SB Nation - Ricky Brown

State of the AFC West Week 9

Sam (sdsuaztec4) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:15:45 -0000

Well well well, here we are after week 9, a week I'd been looking forward to for awhile. I had a crazy day on Sunday which of course had a perfect ending. Last night's game was the proverbial "icing on the cake". The Chargers are now 1 game back at the halfway point of the season with 8 games to go. The Broncos still have the advantage with the 1 game lead and a win over the Chargers as a potential tiebreaker. As far as the schedules, of the 8 games remaining, 3 are easy division games (2 KC 1 OAK), but 4 are against tough teams (SD, NYG, INDY, PHI) and their game this week at Washington. On the other hand, the Chargers get the Browns and Titans, don't have to play Indy, but they only play the Chiefs one more time. As far as momentum, it is clearly on the side of the Chargers who have capped their three game winning streak with an emotional win at the Meadowlands. The Broncos on the other hand are riding a two-game losing streak that included two disappointing second halves. Oakland and KC are still out of the picture.

Jump the break for individual teams.

AFC West Standings

	W	L	PF	PA
Denver	6	2	150	124
San Diego	5	3	206	179
Oakland	2	6	78	201
Kansas City	1	7	126	205

(updated 11.10.2009 at 1:30 AM PST)

Oakland Raiders: The Raiders had a quiet bye week getting healthy and trying not to lose any football games. Running back Darren McFadden, wide receiver Chaz Schilens, left guard Robert Gallery and right tackle Cornell Green returned to practice Monday and are expected to play against the Kansas City Chiefs this week. So that's good news. Although Tom Cable won't be charged criminally, the NFL is evaluating the situation and sending out people to determine if Cable should attend anger management classes. The National League of Women (NOW) and other women's rights groups are calling for Cable's job. The Raiders next division match-up is this week's pillow-fight of the week in Oakland. Let the battle to determine the most dysfunctional team begin, too bad nobody will see it because it will likely be blacked out.

Oakland Raiders Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Cornell Green	calf	11/09/2009
Tony Stewart	chest	11/09/2009
Gerard Warren	toe	11/09/2009
Jon Alston	shoulder	11/09/2009
Ricky Brown	ankle	11/09/2009
Robert Gallery	fibula	11/09/2009
Tommy Kelly	elbow	11/09/2009
Chris Johnson	groin	11/09/2009
Chaz Schilens	foot	11/09/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
John Bowie	knee	09/30/2009
Oren O'Neal	ankle	10/14/2009

Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs played a close game against the Jaguars which inevitably ended in another loss. As the Chiefs march toward another top 5 draft pick, the big story is still the rapid fall of Larry Johnson which ended in his release from the Chiefs. Although they will probably end up paying him a lot of money since I doubt anyone will pick him up, this gives Jamaal Charles more opportunity to play and gets rid of a clubhouse cancer. Chris Chambers seem to have rejuvenated their offense, at least for the moment, with two TD passes. The addition seems to have helped the Chiefs and the Chargers at the same time, and Chris will probably be happier too. As already mentioned, the Chiefs next division game is at Oakland which I'm sure will be terribly exciting.

Kansas City Chiefs Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Jon McGraw	thigh	11/09/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Devard Darling	knee	09/01/2009
Jarrad Page	calf	11/04/2009
Jackie Battle	shoulder	10/14/2009
Colin Brown	undisclosed	09/05/2009

Denver Broncos: Will the real Broncos please stand up? Are they the 6-0 team or the 0-2 team? Are they the second-half juggernaut or the second-half duds? Is Kyle Orton the QB who threw one INT in 7 games or 3 INT's in one game? Are they a punishing opponents on the lines or the team that didn't get ONE rushing first-down against the Steelers? The answer is probably somewhere close to the middle. Teams are starting to key on the Broncos weakness and adjusting their game-plans as such. Kyle Orton looks nervous as opposed to the pillar of strength he looked like earlier in the season. Either way, the Broncos are much better than everyone thought but they still aren't an elite team. The Steelers were clearly the superior team last night, even at Mile High. The Broncos have lost some momentum going forward but they are still healthy and still have the advantage over the Chargers. Now is the time for Josh McDaniels to adjust to the adjustments that other teams are making. Going forward, we will see if the Broncos and McDaniels are studs or duds. The game at Washington this weekend may tell us a lot about the Broncos. Their next division match-up looks to be a huge game with playoff implications at Mile High against the Chargers.

Denver Broncos Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Ryan McBean	knee	11/10/2009
Peyton Hillis	other-excused	11/10/2009
David Bruton	groin	11/10/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Nick Greisen	knee	08/05/2009
J'Vonne Parker	knee	08/08/2009

San Diego Super Chargers: The Bolts are flying high after an emotional victory at the Meadowlands and gaining the momentum in the AFC West race if not the advantage. They are finally getting healthy, emotionally and physically, as well and it looks like All-Pro center Nick Hardwick will make his return to Qualcomm Stadium this weekend against the Eagles. The Chargers are still a little banged up at the linebacker position; SP95 was injured in the Giants game and Kevin Burnett and Tim Dobbins are still ailing. It looks like Phillips and Burnett will play this weekend while Dobbins will sit. LB Jyles Tucker is also most likely out this weekend. It looks like the Eagles are having the same problem the Chargers were earlier in the season: inability to keep anyone healthy. If Westbrook is out and the Eagles must depend on the passing game, the Chargers could win big with improved pass rush from Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips. The Chargers are also only 2-2 this season and they need to improve their play at home. The game is already sold out so we know it will be loud this weekend. Our next division match-up is Week 11 at Mile High Stadium.

