Patriots/Raiders Week One Action

[-Slap-]

Anybody playing this game tomorrow? TV game, plus first game of the year means the monkey demands action, even if I don't have a real strong opinion.

New England is -7 1/2 and the O/U is 50.

I fear a backdoor cover by the Raiders, so I don't want New England. Betting on Oakland to cover the first ticket of the year smacks of horrifically bad juju, so I will defer on sides.

That leaves me the total. I know the Raiders are vastly improved on offense. New England's defensive losses concern me, too. Despite that, I know Belicheck's history. Give him extra time to gameplan for an opponent and he's going to give them fits. I guess that puts me in the precarious position of counting on Oakland's defense for a couple of stops. I can absorb seven touchdowns in this game and still cover. All you need is one long drive to fizzle out to get under a big number like that.

Small play on this game going under 50.

I'll add more plays when the weekend gets here. I'm going to try to come out big early this season and then taper off as the year progresses. This goes against most people's instincts. Most bettors want to start small and then gradually increase their action and come out really big in the playoffs. This is actually the most difficult way to manage your money.

You're more likely to find soft spots in the schedule early in the year, rather than later. Bookmakers are human, too, relatively speaking. At this point in the year the public is on more equal footing than they will be at any other time during the season because there are more unknown factors right now. While Joe Gambler is "waiting a couple weeks to see how things shake out", the handicappers are doing the same thing.

I think the biggest advantage the books retain is they know they're sources for information can be trusted. The betting public has tons of information available, but some of it is bad information and some of it is deliberate misinformation. The books have been doing this forever, so they get the word a lot closer to the horses mouth. That makes all the difference sometimes.

[sirhcyennek81]

Raiders defense looks and is soft. Hard to beat New England in New England. Also, deciding between two conference foes is secondary to watching a division rival lose. i would go with New England at home.

[Bronx33]

The fade defense will let them down by allowing the pats to generate long time consuming drives, the pats by 7 is my call.

[Breck Bronc]

Anybody playing this game tomorrow? TV game, plus first game of the year means the monkey demands action, even if I don't have a real strong opinion.

New England is -7 1/2 and the O/U is 50.

I fear a backdoor cover by the Raiders, so I don't want New England. Betting on Oakland to cover the first ticket of the year smacks of horrifically bad juju, so I will defer on sides.

That leaves me the total. I know the Raiders are vastly improved on offense. New England's defensive losses concern me, too. Despite that, I know Belicheck's history. Give him extra time to gameplan for an opponent and he's going to give them fits. I guess that puts me in the precarious position of counting on Oakland's defense for a couple of stops. I can absorb seven touchdowns in this game and still cover. All you need is one long drive to fizzle out to get under a big number like that.

Small play on this game going under 50.

I'll add more plays when the weekend gets here. I'm going to try to come out big early this season and then taper off as the year progresses. This goes against most people's instincts. Most bettors want to start small and then gradually increase their action and come out really big in the playoffs. This is actually the most difficult way to manage your money.

You're more likely to find soft spots in the schedule early in the year, rather than later. Bookmakers are human, too, relatively speaking. At this point in the year the public is on more equal footing than they will be at any other time during the season because there are more unknown factors right now. While Joe Gambler is "waiting a couple weeks to see how things shake out", the handicappers are doing the same thing.

I think the biggest advantage the books retain is they know they're sources for information can be trusted. The betting public has tons of information available, but some of it is bad information and some of it is deliberate misinformation. The books have been doing this forever, so they get the word a lot closer to the horses mouth. That makes all the difference sometimes.What, you're not deferring to Mock's "locks"? :thumbsup:

[-Slap-]

What, you're not deferring to Mock's "locks"? :thumbsup:
I read a sports gaming board that will ban you for even using the word lock. I'm still looking for a board where people are interested in discussing theory as well as matchups.

[sirhcyennek81]

week one lock...broncos beat miami.

[Maximus]

Raiders defense looks and is soft. Hard to beat New England in New England. Also, deciding between two conference foes is secondary to watching a division rival lose. i would go with New England at home.

