan Kalil and right tackle Jeff Otah have been
practicing and will start for the Raiders. So the Panthers are getting
healthy at the right moment.
On Defense:
Reserve defensive tackle Darwin Walker has a sore neck after being in a
car accident. He stated this week, “It was like a super-hard hit on the
field.
“My neck still hasn’t recovered.”
The Panthers won’t need him as long as DE Julius Peppers (4 sacks), DT
Damione Lewis, DT Ma’ake Kemoeatu and DE Charles Johnson (3.5 sacks) can
control the line of scrimmage.
The solid trio of Jon Beason, Thomas Davis and Na’il Diggs can chase
down ball carriers with the best of them.
What to expect:
The Raiders have struggled at tackle. John Abraham had a three-sack game
last week, and with Peppers coming into town, Russell should have his
head on a swivel. Johnson has played well for the Panthers, and head
coach John Fox has appreciated the play of his 6’2” end, stating, “He’s
got good playing strength and has the flexibility to play inside or
outside. A good athlete. The only thing missing is experience, and that
is just a matter of playing.”
GAME NOTES
* This will be the fourth meeting between both clubs, with the
Raiders leading the series 2-1, winning the last two contests.
* When Delhomme has a passer rating of 100.0 or better, the
Panthers are 15-0.
* DeAngelo Hall cleared waivers, making him a free agent and
eligible to sign with any team. Since he cleared waivers, the two-time
pro bowler will not be able to receive the remaining six years and $64
million of his seven-year, $72 million contract.
* This week, the Raiders placed Robert Thomas on injured reserve.
Other transactions included the re-signing of defensive tackle William
Joseph, and cornerback Michael Waddell. Oakland also picked up
linebacker Marquis Cooper.
* Former Raider Tyler Brayton has compiled 14 tackles and 2 sacks
in his first season as a Panther.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Raiders LT & RT vs. Carolina pass rush
If Abraham had three-sacks last week, what can the combo of Peppers and
Johnson rack up?
Asomugha vs. Smith
We may not see these two match-up often, but when it does happen, it
will be entertaining. This face-off may not decide the winner of the
game, but high caliber talents should provide good moments.
PREDICTION
Panthers 23 – Raiders 13
TV & RADIO
The game will be televised on FOX with Dick Stockton providing
play-by-play and Brian Baldinger and Brian Billick handling color
analysis with Laura Okmin the sideline reporter. If sold out per NFL
blackout rules, the game will air locally on KTVU Channel 2. The game
will also air in Sacramento on KXTL Channel 40 as well as on KCVU
Channel 30 in Chico/Redding, KCBA Channel 35 in Monterey, KVBU Channel
29 in Eureka and KMPH Channel 26 in Fresno. The game will air on Raiders
Radio originating on KSFO 560 AM, the Silver and Black Flagship for the
multi-state Radio Network. Greg Papa and former Raiders player,
assistant and head coach Tom Flores will man the booth for the 11th
straight year. The radio pregame show and postgame show will feature
Raider Legends George Atkinson and David Humm along with KGO’s Rich
Walcoff. Sports USA Radio will broadcast the game nationally with Howard
David, Terry Donahue and Tony Graziani calling the action. (Broadcast
information found on the official Raiders web site)
Home Team: Oakland Raiders (2-6) Home: 1-3 Road: 1-3
