Raiders Look to Build on Victory Over Steelers
By Blu Spikes
Sep 23, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) is pursued by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Ryan Mundy (29) at the O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Steelers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE
The Raiders collected win number one on the young season. Collecting a victory over the Steelers has propelled the Raider nation into a wild frenzy for this weeks up coming game with the Denver Broncos. Coach Allen’s former team, and AFC West rival.
The win over the Steelers speaks volumes for the Raider organization. The first win of the year is always nice for the fans, but it is so much more appetizing for the players and coaches. The months, days, hours that these men put into the practices, the weight room, and the off season. The victory authenticates the cost of blood, sweat and tears.
Carson Palmer throws an interception early in the first quarter, you could feel the disappointment and frustration of every Raider fan. To Palmers credit he had to feel good about himself as the game progressed, he distributed the ball to nine different receivers. It was awesome to see him step into throws with confidence and connecting for three touchdowns and 209 yards as he finished strong and in control.
Brandon Meyers will benefit from this upcoming game. He will now get the second look from Palmer hooking up with the tight end gave the Raiders positive plays and his receptions kept many drives alive.
The Oakland Raiders’ wide receivers stable is already dangerously thin; how they benefit from this victory is getting more reps in practice, more playing time. Carson Palmer will spread the ball around if you are there to catch it. Losing Heyward-Bey would and is a significant blow to the Raiders.
Run DMC; we saw a man shot out of a cannon on a 64 yard scamper for a touchdown. We saw No. 20 gain 113 yards on 18 carries. We saw the vision of a young mans talent that will expose opponents defenses. This could be a preview of all things to come from the running game.
As the offensive line goes so goes the running game, and the passing game of the Raiders. The improvement was evident in the play of the behemoths of the pit. Palmer was sacked once, it helped when he utilized the sprint out and bootleg to pass instead of just a steady diet of drop back passing.
The zone scheme is making progress. Whenever you move lateral or pass protect you take the aggressiveness away from the Offensive line. It is a fine skill that they develop and the must maintain a high efficiency in production. Look for this to be a BIG part of the upcoming game vs Denver.
The Blackshirts on defense display a bend, but don’t break philosophy. With the makeshift secondary that lines up on Sunday this could be a good thing vs the Broncos. Keeping everything in-front of them eliminates the don’t get beat deep coaching of every defensive coordinator in the nation.
Press coverage, man-to-man coverage are needed to disrupt the rhythm of the QB and receiver. It is imperative that the depleted secondary will be able to mix up coverage, as well as changing alignment and keep the receivers at bay from marksman like quarterbacks.
The most consistent part of the defense is the front seven. The push we get up front and linebackers like Rolondo McClain running lanes to the ball. The benefit we received from this week’s victory is that linebacker Phillip Wheeler stepped up and delivered, as he had seven solo take-downs and four assist. If we can get that effort and improvement from the defensive unit, the rewards would be limitless.
The Raider Nation should be excited as we fly in to Mile High and play AFC rival the Denver Broncos. Peyton Manning has some difficulties in recent outings exposing weaknesses not only in his skill but also in the Broncos offensive game plan.
Vince Lombardi once said, “The harder you work the harder it is to surrender”. The Raiders will never, never, surrender. Can’t wait for game time!