Raiders vs. Rams Predictions

I've decided to start a blog to give a sounding board for my thoughts and perceptions of our beloved Oakland Raiders. The first entry fittingly comes after a frustrating trip to Tennessee. Raider's fans, do not fear. As Pete Prisco likes to say "you're never as good as you look on opening day, you're never as bad either." While there are concerns that need to be addressed, we are also heading home to face the lowly Rams. There's always something about the excitement of opening weekend to get your blood pumping and help you focus on the game at hand. One of the reasons we looked so bad against Tennessee was because we came out flat. We have to get better at this if we want to reach our goals of reaching the playoffs. In this league, teams who come out flat will get jumped all over, and we are not a team that can rely on playing catch-up. Now on to this week's predictions:

Raider's offense vs. Ram's Defense

This one is too early to tell. For it being just week 2, we don't really have a grasp on who we are yet as an offense. My money is on a running team that will just let Campbell manage the game and not turn the ball over. The Rams just came off a close battle with the Cardinals at home. The Cardinals were playing with a new QB in Anderson after Warner retired and Leinart couldn't cut it in the preseason. They were able to force the Cardinals into 7 fumbles and recover 4, so that might be an area of concern for the Raiders. We might be without arguably one of our best lineman too for the game which could put more added pressure on the rest of the line and ultimately Campbell. We need to find a way to block better as a unit if we are going to have success both running the football and in the passing game. Since it's a home game and it's a tough league to win on the road, I have to give the slight edge to the Raiders.

Advantage: Raiders

Ram's Offense vs. Raider's Defense

The Raiders defense always play a spirited game at home, and with the showing from last week, they feel like they have something to prove to themselves and the league. The Rams will be starting a rookie QB in Bradford, but he's a guy who isn't easily rattled under pressure. He did throw 3 INT's in last week game against Arizona, but didn't receive much help from his receivers. They also have a talented RB in Steven Jackson that they can lean on if the passing game isn't working. He's a durable back who can carry the ball 30+ times a game and wear down a defense. The Raider's front seven will have quite the task in keeping Jackson in check. They will have to do a better job of not letting them break long runs for TD's. The big plays have victimized the Raiders in recent years. If they can do that, they will have success. If not, it'll be another long day.

Advantage: Raiders

Special Teams

Raider's special teams got off to a rough start against Tennessee when Yamon Figurs fumbled the opening kickoff. He was later released and Johnnie Lee Higgins and Jacoby Ford will undertake the roles of Kick Returner and Punt Returner. Raiders clearly hold the advantage in Punting and Kicking with one of the top kicking duos in the league.

Prediction:

Raiders 21, Rams 17