September 27, 2008
San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders: TFDS Keys to the Game
The Raiders face an up-hill battle this week as they'll host the San Diego Chargers. The test has gotten tougher for the Raiders in recent days with the revelations of the Chargers health and their own lack of it. Justin Fargas, Seth Wand, and newly signed Ben Troupe are already expected to be on the inactive list and out of the game. Gerard Warren and Cooper Carlisle are listed as doubtful. Darren McFadden, Nnamdi Asomugha, and Stanford Routt are all listed as questionable. In total, the Raiders could be without five starters - six if you count Routt as the starting nickle back.
Patrick and I have already given you our predictions about the game, but here are the keys that the Oakland Raiders must accomplish if they are to get their first home win of the season.
- Key #1 - Do not allow the Chargers to have the run of the place : Ladanian Tomlinson is expected to be back and ready for his first good game of the year. If he's not ready, the Chargers have gained more and more confidence in Darren Sproles. This may be the first year that the Raiders will fear the Chargers back-up more than Tomlinson himself. Even though he only has 94 yards rushing, he ads the versatility of receiving by catching 4 passes for 111 yards. The numbers aren't all that impressive, but with L.T. getting most of the rushing attempts thus far, it makes for a good 1-2 punch. Being down your best defensive tackle won't help, but in this game it will be up to Tommy Kelly and Terdell Sands to prove that they've deserved their paydays.
- Key #2 - Run through (the) Rivers : The Chargers' quarterback has become one of the best in the game. How good? He leads the league in quarterback rating with a 124.8. That's 13.1 points higher than the next highest rating owned by Kurt Warner. He's achieved this rating with the amount of time he gets in the pocket - he's only been sacked twice this season. The Raiders must find a way to pressure him and make him pay for dropping back to pass. Even if they don't sack him, they need to be close so that they can lay a hit on him. Like any other quarterback except for maybe Brett Favre, the more you get to him the more rattled he'll become. He's also been known to let his emotions get the best of him so if the Raiders rattle him enough, they could alter how he plays when he does have time to throw.
- Key #3 - Take advantage of the big play opportunities on offense : The Chargers have not been able to get it together on defense so far this season. They've given up an average of 31.33 points per game and the only offensive juggernaut that they've faced was Denver. Carolina and the New York Jets still have yet to get their offenses going consistently, but they were able to score and gain yards against this defense. Down to only one running back being healthy, the Raiders and JaMarcus Russell need to victimize the 29th ranked defense in the league. With the 21st ranked offense in the league, that will be easier said than done. Russell is going to have to be accurate in his throws and routinely get protection from an offensive line that's only allowed four sacks.
- Key #4 - Prevent points without preventing another win : Last week, the game was in hand before the pass rush disappeared and the coverage evaporated. The Raiders, if they are successful, must continue doing what they've been doing throughout the game for 60 minutes. I've read a lot of excuses, from DeAngelo Hall's 'energy' excuse to Lane Kiffin's explanation for not throwing in the second half. Taking a cue from Occam's razor, "All other things being equal, the simplest solution is the best." In my opinion, the simplest solution is for the Raiders to maintain their dominance of the first three quarters and translate that to the fourth. Since their drubbing on opening night, the defense has let up only seven points in the first three quarters the past two games. That seven points came on the strength of a turnover putting the opposing offense in the red zone to start the drive.
- Key #5 - Be 'special' on special teams : Johnnie Lee Higgins, Shane Lechler, and Sebastian Janikowski were all excellent last week against the Bills. Their teammates were good as well. Except for only one return, where Jano had to push Roscoe Parrish out of bounds, the special teams made life difficult for the Bills by pinning them deep in their own territory. Against the Chargers, they'll need to do the same. Sproles ranks 7th on kick returns and 12th on punt returns in the league. The Raiders can't afford to give the Chargers good field position with Antonio Gates, L.T., Sproles, and Rivers on offense.
Last week, the Raiders came through on nearly all of the keys to the game and lost a heart-breaker to the Bills. If the Raiders want to avoid another loss, they'll have to come through on no less than four of the five keys listed here. The fewer keys that they accomplish will translate into the score of the game in the Chargers favor.