The Raiders defensive starters only allowed 2.1 yards per carry in this preseason action and ranked the best out of all teams during preseason. How do you make the judgement that the Raiders Defense looked soft?

[sirhcyennek81]

lost their best linebacker and traded one of their more talented corners. soft. and its preseason.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

I think the Pats are headed for a major disappointment. Their D might be average at best.

That said, their offense is still going to be good, and the Raiders defense is going to stink a stink of epic proportions. Kerry Collins will do enough to lose the game.

[Clockwork Orange]

I think the Pats are headed for a major disappointment. Their D might be average at best.

I thought the same thing last year when they lost both of their starting corners and Richard Seymour was banged up.

Somehow they just seem to always get the job done and until proven otherwise, I'm not going to doubt them.

[Atlas]

I read a sports gaming board that will ban you for even using the word lock. I'm still looking for a board where people are interested in discussing theory as well as matchups.

I wouldn't touch the 7 point spread. Oakland is a very dangerous team offensively. So if the Pats turn the ball over a couple times the Faid could possibly win this game.

On the other hand Dillon could rush for 180 yards and NE could be up 24-10 at halftime. I don't like this game one bit.

[Maximus]

lost their best linebacker and traded one of their more talented corners. soft. and its preseason.

That is a pretty soft answer... Harris was not our best linebacker... Danny Clark was and Is our best backer. Namdi Asomugha has more talent and played better last season. Why not admit that you're talking about a subject that you know nothing about!

[Atlas]

Speaking of the Pats/Raider game. The p[layoff game is on right now on the NFL channel. One of my favorite games of all time. Why doesn't the NFL just play these games from start to finish. Take out the announcer and behind the scene shot and just show the game the way we originally saw it. I would love that.

Why don't they do this?

[Rock Chalk]

Anybody playing this game tomorrow? TV game, plus first game of the year means the monkey demands action, even if I don't have a real strong opinion.

New England is -7 1/2 and the O/U is 50.

I fear a backdoor cover by the Raiders, so I don't want New England. Betting on Oakland to cover the first ticket of the year smacks of horrifically bad juju, so I will defer on sides.

That leaves me the total. I know the Raiders are vastly improved on offense. New England's defensive losses concern me, too. Despite that, I know Belicheck's history. Give him extra time to gameplan for an opponent and he's going to give them fits. I guess that puts me in the precarious position of counting on Oakland's defense for a couple of stops. I can absorb seven touchdowns in this game and still cover. All you need is one long drive to fizzle out to get under a big number like that.

Small play on this game going under 50.

I'll add more plays when the weekend gets here. I'm going to try to come out big early this season and then taper off as the year progresses. This goes against most people's instincts. Most bettors want to start small and then gradually increase their action and come out really big in the playoffs. This is actually the most difficult way to manage your money.

You're more likely to find soft spots in the schedule early in the year, rather than later. Bookmakers are human, too, relatively speaking. At this point in the year the public is on more equal footing than they will be at any other time during the season because there are more unknown factors right now. While Joe Gambler is "waiting a couple weeks to see how things shake out", the handicappers are doing the same thing.

I think the biggest advantage the books retain is they know they're sources for information can be trusted. The betting public has tons of information available, but some of it is bad information and some of it is deliberate misinformation. The books have been doing this forever, so they get the word a lot closer to the horses mouth. That makes all the difference sometimes.

I seriously doubt I would touch this Slap. Without really knowing how good Collins/Moss is going to be and without knowing what the Patsies are going to do without their two coordinators that won 3 superbowls, I cant get a gauge on either team to be honest. Tom is clutch though but I wouldnt bet them to cover and I sure as hell aint touching the over/under.

[Raiders Rock]

Kinda a double edged sword playing the first game of the year against a good team but hell with it.

I have big question marks as well, No matter what the outcome of this game is , we will know how good or bad the Raiders D is.

Cory Dillon is a damn good test.

[Rock Chalk]

Kinda a double edged sword playing the first game of the year against a good team but hell with it.