San Diego Chargers Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Tim Dobbins	knee	11/09/2009
Nick Hardwick	ankle	11/09/2009
Kevin Burnett	ankle	11/09/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Ryon Bingham	arm	09/05/2009
Jamal Williams	triceps	09/19/2009
Antwan Applewhite	hamstring	10/20/2009
Brandon Hughes	knee	09/02/2009

Philadelphia Eagles Injuries

Probable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Max Jean-Gilles	shoulder	11/09/2009

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Victor Abiamiri	knee	11/09/2009
Chris Gocong	other-excused	11/09/2009
Akeem Jordan	knee	11/10/2009
Brian Westbrook	ankle	11/09/2009
Quintin Demps	ankle	11/09/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Shawn Andrews	back	09/15/2009
Stewart Bradley	knee	09/01/2009
Omar Gaither	foot	10/22/2009
Cornelius Ingram	knee	09/01/2009
Fenuki Tupou	chest	09/05/2009

State of the AFC West Week 8

Sam (sdsuaztec4) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:59:14 -0000

Good afternoon BFTBers, it's your old pal 'tec. We have 3 of the 4 AFC West teams in action during week 8, including the one inter-division game between the Raiders and our Chargers. The Chiefs had their bye this week, and the Broncos traveled to the east coast to take on Joe Flacco and the Ravens. Of course, we beat the Raiders 24-16, the Chiefs managed not to lose during their bye, and the Broncos are undefeated no more as the Ravens solved the Broncos enigma with a 30-7 beat-down. Let's take a look at the current standings.

AFC West Standings

	W	L	PF	PA
Denver	6	1	140	96
San Diego	4	3	185	159
Oakland	2	6	78	201
Kansas City	1	6	105	181

(updated 11.3.2009 at 1:44 AM PST)

The Chargers are now 2 games back of the Broncos with 9 game to go. As we know, the remaining schedules for both teams favors the Chargers in terms of difficulty. The Chargers are 3-1 in division games (the one loss vs. Broncos) with 2 division games left (vs. Chiefs and @ Broncos). We travel to New York this week to face the Giants. The Broncos are 2-0 in division games with 4 left (vs. Chargers, @ Chiefs, vs. Chiefs, vs. Oakland). The Broncos stay at home to face the Steelers.

Read the rest after the hop!

Kansas City Chiefs: The Chiefs spent the week on their bye after a beat-down by the hands of the Bolts. Of course, it was a pretty eventful week after all thanks to Larry Johnsongate. This has to be a huge distraction for a team that has already had a tough year. The good thing is that there is nowhere to go but up and perhaps suspending Johnson might bring him to his senses and allow the team to come together. (I doubt it). He will be suspended one week. In former Chargers news, it appears that WR Chris Chambers, cut by the Chargers on Monday, was claimed by the Chiefs today. It looks like Chris will play one more game at Qualcomm Stadium this season. The Chiefs travel to face the Jaguars this week. Their next division game is week 10 at the Raiders.

Kansas City Chiefs Injuries

Probable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Branden Albert	ankle	11/02/2009

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Jon McGraw	undisclosed	11/02/2009
Lance Long	concussion	11/02/2009

Doubtful

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Rudy Niswanger	knee	11/02/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Devard Darling	knee	09/01/2009
Jackie Battle	shoulder	10/14/2009
Colin Brown	undisclosed	09/05/2009

Oakland Raiders: The Raiders are another terrible team with additional off the field issues, with ESPN's OTL reporting Head Coach Tom Cable's past nefarious exploits with his lady friends. It is up to the emperor of the Raiders Al Davis, whether he stays or goes, but the Raiders say they will be investigating the allegations. We will have to wait and see how much longer Cable lasts and continue the coaching carousel by the bay. Meanwhile, the actual football team (and I use the term lightly), is taking their bye this week. It is a good time for the team to rest up, as we saw last week they had major injuries, including Robert Gallery who is a big part of their offensive line. WR Chaz Schilens also remains out. It's not like it matters much, since nobody is watching the games; mostly because the poor attendance at the games are creating local blackouts. The Raiders next division game is week 10 vs. the Chiefs. Look at that injury list! Who do they think they are, the Chargers?

Oakland Raiders Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Cornell Green	calf	11/02/2009
Tony Stewart	chest	11/02/2009
Gerard Warren	toe	11/02/2009
Jon Alston	shoulder	11/02/2009
Ricky Brown	ankle	11/02/2009
Robert Gallery	fibula	11/02/2009
Tommy Kelly	elbow	11/02/2009
Chris Johnson	groin	11/02/2009
Chaz Schilens	foot	11/02/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
John Bowie	knee	09/30/2009
Oren O'Neal	ankle	10/14/2009

Denver Broncos: After a 6-0 start, the Broncos are undefeated no more after a 30-7 road loss to the Baltimore Ravens. The Broncos will face another tough team this week, a MNF meeting with the Steelers at home. The Ravens seemed to solve the mystery of beating the Broncos, so we should look at this game in preparing for our second match-up with the Broncos. The Broncos special teams continued to struggle, allowing another kick-off for a touchdown, but we already knew that was a weakness. The Ravens were able to pressure Kyle Orton early, and apparently that threw him off of his game, which spread to the rest of the team. The Broncos seemed to be off all day, not executing like they had been in the rest of their games. The Broncos crossed over into Baltimore territory only 3 times all game, and got into the red-zone only once. The Denver defense is good, but not that good, and eventually they are going to get scored on. The key seems to be being able to disrupt the offense which starts with pressuring the QB. Orton isn't going to make many mistakes, but he's not a world beater either. With the Broncos D giving up 30 points on Sunday, the Colts take over as the best defense in football. The Broncos next division game is week 11 at home vs. the Chargers. The Broncos remain ridiculously healthy.

Denver Broncos Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Renaldo Hill	leg	11/03/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Nick Greisen	knee	08/05/2009
J'Vonne Parker	knee	08/08/2009

San Diego Chargers: First of all, apparently LB James Holt has been promoted from the practice squad. Now, you're going to have to find out from someone else who that is, because I have no idea. Maybe that Sliderockmpc guy, he seems to be pretty sharp. Anyhow, we all know that the Chargers front office pulled off yet another team shakeup, releasing Chis Chambers, who has already been picked up within the division by the Chiefs. These shakeups seem to be working, notwithstanding a closer than expected victory over the Raiders. Like Coach Hoke says, there are no good losses and there are no bad wins. Let's focus on our game this weekend in New Jersey. I bet there's probably at least one person that didn't know we were playing in New Jersey on Sunday. Over their three losses in a row, I've seen two big things about the Giants. First, Eli is still being bothered by his foot, in which he has plantar fasciitis. From what I know, this is not an injury that one gets over easily. Padre fans know that Kyle Blanks got it and was forced to sit out the last part of the season. Eli has been more inaccurate than usual because of the injury, which has been compounded by the fact that the Giants have been unable to get a running game going during the losing streak. Second, the Giants running defense has struggled, especially with runners up the middle. I posted a stat earlier in the week, but during the losing streak the Giants have allowed something like 7.6 YPC up the middle. Unfortunately, both of these weaknesses don't exactly translate to the Chargers strengths. We also have struggled this year with running offense and defense. On the bright side, at least I think LT has shown some substantial progress lately, and Shawne and Shaun also seem to be about to step up their game in a serious way. The Chargers next division game is week 10 at the Broncos. Tim Dobbins is going to be out a few weeks, maybe he'll come back the same time as Nick Hardwick. I'm hoping Kevin Burnett is healthy enough to play on Sunday, but I haven't heard anything.