TFDS LIVE GAME BLOG
Please join us here for the TFDS live game blog on Sunday. All comments are moderated for the first half, with the most active posters granted full permission in the second. The only restriction we ask of the posters is that comments are kept to a PG-13 rating. Patrick and I will be on to give our takes throughout the game and discuss what's going on during the day's games. It all starts at 1pm PST and ends shortly after the game, where it can be continued in the comments section.
Discussion
24 Comments on "San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders: TFDS Keys to the Game"
#1
Posted by Rob Calonge, September 27, 2008 12:20 AM
Completely agree Darth Raider. You hit it right on the head.
#2
Posted by San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders: TFDS Keys to the Game - Oakland Raiders Forum, September 27, 2008 12:25 AM
[...] San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders: TFDS Keys to the Game The Raiders face an up-hill battle this week as they’ll host the San Diego Chargers. The test has gotten tougher for the Raiders in recent days with the revelations of the Chargers health and their own lack of it. Justin Fargas, Seth Wand, and newly signed Ben Troupe are already expected to be on the inactive list.... TFDS: San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders: TFDS Keys to the Game [...]
#3
Posted by SpokaneOakfan, September 27, 2008 12:51 AM
Who else thinks that we found the right use for JLH last week? Instead of run as fast as you can and I'll hit you at the 5, why not use him like Eddie Royal and Wes Welker- get him the ball short, let him utilize his speed on cuts, and if he gets away, watch him go. Pick a DB and tell Higgins to run him ragged.
I would love to see JaMarcus air it out more, but you have to go with what works. Right now, I think running to set up the pass is the way to go. I want to see more play action and bootleg passes. Burn em if they stack the box.
#4
Posted by Darth Raider, September 27, 2008 11:15 AM
Is there any chance of getting DHall to play some defense tomorrow? If the defense can maintain a consistent rush on Rivers, we have a good shot at winning. I am no longer scared of LT because our defense has shown that it can stop the run. JaMarcus also needs to start throwing the ball more often. Can someone please tell Ryan to rip that page he used in the fourth quarter of the bills game out of his playbook? It has never worked for him and it never will.
#5
Posted by Coach Elkins, September 27, 2008 1:42 PM
Spokane
Great point about JLH....the guy is a stud. A 3 WR set with him in the slot is definately an option. Although he is a raw talent, he could mature into a great slot reciever.
He has shown to be invaluable in the Special Teams game, so I doubt we'll see too much of it. Coach Kiffin is likely to play it safe with him and keep him healthy for Punts and Kickoffs
#6
Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, September 27, 2008 5:28 PM
Oh sure...JLK is such a stud.
For that matter...just to show you all what an awesome passing attack the Raiders have...your leading receiver in yards...is none other than JLH.
Yes, Raider fans...after 3 games...the leading receiver in yards is JLH...AND HE HAS ALL OF ONE CATCH.
Yes, LMAO...that is a fact...one catch..for 84 yds..and that leads THE TEAM.
That is ugly.
Speaking of buttugly...uh....Elky? you would think a high school asst.coach would know that it's spelled receiver.
Maybe that's why Al didn't call you back?
#7
Posted by Coach Elkins, September 27, 2008 5:36 PM
LOL, I knew you would pick that crumb up?
Only took a second!
#8
Posted by Coach Elkins, September 27, 2008 5:39 PM
Has your clever wit been reduced to spelling mistakes?
I am disappointed.
#9
Posted by Coach Elkins, September 27, 2008 5:41 PM
Like I said before you were baited into my spelling mistake, you were saving the good stuff!
#10
Posted by Coach Elkins, September 27, 2008 5:44 PM
If you only knew NINER! Don't feel bad, I've forgotten more about this sport than you could ever hope to know!
Aside from football though, you may be a better speller, I will give you this title!
Take it.
I haven't even attempted to discredit you, however, I have set you up a couple times......
;)
#11
Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, September 27, 2008 5:59 PM
SpokaneOakfan says:
September 27th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
Who else thinks that we found the right use for JLH last week? Instead of run as fast as you can and I’ll hit you at the 5, why not use him like Eddie Royal and Wes Welker- get him the ball short, let him utilize his speed on cuts, and if he gets away, watch him go. Pick a DB and tell Higgins to run him ragged.
Mike: He caught ONE PASS, lol...one. Was a lucky pass in that the defender dove too early and missed the ball..that's the reason and the ONLY reason Higgins scored...much less caught his ONE catch of the season..but hey...sure...what the hell...guy catches one ball, and you think you're on to something.