I have big question marks as well, No matter what the outcome of this game is , we will know how good or bad the Raiders D is.

Cory Dillon is a damn good test.
Tom Brady is a damn good test. Say what you will about his stats, in crunch time Id take him over Manrino anyday of the week.

[RedskinBronco]

I think the Pats are headed for a major disappointment. Their D might be average at best.

That said, their offense is still going to be good, and the Raiders defense is going to stink a stink of epic proportions. Kerry Collins will do enough to lose the game.


Well if the raiders defense is "going to stink a stink of epic proportions" then what will the 2005 kansas city chiefs do? You think the Raiders D will stink worse than the KC D of 2003 and 2004?

[Raider Bill]

lost their best linebacker and traded one of their more talented corners. soft. and its preseason.


Buchanon sucks. He'll never be much more than a nickel guy. He's too small and not physical enough to contend with non smurf recievers.

Every CB on our roster now measures 6' or greater and 200 pounds or not far off.

Nap Harris didnt make a play all year. Danny Clark was the best linebacker on the Raiders.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

Well if the raiders defense is "going to stink a stink of epic proportions" then what will the 2005 kansas city chiefs do?

That's pretty simple. Anyone can see we made major improvements on D.


You think the Raiders D will stink worse than the KC D of 2003 and 2004?

No, about the same. They still have a moron for a DC. Playing Tyler Brayton at OLB? :drown:

[Raider Bill]

Amazing. Phillip Buchanon measured 5'9 7/8" at the combine and Houston lists him at 5'11"

http://www.houstontexans.com/team/roster.php

[Raider Bill]

http://media.putfile.com/Grant-Irons-INT

Ty Brayton looks fine getting back into a pass drop to me.

[DB-Freak]

Belicheck will prove us wrong again.

If the bastard wins another superbowl down the road, the guy is the greatest coach ever period.

[Raider Bill]

http://media.putfile.com/2004acoma05-Raiders-Defense

Skip to about 30 seconds in this video and Brayton is checking a Chiefs WR and came up with the pick.

[DB-Freak]

All I know is never doubt the PATs.

[PatsWin2002]

This game is a tough one to call. The Raiders are better than last year and have a huge deep threat we're pretty vulnerable to.

Even assuming Belichick has gameplanned for that it's still too tough to call.

It's no secret that these teams have a history and dislike each other - so look for an intensely fought contest.

The Pats should win this because they are still a better team (on paper) and have been invincible at home.

The Pats have been such a model of efficiency (winning by few points in most cases) that the Raiders scare me in a close game because the level of efficiency we've become accustomed to may not be there for a few weeks.

The best chance to beat us at home should be early in the season...that's why this game scares me. And I wouldn't bet on it...too many question marks....plus some bad karma issues in there too. :)

[Rock Chalk]

****ing A! I forgot about the Tuck Rule!

[Bob's your Information Minister]

http://media.putfile.com/2004acoma05-Raiders-Defense

Skip to about 30 seconds in this video and Brayton is checking a Chiefs WR and came up with the pick.

Brayton is out of position at OLB.

Not to mention, he was a defensive end all last year and in that clip. Ryan Sims once got a gift INT from dropping into zone coverage, too.

[Raider Bill]

Not to mention, he was a defensive end all last year and in that clip

No he wasn't. He played LB all last season. We ran a 3-4 with Washington, Hamilton and Sapp playing DL.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

No he wasn't. He played LB all last season. We ran a 3-4 with Washington, Hamilton and Sapp playing DL.

My bad. Are you sure he didn't play any DE? I could have sworn remembering him drop from DE on that play.

