Three keys vs. Raiders
1. Kick 'em while they're down The Raiders have shown flashes at times this season, with wins over the Jets and Broncos and a pair of close losses to the Bills and Dolphins. But this Oakland squad doesn’t appear to be playing like the team that upset the Jets in October. The Raiders have lost six of their last seven and have gone 2-7 since they promoted offensive line coach Tom Cable to interim head coach in place of the fired Lane Kiffin just four games into the season after a public feud with owner Al Davis. This is only the third time the Patriots have met the Raiders since the famous Snow Bowl/Tuck Rule game in the 2002 playoffs.
2. Force the pass For the second time in three games, the Patriots will face an opponent coming off extra rest; the Raiders lost to the Chargers on Dec. 4, 34-7. But even a few extra days of practice might not help Oakland’s offense — the Raiders are 30th in the league at just 13.8 points per game and 31st in the NFL with 255.6 yards per contest. They also have the worst passing attack in the NFL at 137.2 yards per game, and second-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell has struggled, with a 70.1 quarterback rating and a 51.4 completion percentage. Justin Fargas has emerged as the team’s No. 1 running back with 679 yards rushing; Fargas and exciting rookie Darren McFadden (88 carries, 405 yards) give the Raiders the 10th-best rushing attack in football at 118.5 yards per game. Oakland’s biggest threat may be kick returner Johnnie Lee Higgins, who has a pair of punt returns for touchdowns this season.
3. Run around Defensively, the Raiders may pose a problem to New England’s spread passing attack: They have the ninth-ranked pass defense at 193.9 yards per game behind strong safety Gibril Wilson (102 tackles). However, the Patriots’ running backs are as healthy as they’ve been in a while, and Oakland hasn’t been quite as stout against the run. The Raiders are 30th in the NFL in run defense at 158.7 yards per game and 26th in total yards at 352.6. Middle linebacker Kirk Morrison leads the team with 113 tackles.
Pats 31, Raiders 10
The key to the Patriots winning the game......don't miss the bus to the game. As long as they show up at the game, they win.
For those who haven't seen the Raiders play this year, they are truly awful. The Patriots could play their worst game in 10 years and they'll still win. If the Patriots don't beat them, the Raiders will beat themselves.
Matt Cassell looks like Joe Montana, although never starting a game in life until his 4th NFL season. At $ 500,000 he looks like the biggest steal this year!
Russell on the other hand at receiving 31 Million guaranteed and another 30 million of salary looks like the biggest heist ever accomplished! While matt was a steal, Russell Stole money from AL DAVIS. Watching Russell in press conferences, stumbles over simple words, looks dumb in all ways. I can't believe that the Raiders interviewed this guy and still!!!! STILL ! drafted Him and gave Him that type of Money! Since when did Dumb become so profitable? I have heard Russell
Russel will look like $60 million this weekend. Raiders are a good team lost in coaching and ownership hell. I would not be surprised to see the Oakland team that beat the Jets. Patriots are overly confident (why wouldn't they be?) and remember, the Raider Nation will never forgive the greatest and most disgraceful crime in history. The snow job, this is THE GRUDGE game for the Raiders and always will be.
Raiders 40-13 Pats.
We were all saying the same thing last week! Nearly lost did they not? The only guarantee is if the Raiders miss their own bus! Considering everything they might!
This blogger might want to review your comment before posting it.
This week's OT cover
OT Columnists
OT beat writers
Maureen Mullen brings you Red Sox information and insights.Tom Wilcox covers the Patriots.
Scott Souza is all over the Celtics.
Danny Picard is on the ice with the Bruins.
Mike McDonald takes a look at the humorous side of Boston sports
Get updates
Archives
Browse this blog