Good for you.
-
I would love to see JaMarcus air it out more, but you have to go with what works. Right now, I think running to set up the pass is the way to go. I want to see more play action and bootleg passes. Burn em if they stack the box.
Mike: Running to set up the pass?? lol...Uh...haven't you been running all along? And at this point you have the ABSOLUTE DEAD LAST passing attack in the NFL..you know...32 out of 32 teams???? Now...gosh fella's....wouldn't you think that with the #3 rushing attack, in the league, that it would easily set up the pass????
Sorry Spoke, but "airing it out" isn't usually an option when the person airing it can't hit water from a boat.
But hey...great grasp on "found the right use" lol.
#12
Posted by SpokaneOakfan, September 27, 2008 6:10 PM
"Can't hit water from a boat?"
Did we sign Alex Smith?
Wait a second- says here that JaMarcus is 32-62 for 391 yds 3 TD and no picks in 3 games for a rating of 87.5. That's actually not too bad:
http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/player?categoryId=469507
Here's your real niner reality check:
Saints, Pats, Eagles, Giants and Seahawks with WRs = 2-6 at the bye.
Shoulda scheduled Detroit 12 more times.
#13
Posted by Coach Elkins, September 27, 2008 6:14 PM
"I can eat 50 eggs"
#14
Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, September 27, 2008 6:33 PM
Coach Elkins says:
September 27th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
LOL, I knew you would pick that crumb up?
Only took a second!
==========================
LMAO..you couldn't be any more pathetic if you took a class.
You actually believe that everytime someone shits on you, and points out your stupid mistakes, that you saying "Oh, I did that on purpose" washes?
I'll say it again...you're a liar.
I don't thing you've ever successfully coached anywhere, on any level. You not only can't discuss the game on any level, but you basically don't have clue one on the Raiders.
Spelling means little, lol...just funny you don't know how to spell a key position on a football team..but hey, that schooling thang isn't for everyone, as you well know.
Now..onto the fun part..embarrassing you even more (I know, you weren't sure if that was possible....witness the obvious)...want to know how it's obvious when you have some clueless fuck all flustered and blubbering?
They reply with a stupid comment...then a couple of minutes later a little bulb goes on, as your little digits are all tightening up, trying to think of something witty in reply...then they post...and couple minutes later ANOTHER LITTLE BULB GOES OFF..and yet another weak sniffle, lol....damn dude..I have you jumping through hoops, don't I?
And...uh..shit for brains? You should think before you reply.
See, your initial reply was 'I knew you would take the bait"
THEN you stupidly commented "I'm disappointed in you"...and THEN after realizing you stupidly CONTRADICTED YOURSELF, you add "as I stated before, you were baited" in your 3rd post???
You stupid fuck...you just got done saying "YES, YOU'RE A BETTER SPELLER THAN I AM"...then you stupidly state you did it on purpose???
When you get someone TO SHIT ON THEMSELVES, NOT ONCE, BUT TWICE...IN A ROW...WITHOUT EVEN HAVING TO REPLY TO THEM, means that idiot is too stupid to play outside after dark.
Oh...you're inside?? Good boy.
#15
Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, September 27, 2008 6:37 PM
Yeah, Spoke, can't hit water FROM A BOAT...
Let me make it easy for even you..simple things for simple posters:
Hell..I'll make it even easier...don't look...just SCROLL ALL THE WAY TO THE BOTTOM.
BTW..pretty weak to ONLY have future games to attempt to smack on.
I just have to glance at the last 3 games to laugh my ass off at the Raiders..then again..isn't everyone laughing at the Raiders??
#16
Posted by Coach Elkins, September 27, 2008 7:13 PM
Niner, stick with me buddy, Spokane will take your lunch money.....
You were doing good....Get your feelings out there for us all to see.....
BTW- Therapy with me is free.....
#17
Posted by Coach Elkins, September 27, 2008 7:20 PM
This scene is for you Niner:
#18
Posted by Coach Elkins, September 27, 2008 7:27 PM
I'll offer the same challenge I offered last week...when you wisely chose to ignore me.....
My team and yours....for Karma's sake.....