[Raider Bill]

The Silver and Black currently have seven of their own first round picks on the roster. Last year, the Raiders used the second overall pick in the draft to select T Robert Gallery from Iowa. Gallery was the highest-drafted Raider since 1996. As a rookie, the 6-7, 325-pounder played in all 16 league games and started the final 15 after breaking into the starting lineup in Week 2 at RT versus Buffalo. In 2003, the Raiders selected DB Nnamdi Asomugha from California and DE Tyler Brayton from Colorado. Asomugha has played in 31 games with eight starts and made 66 tackles and one sack in his first two seasons. Brayton was the only defensive lineman to start in all 16 games in 2003 as a rookie and started 15 games in 2004 at outside linebacker.
http://www.raiders.com/newsroom/newsroomNewsDetail.jsp?id=18291

[SoCalBronco]

Kinda funny, Bill. You constantly have berated Ryan for putting Brayton out of position as a 3-4 OLB not just here but really grilled him for it on KFFL, but now because the season is just hours away, your all homered up and all's magically well?

[Raider Bill]

Brayton has played well despite how idiotic this system sounds.

Isnt everyones favorite overachiever David Pollack being made into an OLB?

[SoCalBronco]

Brayton has played well despite how idiotic this system sounds.

Isnt everyones favorite overachiever David Pollack being made into an OLB?

Yeah and we dont know how that will turn out at all. He is a hard worker so he will prolly make some plays based on sheer grit but i dont know how he will work as a 4-3 SLB. I think he should have stayed as a pro 4-3 weakside end even with his shorter arms and stuff. I have heard really good things about Odell Thurman in Cincy's camps though.

[Raider Bill]

Brayton was fine last year until Sam Williams and Travian Smith both went down and they swung him over to the weak side. He struggled over there in space, but playing over the TE has performed good enough.


He's not being asked to do any more than a DE in a zone blitzing scheme, he sets the edge against the run keeping his outside contain, goes after the QB if uncovered, or drops into the short flat.

[Raider Bill]

Both of those dudes are 6'6" so even when they're trailing a RB it necessitates puting a little more arc on the ball for it to get there. If Irons struggles Morrison has learned both the Mike and Will spots, but I see no reason Brayton cant give you a Romo like effort out there.

[watermock]

I think that the media is grossly overexaggerating Oaklands offense, and NE is no offensive juggernaut. Take the under in this one. 50 is severe bait. If anyone scores 30, it will be New England.

[watermock]

Slappy:

"The books have been doing this forever, so they get the word a lot closer to the horses mouth. That makes all the difference sometimes."

Yeah, for the house...do you think they are handing out inside information to the betting public? They love misinformation, why would they tell sucker bets they are throwing away money?

[wabbit]

Boy, honestly, that 50 point over/under is tempting.

I gotta believe these defenses are better than that, if only marginally better.

I hardly ever bet, but I'm going to put a c-note on the under for this game...no big deal.

[fdf]

Slappy:

"The books have been doing this forever, so they get the word a lot closer to the horses mouth. That makes all the difference sometimes."

Yeah, for the house...do you think they are handing out inside information to the betting public? They love misinformation, why would they tell sucker bets they are throwing away money?

I once did a statistical analysis (early 90's) of the accuracy of the final spread before gametime over a period of several years. It is a shockingly accurate predictor of actual outcome in pro football games, on average. The difference between the actual score and the spread is, on average, about 0.1 points.

The bookies set the intial spread and then just move the spread so that half of the money is on each side of the bet (slightly oversimplified because the spread changes over time, but accurate enough to make my point). As long as the bookies have half the money on each side of the spread, they make money. So even if the bookie has secret inside information, it's a winning strategy for the bookie to ignore the secret information and to keep the money balanced on either side of the spread regardless of the secret information. What that says is that the betting public actually determines the final spread (because as they start betting disproportionately on one side, the bookies move the spread to balance that out) and the betting public is really good at predicting the result of individual games--better than any expert.

This is consistent with some of the online forums that have been started recently that allow bets on the outcome of current events. In the last election, the online bettors correctly called every senate race in the US. That's better than any pollster. Except for a very brief movement to Kerry after the last minute exit poll disinformation on election day, they also called the presidential election very accurately.