San Diego Chargers Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Tim Dobbins	knee	11/02/2009
Nick Hardwick	ankle	11/02/2009

Doubtful

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Kevin Burnett	ankle	11/02/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Ryon Bingham	arm	09/05/2009
Jamal Williams	triceps	09/19/2009
Antwan Applewhite	hamstring	10/20/2009
Brandon Hughes	knee	09/02/2009

GO CHARGERS!

Poll

Can the Chargers come back and win the division?

Yes

482 votes

No

155 votes

637 votes | Poll has closed

Chargers vs. Raiders Injury Report

John (obviousman) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 20:27:07 -0000

Chargers

Out

Nick Hardwick (Ankle)

Doubtful

Kevin Burnett (Ankle)

Questionable

Ogemdi Nwagbuo (Ankle)

Probable

Shawne Merriman (Foot)

Travis Johnson (Groin)

Mike Scifres (Groin)

Raiders

Out

Ricky Brown (Ankle)

Cornell Green (Calf)

Darren McFadden (Knee)

Nick Miller (Shin)

Doubtful

Chaz Schilens (Foot)

Questionable

Greg Ellis (Knee)

Robert Gallery (Fibula)

Tony Stewart (Chest)

Bruce Gradkowski (Illness)

Probable

Chris Johnson (Groin)

Louis Murphy (Hip)

Gerard Warren (Ribs)

State of the AFC West

Sam (sdsuaztec4) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:57:09 -0000

Hello Bolts From The Bluers. Most of you know me as " 'tec". Now, apparently, I have a real name that appears next to my previous anonymous user-name. Incidentally, good news everyone!

I had the idea to do a weekly write-up on the state of our conference. For those that don't know, the Chargers play in the AFC West. This division consists of the San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Oakland Raiders, and Denver Broncos. What I will be doing is updating everyone on the status of the division: standings, notable good and bad performances, significant injuries, upcoming match-ups, etc. I'm just going to give it a go the first time around; everyone should add suggestions in the comment field below to make this better since site is for the fans!

Catch the rest AFTER THE JUMP!

AFC West Standings

	W	L	PF	PA
Denver	6	0	133	66
San Diego	3	3	161	143
Oakland	2	5	62	177
Kansas City	1	6	105	181

(updated 10.27.2009 at 1:30 AM PDT)

As we all painfully know, Denver is leading the division at 6-0 while the Chargers are trailing behind in second at 3-3, which is 3 games back. With 10 games to go, and both teams done with their bye, there is still significant time left for the Chargers to catchup. Of course, we all know that we came back from 3 games down with 3 games to go last season, so anything is possible. Oakland is only 4 games back and Kansas City is only 5 games back, but nobody expects them to make any noise in the division. (Sorry AP don't ban me).

DENVER BRONCOS

The Broncos were on a bye this week so there isn't much to say except that, if it is even possible, they got even healthier. The Broncos currently have no players on the injury report for their upcoming game against the Ravens. The only downside to their bye is that their schedule get's much tougher from here on out. 5 of their next 7 games are against tough opponents: @Baltimore, vs. Steelers, @Washigton, vs. San Diego, vs. New York, @KC, and @Indianapolis. That is a tough schedule for any team to play, regardless of how well they are playing. It will be tough to get out of that stretch with a winning record and a healthy roster. The Chargers, on the other hand, have a much easier schedule. Here is a look at the Broncos' injury report.

Denver Broncos Injuries

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Nick Greisen	knee	08/05/2009

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Another team's recent exploits that Charger fans are familiar with is the Kansas City Chiefs. As we saw, the Chiefs aren't doing anything well. Things aren't clicking on offense or defense. Matt Cassel isn't panning out so far to what the Chiefs had hoped; the argument could be made that the players around him aren't very good, but his play isn't helping matters. It appears as if he is the "system QB" that everyone thought he was, surrounded by excellent players. Only time will tell. The running game, with Jamaal Charles and Larry Johnson, isn't doing much either. Add in the "twittergate" message from Johnson criticizing his coach, who knows how much longer he'll be around. This is compounded by injuries to the offensive line. The Chiefs only scored once on Sunday, to WR Dwayne Bowe, the only bright spot on the team it seems. Center Rudy Niswanger was injured during our game last Sunday and looks to be out for week 9. Left tackle Branden Albert had to sit out the game against the Chargers as well. The good thing is, the Chiefs are on a bye this week, so they will have time to rest and heal up. The bad news is, they still have 9 games to play.

Kansas City Chiefs Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Rudy Niswanger	knee	10/26/2009
Jarrad Page	shoulder	10/26/2009
Branden Albert	ankle	10/26/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Devard Darling	knee	09/01/2009
Jackie Battle	shoulder	10/14/2009
Colin Brown	undisclosed	09/05/2009

OAKLAND RAIDERS

The losers of 11 or more games over the past 6 seasons look like they will continue that streak. The Raiders can look decent one game and then look like absolute crap the next. Their game on Sunday represented one of the later. The Raiders got pasted 38-0 playing at home against the New York Jets in a game that was blacked out because they failed to sell out the game. Raiders fans are usually pretty loyal, so it says a lot that the Raiders are so bad that even Raider fans can't watch them. Most of this has to do with the horrific play of former first round draft pick Jamarcus Russell. In fact, he played so poorly in the first half of the game (2 INTs and a lost fumble), he was benched and replaced by journeyman Bruce Gradkowski. Speaking of first round picks, brilliant selection Darrius Heyward-Bey continued his ho-hum season with 2 catches for 28 yards. It isn't pretty on the defensive side of the ball either; the Raiders gave up 447 yards of offense including a whopping 316 yards on the ground. Chaz Schilens, a SDSU product WR whom the Raiders had high hopes for, has been sidelined the whole season, while other injuries to the offensive line have weakened the run offense. However, the Raiders problems run much deeper than injuries, as it is painfully obvious to everyone in the NFL except for a few lone stragglers.

