Raiders at Denver: Game Preview

Game 2 Preview
OAKLAND RAIDERS (0-1, T-3, AFC WEST) AT DENVER BRONCOS (1-0, T-1, AFC WEST)

OVERVIEW: While Josh McCown provided the Raiders with an offensive spark they haven’t seen since the Rich Gannon days, his turnovers probably cost the team the win. For better or worse, McCown will likely be unavailable when the Raiders face their most hated enemies in Denver. While the Raiders own a 55-38-2 record against the Broncos, Denver has won 7 of the past 8 against the Raiders. The sole Raiders win was a one-point victory. It is safe to say that Denver has owned the Raiders of late.

QUARTERBACK: The games have only begun. Look for the Raiders and Browns to compete to see who can say the most unimaginative excuses for personnel moves at the QB spot. Cleveland has the advantage at present, but the benching of McCown with an injured finger for Daunte Culpepper, the fan favorite, is a close second. JaMarcus Russell has signed to make more money than most NFL players will ever see, but he’s about as close as I am to being NFL ready. So it’s the Daunte Culpepper show for the next few weeks in all likelihood.
Daunte Culpepper 21 completions, 30 attempts, 222 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT

RUNNING BACK: It was the LaMont Jordan of old who picked up 159 yards of offense, scored a TD, and was targeted frequently as a pass receiver. Fargas also chipped in a bit, but look for Jordan to continue to be the workhorse until Dominic Rhodes returns to action.
LaMont Jordan: 17 carries, 63 yards. .5 TD (40% chance of a score) as well as 4 grabs for 36 yards

RECEIVERS: Ronald Curry lit it up while several other receivers got into the mix in one of Oakland’s most impressive aerial displays in years. I think Curry is the man on this team, but Porter will get some looks this week. Jordan will be targeted steadily, but look for Zach Miller to get some more looks as well.
Ronald Curry: 6 receptions, 80 yards, .5 TD
Jerry Porter: 3 receptions, 33 yards
Zach Miller: 3 receptions, 27 yards

SPECIAL TEAMS: I take it back. Lechler was amazing, but Janikowski was atrocious. Higgins was bad and Carr was unimpressive. The Raiders should turn it around today just because none of their special teams players are as bad as they played. Denver’s coverage teams gave up big plays (a 48 yard kickoff return and a 74-yard TD on a punt return) so look for Higgins, perhaps, to make his move.

DEFENSE: The Raiders were unable to get much pressure on Kitna, who, although he was sacked twice, lost just five yards on those sacks and completed 75% of his passes. Cutler does not have the mobility of a John Kitna so Oakland must capitalize. Look for the secondary to be tested and Denver is always skilled at pounding the ball on the ground. A real test for Oakland. Holding Denver below 300 yards and 21 points would be a success.
Defense: 1.3 INTs, 2 Sacks

PREDICTION: 13 wins for Oakland in their past 65 games. Denver has won 43 games over that stretch of time, including their dominant recent history against the Raiders. Playing in Denver, this would be an amazing upset if the Raiders could win it, but I do not believe they can. The offense will likely continue to turn it over and Denver will wear out Oakland’s defense.

Raiders 14
Broncos 27