Chargers 28
Raiders 20
&
Niners 16
Saints 30
#19
Posted by YOUR RAIDER HATER SELF AWARENESS CHECK, September 27, 2008 8:50 PM
HEY MICHELLE , YOU DUMB SHIT , WHY WOULF RUSSELL HAVE TO AIR IT OUT IF THE RUN GAME WORKS SO GOOD, OH YOU WOULDN'T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THAT BECAUSE YOUR TEAM WENT THROUGH 3 OR 4 OFF COORDINATORS WHILE TRYING TO GROOM A YOUNG QB. ALSO I WOULDN'T CALL THAT PASS TO JLH LUCKY , OH MY BAD I WOULD ONLY CALL IT LUCKY IF ALEX SMITH COMPLETED THE PASS. SO YOU CAN TRY TO TWIST IT ANYWAY YOU WANT,BUT THE PASS THAT RUSSELL THREW WAS SO FAST THAT THE DEFENDER CUOLDN'T MAKE A PLAY ON THE BALL. DON'T YOU THINK HOW SAD IT IS TO WATCH THE RAIDERS GAMES' EVERY WEEK JUST TO HOPE THEY LOSE SO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO DO ALL WEEK. I DO "MIKE THE MASTERBATER"
#20
Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, September 27, 2008 10:08 PM
LMFAO...
Elky:
Post...few minutes later..."oh..duh...jus thought of something"....post....few minutes later...same thing....ALL TO ME.
I told you...I'm good. :)
That's twice...tonight...that the little boy is trying to hang with the big boys yet the brain seems to be a few steps behind the fingers....yes..Elky..in other words...you're slow...hence the "light bulb" mode of posting.
You know..pretty soon you risk falling below Pat T. and Kushman for "Board shit for brains" title that they so covet.
Some argue it's all yours..in a lock.
Oh...and are you referring to when I completely bitch slapped you last week?
The thread where you were so flustered you didn't dare back up your words??
That thread? Where everyone pretty much lost all respect for you? lol...yeah..I recall...where you stated you would actually borrow your wife's balls?
But instead said 'Let's pick scores"??? LMAO..THAT ONE??
Where you couldn't have fucked up your picks anymore if this idiot above picked them??
THAT THREAD??? Amazed you would even mention that..considering it was the beginning of the end for you, little boy.
And now? You're posting back to back to back posts...just hoping for my attention.
You're so sweet when you're insecure and whiney.
Just as sweet as you can be, Elky.
#22
Posted by SpokaneOakfan, September 28, 2008 10:31 AM
Wow, good one, Mike. You forgot to check this, though:
I have a funny feeling that the two are related (that's Oakland third from the top, by the way).
As for the future games thing, fine, point taken. You got creamed by a so-so Arizona team and squeaked by a WR-less Seattle team, but managed to beat up on the Lions, like their practice squad has been doing all week.
Funny how you don't respond to Alex Smith being out of the league or the fact that you are dead wrong about JaMarcus Russell's accuracy. But then again, I have come to expect absolutely inane arguments from you and pretty much all Niner fans.
Steve Young was great, though, wasn't he?
#23
Posted by Your Niner Reality Check, September 28, 2008 2:53 PM
17 passes with 5 completions is hardly accurate...unless you're a Raider fan.
Already mentioned that even with the #3 rushing (being slow as you are, Spokane, means I pretty much have to repeat everything) that you being 21st in defense means YOUR PASSING OFFENSE REALLY REALLY SUCKS.
What part of that confused you?
Not rocket science.
Russell is last...how stupid are you to bring up accuracy after 3 games when he's last?
And Alex Smith isn't out of the league, dumbass..he's on IR. He was injured in week 3 LAST YEAR, moron..
Yeah, LMAO at you thinking smacking on a qb who's injured compensates for Russell being dead last.
It doesn't. Just makes you look even slower, if that's possible.
Now, at this point, russell's actually completed some passes in todays game..but that doesn't change you inserting your head up your ass and wondering outloud why it's so dark.
Read it slowly.
At the end of week 3 there is no other starting qb that is worse than the Raiders starting qb.
Have someone read it to you if you think it will help.
And no, nitwit, even with giving Az 5 turnovers, they still only beat us by 10.
Creamed was what your sorry team got by Denver..actually..that was just a prime time bitchslapping, wasn't it?
#24
Posted by Snowyfish, September 28, 2008 4:20 PM
The despair I can handle. It's the hope that kills me.
I don't care what anyone says we're good enough to believe in.
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