Oakland Raiders Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Cornell Green	calf	10/26/2009
Ricky Brown	ankle	10/26/2009
Chaz Schilens	foot	10/26/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
John Bowie	knee	09/30/2009

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

I don't need to rehash anything about the Chargers so I will focus on our next division match-up which is of course the Oakland Raiders, this Sunday, at Qualcomm stadium. Of the aforementioned games where the Raiders looked decent, the Chargers game on MNF to open the season was one of them. The Raiders played us tough on both sides of the ball which resulted in numerous Charger injuries and a close call in Oakland. Fortunately, I don't think our 13th straight win over the Raiders will be as tough as the 12th. For one, the Raiders always play us tough at home and struggle at Qualcomm. Second, LT and Sproles are both healthy and the Raiders run defense is struggling mightily. The Chargers are going to continue to use the run game, especially since the Raiders have a decent secondary. Third, I don't think the Raiders will play with the same intensity they did the first time around. This team has been beaten down all season, gotten pushed around at home and on the road, and are coming off the Jets game in which they scored zero points and their starting QB was benched. Additionally, the Charger pass rush and defensive line play has looked much improved over the last two games. Raiders coach Tom Cable has said that Jamarcus Russell will start on Sunday; he is terribly inaccurate with all day in the pocket, if the Chargers put pressure on him I expect a game similar to the one Matt Cassel managed against us last Sunday. For the first time in awhile, the Chargers are mostly healthy except for All-Pro center Nick Hardwick, who is expected back in December.

San Diego Chargers Injuries

Questionable

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Kevin Burnett	ankle	10/27/2009
Buster Davis	other-illness	10/26/2009
Vaughn Martin	hamstring	10/26/2009

Out (IR / Out / Suspended / Physically unvailable)

Player	Injury Type	Injury Date
Ryon Bingham	arm	09/05/2009
Jamal Williams	triceps	09/19/2009
Antwan Applewhite	hamstring	10/20/2009
Brandon Hughes	knee	09/02/2009

New York Jets Pass Offense vs. Oakland Raiders Pass Defense

John B — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:30 -0000

by Kathy Willens - AP

View full size photo »

After Mark Sanchez's meltdown last week, the Jets are going to try and run it a lot on the 28th ranked run defense. When they do throw it, though, somebody who has been quiet this year is going to need to step up. Jerricho Cotchery's status is up in the air. If he can't go, Braylon Edwards will have to deal all day with Nnamdi Asomugha. Aside from Darrelle Revis, there is no better corner in football. (Some might argue Asomugha is better than Revis, but you won't find any of those people residing on this site). There's a good chance the Raiders are going to be able to totally take Edwards away. Asomugha literally takes away half the field. Nobody ever throws the football near him.

That means Dustin Keller needs to step up and finally deliver a big game. Arguably no Jet has been more disappointing this season. He's got an edge in athleticism on Thomas Howard, Kirk Morrison, and Jon Alston, Oakland's linebackers (Alston may start for injured Ricky Brown).

David Clowney needs stretch the field. You can bet your life the Raiders are going to move safeties Tyvon Branch and Hiram Eugene down into the box and force a struggling rookie quarterback to beat them. He's fast enough to win one on one matchups with Chris Johnson if he can beat the physical corner's jams. It's time for him to pick up where he left off in Miami.

Also expect Leon Washington to play a major role in the passing game. Sanchez might be a bit gun shy after last week, and the coaching staff will probably want to give him safe calls, like getting the most explosive playmaker the ball in space.

Damien Woody's status is a concern. Oakland's defensive end rotation of Richard Seymour, Greg Ellis, Jay Richardson, and Trevor Scott have combined for 10 sacks this year. Is Woody healthy enough to play? Can he handle the rush? Can Robert Turner if Woody can't go? Can D'Brickashaw Ferguson handle Richard Seymour's finesse? The good news is the starting tackles for Oakland, Tommy Kelly and Gerard Warren, are easier to handle, which could allow the Jets to give Turner help. Lord knows the Jets don't want Sanchez pressured into bad decisions.

Open Thread: Give A Shout Out To Richard Seymour:

saint — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 17:36:30 -0000

I am opening up this thread in hopes that SOMEHOW it gets in front of Richard Seymour or someone who knows him. It is important that he hears from us, the fans, who will support him when he dons the Silver and Black.

So, I'll start:

Richard: I know that you have Burgess, Jordan, Walter and Moss in your ear about how terrible it is playing in Oakland...Well, here is a bit of background on those Four.

Moss played hard for us for 4 weeks, got injured, and then decided that he didn't want to play here anymore. Had he actually played for us the team would have won more than 2 games in 2006. Interestingly enough he was a fantastic role model in comparison to the other four.

Burgess was a Pro-Bowl player thanks to Al Davis claiming him off the scrap heap and giving him a nice contract. Once he became a Pro-Bowler he wanted more money and stopped playing because he felt like he was under-paid. Sound familiar?

Walter set records in the Pac-10 yet got injured and got burried on the depth chart and was terrible in his limited shots. Part of that was the O-Line, part of that was his slow feet.

Finally you have the cry baby Jordan, another player who was given a chance to be a star by Al Davis and he re-payed the organization by calling in hurt and sick. Just ask Warren Sapp about how much Jordan GAVE on the field.

In short, NONE of these players are Raiders. It is truly too bad because Randy and D-Burge could have been All-Timers.

Raiders don the Silver and Black and get the support of the entire Nation. If you think that "Patriot Nation" is great just wait until you feel the love of Raider Nation.

I know that Al Davis is willing to make you RICH and this team can build around your presence and return to the glory that has typified our existence.

