http://blog.chron.com/texanschick/2011/10/raiders-preview-with-the-raiders-blog/ Raiders preview with The Raiders Blog Chris Hansen runs The Raiders Blog, and is an entertaining Raiders follow on Twitter as @RaidersBlog. He runs a blog network (and is looking for a Texans blogger and if you are interested, contact him at his blog). He was kind enough to do this Q&A with us about the Raiders: What is different about this years Raiders team? Outside of losing Nnamdi Asomugha and a few new draft picks, the Raiders are the same team they were last season. The biggest difference is coaching. Hue Jackson took over and brought in new coaches on both sides of the ball. The Raiders offensive line is much improved under the tutelage of Bob Wylie and Steve Wisniewski and the Raiders offense is building upon their success from a season ago. Chuck Bresnahans defense has been well below average and was missing three starters last week. What do you see as the strengths of the Raiders? Running the ball and pass rushing, but dont sleep on the passing game. Darren McFadden and Michael Bush are one of the best tandems in the league. The Raiders defensive line goes deep starting with Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly, Lamarr Houston and Matt Shaughnessy. Kamerion Wimbley gets a lot of time at defensive end rushing the passer and it isnt uncommon to see a lot of John Henderson, Desmond Bryant, Jarvis Moss and Trevor Scott as well. The Raiders pass blocking has been much improved and Denarius Moore, Jacoby Ford, and even Darrius Heyward-Bey have been productive when healthy. Derek Hagan, Chaz Schilens get spot time and Louis Murphy could return soon from a knee injury suffered over eight weeks ago. What worries Raider fans? Defending the run and the play action pass. The Raiders have to stop the run and havent been able to for quite some time. Forcing opponents to pass takes away the play action and lets the defensive line do what they do best. A good pass rush from the Raiders hides the deficiencies in the secondary. The Raiders secondary is also banged up and there were already questions coming in on how the secondary would perform without Nnamdi Asomugha. The Raiders are allowing just 69 yards per game rushing in wins, but 203 yards per game in losses. If you were game planning against the Raiders, what would you do? Run. Run. Run. Pass. The Raiders havent proven they can stop the run and until they do offenses should continue to test them. When the opponents pass all they need to do is avoid Stanford Routt. Quick passes and play action are most effective against the Raiders young corners, Chimdi Chekwa and Joe Porter. Who are players that Texans fans may not know of that could have an impact on the game, in a positive or negative way? Marcel Reece was sidelined with an ankle injury last week, but hes an impact player and the Raiders like to have him heavily involved in the offense. It isnt often a fullback is mentioned as an impact player, but Reece is used like Raiders offensive coordinator Al Saunders used Chris Cooley in Washington. A matchup problem for defenses, Reece is difficult to cover with a linebacker or safety. He didnt practice on Wednesday, so his status for Sundays game is in doubt. What are any question(s) that I should have asked and what are your answers? You should have asked me the score prediction. My answer: Texans 27, Raiders 24. As much as I would like to predict a win for the Raiders, Arian Foster should be able to have his way. The Raiders will battle, but will probably fall short on the road. Texans-Focused Q&A. Thanks to Chris for doing this Q&A. I did a Texans-focused Q&A for The Raiders Blog that I think you guys might appreciate, putting the Texans season in context as of Week 5. Once that is live, I will put it up. Texans-Raiders By The Numbers Conventional Stats: Raiders: Offense (8th), Pass offense (22nd), Rush offense(1st). Defense (29th), Pass defense (22nd), Rush defense (29th). Texans: Offense (10th), Pass offense (20th), Rush offense (4th). Defense (10th), Pass defense (10th), Rush defense (18th) Football Outsiders Efficiency Ratings (Considers per play situation compared to league average factoring in opponentmore than just total yards in conventional stats. More info at FO FAQs page) Raiders: Overall (12th), Offense (4th), Pass offense (6th), Rush offense (1st). Defense (28th), Pass defense (23rd), Rush defense (28th) , Special Teams (28th) Texans: Overall (7th), Offense (5th), Pass offense (5th), Rush offense (8th). Defense (21st), Pass defense (10th), Rush defense (30th), Special Teams (6th) As Ive said before, I like seeing the various numbers before the game because sometimes you can see patterns as more games (more data) happen. The numbers may be a little skewed due to the opponents each team has faced. Both sets of numbers suggest a pretty even matchup
Thank you for reading my blog, though boy howdy you quoted a bunch of it. The numbers at the bottom of the post I put together. I've been doing that over the course of the season for each of the matchups. Interesting to compare both conventional/efficiency stats. I did a Texans-focused preview for the Raiders blog you can read here: Texans Preview at The Raiders Blog Gives a snapshot view of the Texans as I see them now. I am very concerned at how thin the Texans are at WR/RB.
Go and check that Raiders blog out just for the picture of Arian and Polamalu. FUNNY STUFF and haven't seen it here.
Almost looks like that Hansen guy, whoever he is, read my post before blogging. http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1794082#poststop That, or you know we see the same things and are telling the truth. He thinks the Texans win by 3, and I stated it would be close and to flip a coin. This game should NOT be a cake walk like some here think, and could very well get out of hand quickly if the Texans aren't ready. I would not be surprised to see a Raider ST score or at least a very long return that sets up a score. Ford, Moore and Jones, have speed that you can't prepare for watching film, and don't realize how fast they are until you see them live and in person.