[watermock]

Good analysis...because the public eventually moves the spread, that means that generally, home dogs and underdogs have the better odds. It's just hard to bet on dogs to simply cover as the dominant team allows a sympathy TD that allows the dog to cover. Happens all the time. If you just bet home dogs, you would make money, but noone wants a loser to just cover, it's instinctive that you root for your team. Underdogs consistently win more than favorites. I took all three favorites, but I haven't really gotten a feel. I looked for a home dog I liked, but couldn't find one. Things will sort out soon enough. Week one is a crapshoot.

The disinformation spread by the mass media to discourage western panhandle voters was disgusting. Pensacola and Destin swung the election.

[fontaine]

It's just my gut feeling, but I don't think the Raiders are going to score heavily against New England.

Porter can't be 100% with that hammy (something that's bothered him a lot in his career) and Curry is coming back from an Achilles. That leaves Moss and Jordan as their two most potent weapons. Against most defenses, that would be enough but I can't see New England giving Kerry any time in the pocket.

That front 7 has demolished better OLs and better QBs than Kerry and with Colvin, Harrison, McGinest and a front 3 than can hold up that DL, I think Collins is going to be running for his life early in the game. And once you rattle Kerry, he's going to fold.

[wabbit]

I wish you would analyze games more fontaine...I get more honest fact from you than I do from some of my friends & associates.

[Kaylore]

La Mont Jordan does not scare me at all. I know he won't scare the Pats. Well no one scares them anyway. :(

[fontaine]

I wish you would analyze games more fontaine...I get more honest fact from you than I do from some of my friends & associates.

Thanks wabbit, I guess the degree from clown college was worth it!
:dummy:

Seriously though, a lot of it is because there's so many posters here that have rock solid takes and some of it sinks in eventually.

[Kaylore]

I think that the media is grossly overexaggerating Oaklands offense, and NE is no offensive juggernaut. Take the under in this one. 50 is severe bait. If anyone scores 30, it will be New England.
Me too, Mock. I think the offense will be less amazing than everyone believes and the Defense will be better than everyone thinks.

[-Slap-]

I once did a statistical analysis (early 90's) of the accuracy of the final spread before gametime over a period of several years. It is a shockingly accurate predictor of actual outcome in pro football games, on average. The difference between the actual score and the spread is, on average, about 0.1 points.

The bookies set the intial spread and then just move the spread so that half of the money is on each side of the bet (slightly oversimplified because the spread changes over time, but accurate enough to make my point). As long as the bookies have half the money on each side of the spread, they make money. So even if the bookie has secret inside information, it's a winning strategy for the bookie to ignore the secret information and to keep the money balanced on either side of the spread regardless of the secret information. What that says is that the betting public actually determines the final spread (because as they start betting disproportionately on one side, the bookies move the spread to balance that out) and the betting public is really good at predicting the result of individual games--better than any expert.

This is consistent with some of the online forums that have been started recently that allow bets on the outcome of current events. In the last election, the online bettors correctly called every senate race in the US. That's better than any pollster. Except for a very brief movement to Kerry after the last minute exit poll disinformation on election day, they also called the presidential election very accurately.
I'm not talking about secret information. Nowadays there's no such thing. The point I'm making is that the books have established sources that give them information that they can trust. The average prognosticator has all that info at their disposal, too, but they have to separate it from the misinformation.

Its certainly true that the books seek nothing more than two way action because they can make a profit just collecting the vigorish, but its a bit more complicated than that. The public line varies depending on a lot of different factors. There are "public teams", which are fan favorites that see heavy action every week. Generally these are really good teams or regional favorites.

Last year the books became very exasperated because of the success of the Patriots, Eagles, Chargers and Colts. Those were such strong cover teams that the books had a difficult time placing lines on their games. People were just laying the chalk regardless, and then parlaying their action.

The books freaked. First off, its not easy to lay off action if everybody in town is getting the same bets. Second, the casinos wouldn't even offer sports gambling if the public didn't demand it. Their profit margin in the sportsbook is very small compared to the handle they realize on other types of gaming. The reason the casinos feel this way is because the Sharps clean them out at the window. The books get back above even by taking it out of the general public. When Joe Six-Pack is able to just scratch NE, Philly and Indy off on their parlay card and cash several weeks in a row, the bookmakers out here cry like babies. Music to my ears.