Morrison, Howard, Ellis, Kelly and Nnamdi are as good as it gets at their positions. Tyvon, Mike Mitchell, Chris Johnson and Ricky Brown are each on the verge of becoming special in this League and all they need is a player like YOU to come in and open up some space for them to work. Imagine how many sacks you can have iin the 4-3 this year!?!?!

Do NOT let the haters interfere with the Greatness that you will achieve here.

Number 93 can be a number that is associated with the greatness of our team for the decades to come and all that is stopping this from happening is you getting your butt on a plane and helping us tear down the Chargers on Monday Night. Do NOT run from greatness due to fear, embrace it...Become it!!!

49ers-Raiders joint practice getting feisty

Fooch — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 01:09:17 -0000

More photos » by Marcio Jose Sanchez - AP

4 months ago: San Francisco 49ers running backs coach Tom Rathman, right, tries to contain running back Kory Sheets, center, as he tussles with Oakland Raiders linebacker David Nixon during a joint NFL football training camp in Napa, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009.(AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

Browse more photos »

The 49ers and Raiders met up today in the first of two days worth of joint practices and things quickly got a little feisty. As this picture shows, Rathman was involved in breaking up some skirmishes. In looking over the two practice recaps (Maiocco and Barrows), I love the fact that Frank Gore was getting especially feisty. You know he had some energy to unleash after being held out last Friday. This was his first opportunity to run over an opposing team's defense and he seemed to really enjoy it:

Barrows: The biggest hit of training camp was delivered today. But it didn't come in a team situation between the Raiders and 49ers and it wasn't given by defensive player. Instead, the blow came courtesy of Frank Gore during a pass-blocking drill when he absolutely leveled Ricky Brown, an outside linebacker and one of the better pass rushers on the Raiders. Gore, who's about 5-9, 215 pounds, put the 6-2, 235-pound Brown on his back.

According to various sources, Gore stood over Brown and glared at him after the play. I've posted Coach Singletary's post-practice press conference transcript but he specifically spoke about Gore's intensity and the warning he issued about fighting:

"I told Frank that I was going to put him on the bus if he does that again, but he did a nice job. Frank is a guy that gets excited about what he’s doing and to me his heart, his emotion and his enthusiasm is what this game is all about."

Singletary did mention that while he warned them against fighting, there was no penalty for it (as there was for intra-team fighting previously). Either way, I'm glad to see this kind of passion and intensity at this point in the preseason.

Head Coach Mike Singletary
Post-Practice – 08-18-09
San Francisco 49ers

On what the team took out this morning practice:
"I thought that we got some good work out of it. I was hopeful for us to come out and really have a good opportunity to get some one-on-one work in, their offensive line against our defensive line, our offensive line against their defensive line and the same deal with our defensive backs. Just looking at the match ups and I thought that we got some good work in."

On where he keeps watch during practice:
"Everywhere. I just try and stay focused on all of the things that I can. They are certain things that are more important to me than others and I have to [look at] the other things. My eyes are everywhere."

On what’s important to him during these practice sessions:
"Well, the trenches are always very important. The defensive line and offensive line because I think that’s where it starts. And of course the quarterbacks, but we just have to continue to focus on those things until we get them where we need to get them."

On the amount of work it takes to coordinate a practice session between the 49ers and the Oakland Raiders:
"Actually, it was done relatively easy. We talked to his coordinators; I talked to our coordinators and just got a feel for what they needed. We threw out a format that looked pretty easy we both said ‘hey, that looks good. We can have nine-on-seven; we can have our backs go against the linebackers. We can do this,’ and then boom, it was done."

On 49ers running back Frank Gore’s intensity during running back/linebacker drills:
"I told Frank that I was going to put him on the bus if he does that again, but he did a nice job. Frank is a guy that gets excited about what he’s doing and to me his heart, his emotion and his enthusiasm is what this game is all about."

On whether or not he talked to his players about fighting during the practices:
"Yes, I did."

On what his message was concerning fighting during the practices:
"Don’t."

On what was the penalty to the players for fighting:
"There is no penalty and there will be no penalty. But, this morning I did not want them to fight."

On whether he was pleased with the morning practice session went smoothly with no skirmishes:
"I am. I cannot guarantee that it will stay that way, but for this morning I needed to see that. I wanted us to understand in our progression of what we are doing that we didn’t come here to fight. We didn’t come here for all the other things. We’ve got too much work to do. We’re not good enough for that, but at the same time our guys will take care of themselves and they will respond. I gave them permission to make sure that they did take care of themselves and each other."

On whether planning for a scrimmage against the Raiders takes more time for his staff:
"Not at all. You just put it together and let’s go."

On if there is anything to take into account when going up against the Raiders:
"You come up here, you stay in a hotel, you’ve got to change a little differently, you’ve got to catch the bus over here, some guys walk. You’ve got a lot of things going on, but that’s a part of who we are – just get over it and let’s go."

On his assessment of Glen Coffee during morning practice:
"Not bad, he kept getting right back up there, he won some, lost some. Frank was exceptional. Coffee didn’t do a bad job. The thing that I love about him is his heart. He gets out there and he’s going to do it until he gets it right."

On critiquing Frank Gore during the running backs/linebacker drill:
"He was exceptional."

On why Singletary threatened to put him on the bus:
"I was kidding. I just wanted him to know that I thought he did a great job but that is a running back and I was like ‘okay now, I don’t want you out here getting hurt’ but he gets into it."

On whether he was pushing the line for what is acceptable emotionally on the field:
"No, if you have emotion, do it. I think you misunderstood what I was saying. I love the emotion. I love the enthusiasm. That’s the game, that’s passion. If I told him to stop doing that, he couldn’t, but I just told him, ‘I want you to watch yourself, don’t overdo it over here.’ In a good way, I was pulling him back."

On whether his enthusiasm had anything to do with him not playing on Friday:
"It could be, but to me I just think that’s who Frank is. He’s a competitor and everything that he does, he does it with his heart and that really is the thing that I think sets him apart."

On his impressions on Brit Miller since he’s been in camp:
"I knew him very little before camp and I know him just a little bit better now. But, he’s a guy that knew what he was coming in and he’s just a guy that is really going to work hard and he’s going to try to learn all the things that he needs to learn on the on the go. He’s going to spend all the time that he can with Coach Rathman, getting better in all the little small techniques, those kinds of things, so I think he’ll be fine. I think he’ll continue to make progress and get better."

