The Raiders head home after a difficult road trip to Denver to face the winless Washington Redskins. The focus all week out of Oakland has been the health of Terrelle Pryor. After numerous concussion tests and additional tests administered by the coaching staff, he has been cleared to play and will start. This looks to be an exciting matchup, pitting two of the more exciting QB's in the league in Pryor and Robert Griffin III. While RGIII has not looked fully healed from knee surgery, he is still a threat to deal with on defense. The Raiders hope to get back to .500 while the Redskins are just searching for a win. Let's take a look at the matchups and predict a winner.
Raiders Offense vs. Redskins Defense
The Raiders looked much improved in the passing game against Denver, but the running game really struggled. Look for them to focus more on the run and getting McFadden back on track against a porous Redskins defense. Washington has allowed every team they've faced to eclipse the 440 yard mark on offense and don't look for that to change in this one. Pryor has shown the ability to beat you with the pass or the run and has looked more polished at both as the season has gone along. Teams in the last two games have been focused on keeping Pryor contained in the pocket and he has responded with great efficiency, poise, and accuracy. McFadden looks to show that last week's low rushing total was an aberration and get off to a fast start. An interesting matchup to watch will be Denarius Moore vs. DeAngelo Hall. Both are small and quick and Moore had one of his best games last week against Denver.
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders Defense vs. Redskins Offense
The Raiders defense was torched last week, but most of that was a byproduct of Manning being able to spot coverage mismatches. Don't expect RGIII to be as adept at exposing a defense. The Redskins have a good running game with Alfred Morris and RGIII, who can still be a threat outside the pocket if you allow him to be. They have also eclipsed the 300 yard mark in each game passing, with most of the yards coming as a result of playing from behind. Look for the Raiders to get their first INT of the season and pad their turnover stats with RGIII having already thrown 4 INTs and fumbled 4 times. The Raiders will be without DE Jason Hunter, so Brian Sanford will start in his place. Tyvon Branch will still be out with the injured ankle, with Usama Young and Brandian Ross splitting time in his place.
Advantage: Redskins
Special Teams
The return game for the Raiders has not produced much results early on, but Jacoby Ford has world-class speed and is always a threat to return a kickoff for a TD. Janikowski did not attempt a field goal last week, even though he was anxious to try one from 68 at the end of the half. Marquette King has been up and down on punts, but still leads the NFL in punting average. Redskins kickers have struggled this year with seasoned veteran Rocca averaging 41.6/punt and two kickers combining for 2 of 4 on FGs.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Raiders 24, Redskins 21
Record to date: 2-0
Currently on a 6 game winning streak dating back to last year.
Raiders Offense vs. Redskins Defense
The Raiders looked much improved in the passing game against Denver, but the running game really struggled. Look for them to focus more on the run and getting McFadden back on track against a porous Redskins defense. Washington has allowed every team they've faced to eclipse the 440 yard mark on offense and don't look for that to change in this one. Pryor has shown the ability to beat you with the pass or the run and has looked more polished at both as the season has gone along. Teams in the last two games have been focused on keeping Pryor contained in the pocket and he has responded with great efficiency, poise, and accuracy. McFadden looks to show that last week's low rushing total was an aberration and get off to a fast start. An interesting matchup to watch will be Denarius Moore vs. DeAngelo Hall. Both are small and quick and Moore had one of his best games last week against Denver.
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders Defense vs. Redskins Offense
The Raiders defense was torched last week, but most of that was a byproduct of Manning being able to spot coverage mismatches. Don't expect RGIII to be as adept at exposing a defense. The Redskins have a good running game with Alfred Morris and RGIII, who can still be a threat outside the pocket if you allow him to be. They have also eclipsed the 300 yard mark in each game passing, with most of the yards coming as a result of playing from behind. Look for the Raiders to get their first INT of the season and pad their turnover stats with RGIII having already thrown 4 INTs and fumbled 4 times. The Raiders will be without DE Jason Hunter, so Brian Sanford will start in his place. Tyvon Branch will still be out with the injured ankle, with Usama Young and Brandian Ross splitting time in his place.
Advantage: Redskins
Special Teams
The return game for the Raiders has not produced much results early on, but Jacoby Ford has world-class speed and is always a threat to return a kickoff for a TD. Janikowski did not attempt a field goal last week, even though he was anxious to try one from 68 at the end of the half. Marquette King has been up and down on punts, but still leads the NFL in punting average. Redskins kickers have struggled this year with seasoned veteran Rocca averaging 41.6/punt and two kickers combining for 2 of 4 on FGs.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Raiders 24, Redskins 21
Record to date: 2-0
Currently on a 6 game winning streak dating back to last year.
We would have won if Pryor had played.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt. I was going to change my prediction when I found out, but I was too proud to.
ReplyDelete