Pre Game Post: Venturing into the Black Hole
The performance against the Bills showed that the Patriots where indeed mortal and that our offense had to score more points than our defense could allow (which reminds me of the Colts). With the Raiders there are two major obstacles: Darren McFadden and the Raider Mentality. We all know what McFadden can do to a defense when he's healthy and right now the Raider Mentality is not something to mess with.
Game Info:
- Played at the Oakland Coliseum, Oakland, California
- Starts at Sunday, October 2rd, 4:15 PM EST
- On CBS
Pats Injury Report:
- Leigh Bodden, groin
- Ras-I Dowling, hip
- Albert Haynesworth, back
- Aaron Hernandez, MCL sprain
- Sebastian Vollmer, back
- Mike Wright, concussion
Key Matchups:
- Denarius Moore vs Pats secondary
- With Dowling and Bodden out, it leaves McCourty, Arrington, and Antwaun Molden to cover Oakland's receiving threats highlighted by Moore
- Richard Seymour vs Pats o-line
- Seymour won't say it, but this game is the game he has been waiting for since the trade
- Darren McFadden vs Pats d-line
- McFadden is the NFL’s leading rusher averaging 6.4 yards per carry with a total of 393 yards. Last Sunday against the Jets he had 171 yards, so its not just yards racked up against bad teams
Questions:
- Can the Patriots stop the Raider's running game?
- Will the Patriots run the ball efficiently?
- How many touches will Stevan Ridley get?
- Will Tom throw an interception?
- Will the Patriots start out in a 3-4 or a 4-3?
Predictions:
- The Raider's will come out like a rocket 1st half, but drop 2rd half
- Andre Carter will feast on Jason Campbell
- McFadden will hit at least two 40+ yard plays
- Tom Brady will not throw an interception
- Ochocinco will still suck
- Patriots 34, Raiders 28