[Raider Bill]

Boy, honestly, that 50 point over/under is tempting.

I gotta believe these defenses are better than that, if only marginally better.

I hardly ever bet, but I'm going to put a c-note on the under for this game...no big deal.


I agree with that. I think if there is a play to be made here it's the Under. I dont really like either side, I would lean toward Oakland if you held a gun to my head because of that half a point. Despite losing their last 6 road openers, 5 have been by less than a TD.

[Ballhawk]

The Raiders defensive starters only allowed 2.1 yards per carry in this preseason action and ranked the best out of all teams during preseason. How do you make the judgement that the Raiders Defense looked soft?


Preseason is so misleading because of the tempered playcalling. If one team rolls out a Vanilla O and the opposition throws a bunch of run blitzes at them, chances are the D will have good stats.

You may prefer to go back to the players performance last year.

[TheReverend]

These are still my favorite games... I took them as 2 of my 4 parlays this week:

Parlay One:

Broncos -4
Bears +6
Jets +3
Colts -3

Parlay Two:
Broncos -4
Bears +6
Packers +3
Colts -3

Lines have changed since, but not by much

[Raiders Rock]

This game is a tough one to call. The Raiders are better than last year and have a huge deep threat we're pretty vulnerable to.

Even assuming Belichick has gameplanned for that it's still too tough to call.

It's no secret that these teams have a history and dislike each other - so look for an intensely fought contest.

The Pats should win this because they are still a better team (on paper) and have been invincible at home.

The Pats have been such a model of efficiency (winning by few points in most cases) that the Raiders scare me in a close game because the level of efficiency we've become accustomed to may not be there for a few weeks.

The best chance to beat us at home should be early in the season...that's why this game scares me. And I wouldn't bet on it...too many question marks....plus some bad karma issues in there too. :)


On paper you do not have a better team than the Raiders but you do have the smartest team that understands what they are told to do better than any team in the NFL (thats last year of course)

Thats what makes the Pats so good, and its all the coach, a coach is a teacher and that teacher must make it so easy for them guys to understand they dream about it.

Its gonna be fun, Pats are too good for me to guarantee a win because you have to respect what that team has done even if you dislike them.

I think they are probably already the best team in the History of the NFL for the mere fact the pressure of the salary cap and free agency the way it is, I can't see how anyone cannot rate this dynasty as the best in the history of the NFL.

Anyhoo, enough talk about the Pats, and nothing personally Patswin, but I hope we shove the effing ball down the Patriots effing throat tonite. ROFL!

[TheReverend]

On paper you do not have a better team than the Raiders but you do have the smartest team that understands what they are told to do better than any team in the NFL (thats last year of course)

Thats what makes the Pats so good, and its all the coach, a coach is a teacher and that teacher must make it so easy for them guys to understand they dream about it.

Its gonna be fun, Pats are too good for me to guarantee a win because you have to respect what that team has done even if you dislike them.

I think they are probably already the best team in the History of the NFL for the mere fact the pressure of the salary cap and free agency the way it is, I can't see how anyone cannot rate this dynasty as the best in the history of the NFL.

Anyhoo, enough talk about the Pats, and nothing personally Patswin, but I hope we shove the effing ball down the Patriots effing throat tonite. ROFL!

I used to say the same thing... "Theyre not that talented, it's just great coaching"... Im starting to question that. Great O and D lines can go a longggggggggg way in making every one else look good.

[-Slap-]

These are still my favorite games... I took them as 2 of my 4 parlays this week:

Parlay One:

Broncos -4
Bears +6
Jets +3
Colts -3

Parlay Two:
Broncos -4
Bears +6
Packers +3
Colts -3

Lines have changed since, but not by much

I'm going to be taking Chicago and the points, too. They have the wrong favorite in that game.

[Ballhawk]

I'm going to be taking Chicago and the points, too. They have the wrong favorite in that game.
Agree, their D is outstanding and the do have talent on O.

[Raider Bill]

I was kinda hoping Oakland won on a bad call.