On whether a player scoring two touchdowns forces him to give that player more opportunities:
"No, it doesn’t force anything. I think it’s just one of those things where he made some plays and I think you want to reward a guy when he does things like that. You want to try and see if he can take it to the next level. How much better can he get? So therefore, you give him the opportunity."

On whether Frank Gore is going to play on Saturday:
"Not determined yet."

On whether coming out to play with the Raiders is business as usual:
"Every day that we come out, nothing is ever business as usual. For us, the whole reason we feel so thankful for the opportunity to come out here, is just an opportunity to get better, an opportunity to work against another team that is very talented and so I’m very thankful for that. For us, I think our guys are excited about the opportunity and we are going to practice hard today. We are going to practice hard this afternoon, we are going to practice hard tomorrow morning and we’ll practice hard tomorrow afternoon and we are going to play hard on Saturday. That is what we are going to do."

On whether he gets more out of these two days with the Raiders rather than on Saturday night:
"Well, we see a lot. Right now, on the 1-on-1s, you get a chance to see the guys – they’re a little bit more exposed. You get a chance to see what they can do. There are a lot of talented teams, but talent can only take you so far and the thing that I want us to strive for, is being the best team in the league and that takes a lot because there are a lot of great teams out there. We want to be the best team in the league and that takes a lot of detail, a lot of getting the small things right. So, as you can see, we’ve got a lot of work to do."

On what his pass rush showed him in the practice today:
"I think the biggest thing is Saturday night. It’s one thing when it’s out here. We know what our guys can do and we know that they can pass rush. It’s just a matter of getting it in the game and putting it together at game speed. That will really make the difference."

Weekly Raider Issue #8

KA1Z3R — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:24:41 -0000

via www.backgroundhq.com

Greetings Raiders faithful, and welcome to the special training camp edition of the Weekly Raider. Today we look at a player I believe needs to have a good showing in camp, of course random thoughts, and finally the featured fan. Enjoy and let's get ready for training camp.

-Weekly Raider: LB #55 Jon Alston-

via www.raiders.com

Jon Alston, a name that appeared frequently during minicamps and OTA, is a man on a mission. What's his mission? To solve the Raiders long-standing problem at strongside linebacker.

Previously a special teams stud, Alston has been putting on a show as the starting strongside linebacker in minicamps and OTA and did a good job at it. Bulking up his once 225 frame to a nice 235 definitely shows he's committed to getting more playing time than the few starts he had late last season. Known for being a speedy defender on kick and punt returns, that speed hasn't been lost with his added weight.

In minicamps, he's been great in the passing game, though I heard very little of him in the running game. Hell, I heard little about the running game at all. Alston's abilities in the passing game could mean a lot for this Oakland defense. If he can become a consistently good cover linebacker, that could free up Howard and Morrison to blitz if Marshall's scheme will allow it. Thus creating more pressure, thus leading to sacks, bad throws, and even interceptions. With Alston's speed, maybe he can even be used to blitz.

But the big thing and the determining factor of whether or not his starting role in minicamps will become permanent, is how well can Alston fare against the run? He as a very solid tackler on special teams, but that doesn't really mean much since a receiver or defensive back is much different than a 220+ pound running back barreling towards you. In regards to the running game, I'd like to see Alston put on a few more pounds. As you can see by the picture, ten extra pounds won't make much of a difference. 235 is still small for a strongside linebacker and also makes him the smallest of the starting linebackers. If he could get to about 245, I'd be very satisfied. Even if he loses a little bit of his speed, we need him to stop running backs more than we need him to cover them.

What competition lays behind him at SLB? Former starter Ricky Brown and Sam Williams. Williams I believe is here purely for some rotation and special teams. Brown however presents problems for Alston. Like Alston, Brown was a great special teams player who started working for some playing time. And also much like Alston, he started in minicamps and training camp to become the starter at SLB. The similarities don't stop there. Both are in the lower 6' range, and both weigh in at 235.

At this point, I have difficulty spotting a difference between the two. In their respective playing times last year, both had low tackle numbers, both were mediocre against the pass, and neither could do damage in the running game. But if Alston's pass defense skills continue to show through in camp, he'll have the edge over Brown. If he can be halfway decent against the run, Alston's in as the starter.

Whether or not Alston's starting as our SLB is a good thing or not is still a mystery. Though we won't have to wait very long to solve it.

-Random Thoughts: Early Upcoming NFL Season Predictions-

Around this time of year, you know the downtime before camp, I like to make some predicitons on how team's seasons will go. Or at least for the AFC. I'm here now to share these. This goes out to fans of every team in the AFC, see where your team is predicted at by me.

AFC East:

1. Patriots (12-4)- Brady's back, Taylor gives them a good running game if Brady isn't his usual self. Defense is still formidable, though secondary is incredibly weak.

2. Dolphins (9-7)- I know they won't take anybody by surprise this year, but they still have a great running game, Pennington is still one of the NFL's most accurate QB's, and an already stout Fins D just got an upgraded secondary.

3. Bills (7-9)- T.O. makes the Bills a relevant team in the NFL, but not a contending one. Lynch is back and healthy, the defense is looking to be a pretty good one, but the offensive line suffered a major blow by getting rid of one of the top OT's in the league in Jason Peters.

4. Jets (7-9)- Expect a top-10 defense from the Jets this year. Good D-Line, amazing linebackers, top-10 secondary. Throw in the best defensive minded coach in Rex Ryan and this defense will be stellar. But with a rookie QB, no receivers outside of Cotchery, and a still aging Thomas Jones, the Jets offense will struggle.

AFC North:

1. Steelers (13-3)- Still the best team in the NFL. Great all-around but that offensive line is still mediocre at best. I question how many more hits a battered Roethlisberger can take.

2. Ravens WC (10-6)- The Ravens got worse this offseason, and significantly so. No real receiving threats not named Todd Heap, a Chris McAllister-less secondary, a weakened linebacker corps, and the loss of the best defensive mind in the NFL. They get to the playoffs purely because of their running game and run defense.

