Bring on Seattle

Sunday's win against the Denver Bronco's was the kind of game Tom Cable has talked about for just about as long as he's been with the Raiders - all three phases of the game played well. It's scary how good they were.

On offense, the run blocking was amazing. I've watched the game four times now (and loved every minute each time!), and slowed nearly every offensive play, and many of the defensive plays, and the run blocking was executed like it was drawn up on the board.

I loved the way the Raiders ran the ball (I bet you did too!). The total control on the ground made the air game better. Just having Darren McFadden's threat was enough to draw the attention of the Denver linebackers right away, as they moved up to the line, and never saw Miller slip behind them for a wide open reception and touchdown with just 4:16 off the clock in the game.

The good news with that play was that Campbell found him, and got the ball there, though the throw was not a particularly good throw.

With three receivers that had over 30 receptions, the Raiders defensive backs could have had a tough day. The best way to help the backs out is to make sure the quarterback doesn't have time, and the pressure from the Raiders defense was outstanding. With four sacks on the day, the Raiders often had Orton under pressure and hurrying his throws.

Chris Johnson and Stanford Routt both had the best days I've seen from them in a long time. I attribute that to the pressure on the quarterback. Without giving the quarterback all day, they both proved they can provide cover. Johnson's interception for the TD on the Bronco's first play was a beauty!

Tomorrow the Seattle Seahawks come to town. We beat them in the preseason, but that really meant nothing. Neither team had very many starters on the field that game, but it was Bruce Gradkowski who started that game, and put away the Seahawks early.

With a 4-2 record the Seahawks look, at face value, like they are doing pretty well. But their play seems to have been pretty inconsistent. The smoked the 49ers in week one 31-6, then GOT smoked 33-14 by the Broncos.

The next week they bounce back and take down the Chargers 27-20, winning the game on a kickoff return with just under seven minutes left in the game. That win was followed by a loss to the Rams - another thumping, 27-3.

A review of the team stats, and having seen parts of their games this season lead me to believe this is a game that the Raiders ought to win. They don't have the same ground threat as the Raiders, and Hasselbeck is not rated any better than Campbell, and their stats look about the same.

Their receivers have better stats than the Raiders, who still struggle to find them with any regularity. The Seahawks Mike Williams is their top receiver with 32 catches for 348 yards, but he is likely to be covered by Asomugha, and ought not to have a big game.

So, like last week, I believe this game will come down to putting pressure on the Quarterback so that Johnson and Routt don't have to cover too long, and the Raiders offensive line providing the protection on the passing game, and continuing to open lanes for the running game.

I really like the Raiders chances of winning this game at home, getting to .500 with a 4-4 record, and setting the tone for week 9, when the Kansas City Chiefs come to town.

All they need to do is to play solid football.

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Photo Credits - in order displayed:
All photographs from The Oakland Raiders website "2010 Week 7" photo collection
Photos by Tony Gonzales

1. Head Coach Tom Cable congratulates TE Zach Miller as he runs off the field. Photo by Tony Gonzales.
2. TE Zach Miller is wide open for the catch. Photo by Tony Gonzales.
3. DT Desmond Bryant lunges for Broncos QB Kyle Orton as he attempts a pass. Photo by Tony Gonzales.
4. RB Darren McFadden leaps through the chaos for a touchdown. Photo by Tony Gonzales.