[Raiders Rock]

I was kinda hoping Oakland won on a bad call.

No chance in hell a game goes the Raiders way on a call bil especially a bad call

[azbroncfan]

Hard one to call, I like the under if anything.

[PatsWin2002]

On paper you do not have a better team than the Raiders but you do have the smartest team that understands what they are told to do better than any team in the NFL (thats last year of course)

Thats what makes the Pats so good, and its all the coach, a coach is a teacher and that teacher must make it so easy for them guys to understand they dream about it.

Its gonna be fun, Pats are too good for me to guarantee a win because you have to respect what that team has done even if you dislike them.

I think they are probably already the best team in the History of the NFL for the mere fact the pressure of the salary cap and free agency the way it is, I can't see how anyone cannot rate this dynasty as the best in the history of the NFL.

Anyhoo, enough talk about the Pats, and nothing personally Patswin, but I hope we shove the effing ball down the Patriots effing throat tonite. ROFL!

Hey, likewise!

If the last few years have taught me anything (well, the team) it's to always respect your opponent.....even if you hate them. :)


(Addition) - I think most people would agree the Pats are better on paper, which, of course, means nothing.

[Raider Bill]

Oakland has opened up against the defending champs twice
in their history and won both games straight up

[llayne]

Hey guys, sportsbetting.com was allowing me to bet stright on the games and to do parleys. Might be a good option on the pats game atleast.

[llayne]

To clearify, sportsbetting.com wasn't making you choose over or under or the point spread.

[Tredici]

The Raiders defensive starters only allowed 2.1 yards per carry in this preseason action and ranked the best out of all teams during preseason. How do you make the judgement that the Raiders Defense looked soft?

This cracks me up. Let's see, what rushing power houses did Oakland play in the pre-season? San Francisco. Arizona. New Orleans (no starting RB played for them at all). And then there was Houston, now this is a ligitimate rushing threat. What happened there? Their third string back, Morency (whose last claim to fame was being buried somewhere as a Center Fielder on the Rockies roster) nearly cashed a buck on the ground.

But hang on to those "hard" pre-season stats.

[PatsWin2002]

Look for a lot of Dillon to keep Moss & Co. off the field as much as possible.

[Ballhawk]

Look for a lot of Dillon to keep Moss & Co. off the field as much as possible.

I think they will do the opposite and expect the first play to be over the top to Branch. Would not surprise me to see them come out throwing the first 5-6 plays.

[PatsWin2002]

I think they will do the opposite and expect the first play to be over the top to Branch. Would not surprise me to see them come out throwing the first 5-6 plays.

Well, they have surprised us before.

I don't think we want to get into a shootout with the Raiders, but we should be able to throw on them too with all the receivers we have.

We're all hoping Ben Watson is as good as advertised.

[Raider Bill]

Their third string back, Morency (whose last claim to fame was being buried somewhere as a Center Fielder on the Rockies roster) nearly cashed a buck on the ground.

Against our scrubs. Our starting unit has allowed 2.1 YPC to the oppositions starting RB.



Morency didnt enter the game until the 3rd quarter

Houston Texans at 08:10
1-10-HOU20 (8:10) V.Morency left tackle to HST 43 for 23 yards (K.Curtis). Reserve
1-10-HOU43 (7:29) PENALTY on HST-G.Jones, False Start, 5 yards, enforced at HST 43 - No Play.
1-15-HOU38 (7:10) T.Banks pass incomplete (E.Jasper).
2-15-HOU38 (7:03) V.Morency left guard to HST 40 for 2 yards (A.Gbaja-Biamila, Ti.Johnson). Waived/nickel linebacker
3-13-HOU40 (6:28) (Shotgun) T.Banks pass to J.Mathis to OAK 46 for 14 yards (F.Washington). reserve(No yards after catch.)
1-10-OAK46 (5:49) T.Banks pass to S.Thomas ran ob at OAK 41 for 5 yards (Ti.Johnson). (6 yards after catch.)
2-5-OAK41 (5:27) V.Morency left tackle ran ob at OAK 10 for 31 yards (K.Curtis)reserve.
1-10-OAK10 (4:58) V.Morency up the middle to OAK 10 for no gain (J.Foreman, A.Gbaja-Biamila). waived/waived
2-10-OAK10 (4:20) T.Banks pass incomplete to S.Thomas.
3-10-OAK10 (4:14) T.Banks sacked at OAK 12 for -2 yards (A.Hawthorne).practice squadHST-F.Weary was injured during the play. His return is Probable.