3. Bengals (6-10)- The Bengals had a great draft and suddenly everyone has them as a potential 8-8 team. I don't see it. The defense is getting really good, but Palmer has lost a lot of his edge with so many injuries, Chad Johnson (I refuse to call him Ochocinco) is no longer a great receiver, they don't have a good running game, and their O-Line now revolves around a rookie OT who's better fit for the right side than the left.

4. Browns (2-14)- You're looking at your #1 picking team. How an already bad team makes themselves so significantly worse is beyond me.They lost two good linebackers from an already bad run defense (McGinest and Davis), they got rid of a top-10 TE, they didn't do anything to help a very old and battered Jamal Lewis, both Stallworth and Jurevicius are gone, they failed to get any receivers leaving Edwards the lone threat, so on and so forth. This team is so amazingly terrible, that if it wasn't for a great offensive line, I'd say they could go 0-16.

AFC South:

1. Colts (13-3)- The Colts are going to be an amazing team this year. Though Harrison's gone, Gonzales now gets his chance to shine, and shine he will. Their D-Line looks much improved with Moala and a highly acclaimed run stopping DT in Terrance Taylor added in the draft alongside two elite DE's. Brown and Addai look to be a good running back tandem as well that might actually give Indy a decent running offense. The weak linebacking corps is the only weakness to the Colts

2. Titans WC (11-5)- Despite the loss of Haynesworth, the Titans will still have an amazing defense. With the best safety tandem in the NFL, top-flight corner tandem, and an elite group of linebackers, Tennessee is still a top-10 D. The running game is still superb and is running behind a top-10 offensive line. With a much improved receiving corps, don't be surprised to see the Titans and Colts switch places.

3. Texans (8-8)- I have a hard time finding a reason why this team won't have a winning season, but two major problems stand in their way. Schaub's injury problem, and the secondary. Schaub can never stay healthy and when he's out the team struggles big time. Then there's the secondary. The only bright psot is Robinson, and one man a secondary does not make.

4. Jaguars (4-12)- The Jaguars got a much better offensivel ine, but they lost a key linebacker in Peterson and I have major doubts that Jones-Drew can carry the full workload for a run heavy Jags team. Still not receivers.

AFC West:

1. Chargers (10-6)- Good running back tandem, great passing game, great O-Line, outstanding defense though a questionable secondary. Norv Turner keeps them from being a 12-4 team.

2. Raiders (7-9)- Great running game, still questionable passing game and O-Line. Worst DT tandem in the NFL. Great pass defendng but not run stopping LB. Possibly the best corner trio in the league. Safety still questionable.

3. Broncos (5-11)- Way to many changes for this team to get everything right in one year. Next year they could be dangerous though.

4. Chiefs (2-14)- Exact same as Broncos except they have a much worse roster.

-Featured Fan: Saint-

via lazylaces.brinkster.net

Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders - The Edge

John Bena — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 13:34:03 -0000

For a look at the game from the Raiders view, check out SilverandBlackPride

2007 OFFENSE

Category	Broncos	Raiders
Points Scored	20.0 (21st)	17.7 (23rd)
Passing	224.0 (13th)	164.4 (31st)
Rushing	122.3 (9th)	130.4 (6th)
Total Offense (yards)	346.3 (11th)	294.8 (25th)

2007 DEFENSE

Category	Broncos	Raiders
Points Scored	25.6 (28th)	24.9 (26th)
Passing	193.4 (7th)	195.8 (8th)
Rushing	142.6 (30th)	145.9 (31st)
Total Defense (yards)	336.0 (19th)	341.6 (22nd)

Welcome to a Week 1 edition of The Edge, MileHighReport's in-depth look at this week's Broncos game. Each week I'll take a look at the rosters and give my thoughts on which team had the advantage in each area. I'll then give my official prediction. As always, I look forward to your feedback.

Enough talk, it's Broncos/Raiders. Who has "The Edge"?