[Ballhawk]

I think they will do the opposite and expect the first play to be over the top to Branch. Would not surprise me to see them come out throwing the first 5-6 plays.

Knew the Fade would be selling out to stop the run, this D is horrible

[labronco]

Raiders will have a very long, long season.

[-Slap-]

That frigging blocked punt cost me the cover. Still, I wouldn't have got that without the blocked XP, so I'm content with the push.

[Pezman]

That frigging blocked punt cost me the cover. Still, I wouldn't have got that without the blocked XP, so I'm content with the push.

:thumbsup: Better than nothing Slappy. Its always amazing how accurate the lines can be sometimes isnt it?

[Odysseus]

I read a sports gaming board that will ban you for even using the word lock. I'm still looking for a board where people are interested in discussing theory as well as matchups.

I would pay money for that information.

[Bronx33]

No chance in hell a game goes the Raiders way on a call bil especially a bad call

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHA! !!!!!!!

[Crushaholic]

Look for a lot of Dillon to keep Moss & Co. off the field as much as possible.

Dillon is good. In fact, I was actually pushing for the Broncos to pick up Dillon before he went to the Pats. Oh well... :pity:

[Crushaholic]

No chance in hell a game goes the Raiders way on a call bil especially a bad call

TUCK!!! ;D

That's almost as much fun as yelling BOOTLEG!!! to a Chefs fan... Ha!

[fontaine]

It's just my gut feeling, but I don't think the Raiders are going to score heavily against New England.

Porter can't be 100% with that hammy (something that's bothered him a lot in his career) and Curry is coming back from an Achilles. That leaves Moss and Jordan as their two most potent weapons. Against most defenses, that would be enough but I can't see New England giving Kerry any time in the pocket.

That front 7 has demolished better OLs and better QBs than Kerry and with Colvin, Harrison, McGinest and a front 3 than can hold up that DL, I think Collins is going to be running for his life early in the game. And once you rattle Kerry, he's going to fold.

Like I said, I didn't expect the Raiders to score too heavily. Seymour and that front 7 has so much flexibility that they were able to shift fronts and uses stunts/twists to get at Collins effectively.

The Raiders did impress me with their front 4. It seems their DL will hold their ground against the run and it's going to be very interesting to see how that aging line holds up through the season.

[Odysseus]

Dillon is good. In fact, I was actually pushing for the Broncos to pick up Dillon before he went to the Pats. Oh well... :pity:

There were a lot of posters who talked about his drama days in Cincy. Whose crying now?

[Odysseus]

The Raiders did impress me with their front 4. It seems their DL will hold their ground against the run and it's going to be very interesting to see how that aging line holds up through the season.

Corey Dillon is a good running back so shutting him down is something to be proud of but if I can move the chains through the air sooner or later a good OC will take a good DL and tear them down. Ask the Browncos.

[-Slap-]

:thumbsup: Better than nothing Slappy. Its always amazing how accurate the lines can be sometimes isnt it?
There's a saying among sports gamblers, "The second best thing to betting on football and winning, is betting on football and losing."

The wag who coined that one didn't account for the push.

:)

[TheReverend]

There were a lot of posters who talked about his drama days in Cincy. Whose crying now?

When the Pats do it, it's going to work out. When we bring in Brown and Warren Shannahan's lost his mind.

[Mediator12]

That frigging blocked punt cost me the cover. Still, I wouldn't have got that without the blocked XP, so I'm content with the push.

It could have been worse Slap! Moss could have caught that 2 point Conversion if he gave a Crap. I'm Sorry, it was Moss wasn't it ;D