	Quarterback Perhaps the biggest difference between the two teams is right at the top, quarterback. Jay Cutler looks primed to have a great season after a pre-season in which the 3rd year signal caller was often dominant. Cutler led the Broncos to scores in 6/10 pre-season possessions and looks like he will take that next step up the ladder of quarterbacks in the AFC. The one thing Cutler hasn't done in his short career is play well against the Raiders, throwing just 1 TD while tossing 4 interceptions. Turnovers are the one thing that can keep the Raiders around, so Cutler will have to protect the football. The Raiders, on the other hand, are handing the reigns to JaMarcus Russell, who is essentially a rookie. He missed all of training camp last year and started one game. He hasn't looked good at any point and there will be pressure on him tonight to make something happen. I like Cutler in this matchup, both from a physical talent level, and a mental level. Russell will make some mistakes, it is up to the Broncos to take advantage.
	Running Back This pick may surprise some of you. The Broncos have always had a solid running game and the Raiders have simply been awful for half a decade. A look at the numbers, however, show the Raiders are the better running team, and the addition of Darren McFadden could make them even stronger. The Raiders were 6th in the NFL last season in rushing yards per game, and with Russell learning on the job the Raiders are going to lean heavily on their 3-headed monster of Justin Fargas, Michael Bush and McFadden. Don't sleep on Bush, either. He is a 1st round talent that slid due to an injury. The Raiders actually did the right thing by giving Bush all of 2007 to get healthy. As for the Broncos, questions abound on the ground. Can Selvin Young be "the man"? Can Andre Hall be the tough runner the Broncos need, especially in the Red Zone? The Raiders were awful against the run last year, and nothing takes a crowd out of the game like a dominant running game that takes the air out of the ball. At this point in the season, the Raiders have more talent in their backfield, but the Broncos do a better job getting it done.
	Receiver Without Brandon Marshall, the Broncos receiving corp is merely average, but even so the Raiders receiving corp is just plain bad. Javon Walker is still questionable for the game, though all indications are he will play, but lets be honest, Walker is a headcase. The Raiders may be forced to play the recently signed Ashley Lelie as well and we know all too well what he brings, or doesn't bring more like it. Ronald Curry is a nice #3, but he isn't a consistent threat, and again, a receiver is only as good as the guy throwing them the ball, and with a bunch of "me first" guys in the huddle life is going to be tough for JaMarcus Russell. The Broncos, even without Marshall, have Cutler throwing the ball, and while there isn't any "star factor" at receiver the Broncos do have guys that can get it done. Look for the two vets, Brandon Stokley and Darrell Jackson, to get involved early. I felt the Broncos did a great job of protecting them during the pre-season from any unnecessary wear and tear. Eddie Royal gets his first shot as well, but my expectations are reserved for rookie wide receivers. Any production we get from Royal tonight will be a bonus. The Broncos are going into the game with only 4 receivers, so the running game is going to be the focus, but I still like the Broncos group as a whole over a bunch of individuals in Oakland
	Offensive Line The Broncos, even without Center Tom Nalen, have the advantage. Having allowed only 1 sack this pre-season, the offensive line, though young, has proven to be talented and once again should provide Jay Cutler time to throw, and Broncos running backs lanes to run. The regular season is a different beast, however, and the biggest concern with youth, in my opinion, are penalties. On the road, in a hostile environment, procedure and holding penalties can be drive killers. If Ryan Harris, Ryan Clady and Chris Kuper can avoid those types of mistakes, the Broncos will be ok. As for the Raiders, issues abound along the O-Line. Robert Gallery has become a full-fledged bust, and the Raiders brought in Kwame Harris from San Francisco and he has looked bad. The Raiders also start two Broncos cast offs - Cornell Green and Cooper Carlisle -- advantage Broncos.
	Defensive Line Neither team was good against the run last year, and both have a one-dimensional pass rush - Derrick Burgess for the Raiders, Elvis Dumervil for the Broncos. After that, there are questions marks. I do like the addition of DeWayne Robertson to the Broncos d-line, though I can't give the Broncos the edge without seeing 60 minutes of how the Broncos are going to use him. Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder must also play better than what we saw during the preseason. For the Raiders, Gerard Warren played well in spells last season, especially against the Broncos, and Tommy Kelly was rewarded with a big contract, and the pressure that goes with it. Tonight's game may well be won or lost by which one of these units steps up and makes plays.
	Linebacker The Broncos biggest advantage may be at linebacker, where D.J. Williams, Nate Webster and Boss Bailey are primed to begin what is hoped to be a solid season. Williams, fresh of signing his new deal, is ready to dominate, back on the Weakside where he belongs. Webster plays with a lot of emotion, which serves him well, but he'll need to keep it in check and make sure he maintains his discipline, especially against the Raiders running game. Boss Bailey should improve the run defense as well, and has the size and strength to get physical with Raiders' linemen and tight ends. The Raiders don't have alot of depth at linebacker, but that doesn't mean they aren't talented. Ricky Brown takes over on the strong side, and Kirk Morrison is underrated in the middle. Thomas Howard is on of the best in the AFC, and his 6 interceptions/ 2TDs last year prove that Jay Cutler will need to know where #53 is at all times.
	Secondary Both teams have strong secondaries, but I give the slight edge to the Broncos. Starting with Oakland, Nnamdi Asomugha has developed into a solid cover-corner heading into his 6th season. Teams learned in 2006, when Asomugha picked off 8 passes, to be leary of throwing the football his way, as evidenced by the 1 interception in 2008. On the other side, DeAngelo Hall comes in, and while there is no doubting his talent, Hall's attitude and knack for trying for the big play have been a detriment to his career. The Broncos will likely attack Hall early and often looking to get into Halls head. He is prone to get called for penalties and will bite on play-action/pump fakes. At safety, Free Safety Michael Huff moves over to his more natural position with the acquisition of former Giant Gibril Wilson. I have questions about both, especially Wilson, who benefited from an incredible Giants pass-rush last season. For the Broncos, it starts with Champ Bailey who is still the best in the game. I would doubt the Raiders will take many chances on Champ's side making his impact greater than that of the Asomugha or Hall. Dre Bly is on the other side, and while I am concerned with Bly matching up against any of the Raiders' receivers, he does have a nose for the football and isn't afraid of taking a chance. The Broncos are alot stronger at safety, with Marlon McCree and Marquand Manual, and as a unit plays alot better against the pass and run than the Raiders unit.
	Special Teams I hate to say it, but the Raiders do have a significant advantage on Special Teams. Shane Lechler is one of the best in the NFL, both in terms of sheer power and touch, pinning teams deep with angled punts. Sebastian Janikowski is what he is, but I would much rather have a guy with the powerful leg than not. The Raiders will also have an interesting return game with McFadden and Hall. For the Broncos, there are just too many questions marks. Matt Prater and Brett Kern are, for all intents and purposes, starting their first regular season game, and the Broncos return game will take a bit because Eddie Royal is needed in the pass game. Special Team can be a great equalizer, and the Broncos have had their issues in return coverage in the past. They'll have to be careful not to allow the Raiders control field position through the kicking and return game.

FINAL PREDICTION: Denver Broncos 24 - Oakland Raiders 13.
One thing about tonight's game that is getting very little attention is field conditions. With the A's still playing something that resembles baseball, the infield dirt comes into play. That could become a factor should either team need to kick a field goal off of it and it can also play into footing. Trying to cover receivers who know where they are going in dirt could become problematic. Weather doesn't look to be a factor(see below), so it should just be dirt, but something worth keeping your eyes on.

As for the game itself, this is a quarterback League. Ask the patriots. In games where the teams appear to be pretty even, like this one, I'll take the better quarterback, and Jay Cutler is a much better quarterback, despite what Raiders fans will try and tell you. Cutler is 100% healthy and he knows this offense. JaMarcus Russell is still trying to learn and hasn't looked good at all during the pre-season. Add to that a patchwork receiving corp and the Raiders offense is going to have to lean heavily on a talented running game. There is no way the Broncos will let the Raiders beat them on the ground. Look for the Broncos to sell-out to stop the run, forcing the game into Russell's hands. That will lead to mistakes and turnover opportunities. The Broncos, like the Raiders, will run the ball early and often as well, but the difference is Cutler can and will make plays when he needs to. Broncos get off to a huge start and finish the night in sole possession of first place in the AFC West.

Oh, please take a moment to "BUZZ UP" the post at the top of the page. Thanks!

GO BRONCOS!

TONIGHT'S WEATHER --