Can Raiders start the season with a bang?

By Jon Elliott  |   Friday, June 29, 2007  |  Comments( 41 )

Oakland Raiders
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
The Raiders have created a buzz around Oakland during the offseason and have given fans a reason to look forward to 2007. Those hopes will either be bolstered or crushed before the Raiders' Week 5 bye. Do the Raiders have a legitimate chance of starting their season 4-0 or 3-1? The scheduling gods of the NFL have certainly given them a chance.

The silver and black will begin their year by hosting the only team with a 2006 season record near as bad as themselves, the Detroit Lions.

The Lions' offense is composed of a quarterback, Jon Kitna, who threw for more interceptions than touchdowns in 2006, and a leading rusher who ran for fewer than 700 yards. The only formidable weapons that they have are their three top receivers, Roy Williams, Mike Furrey and hyped rookie Calvin Johnson. With the Raiders' defense already prepped to stop the pass, it could be a long day for offensive coordinator Mike Martz, whose Lions enjoy vertically attacking to the best of their ability.

As far as the Lions' defense is concerned, the unit is soft enough that the Raiders' revamped offense could manage to put up respectable numbers. That should be enough to start the season with a win as the Lions will struggle to reach double-figure scoring.

The Raiders face their toughest early-season battle in Week 2, a road game at Denver. A rivalry game that is always intense, expect the players and the fans in Denver to be hyped up. Jay Cutler will have the reins to himself to start the season and will have Rod Smith and Javon Walker to throw to. A new addition, running back Travis Henry, will present a respectable ground game to keep the offensive balance. The Broncos' defense will also present more of a challenge to the still-acclimating Raider offense and could easily expose any weaknesses that the Oakland 'O' shows. That could spell the Raiders' first defeat of the year.

In Week 3, the Raiders return home to play the Browns. While Cleveland fans are still flying high from the draft, the reality is that their team's new talent will not be developed for at least another year or two. Charlie Frye will probably still be at the helm, and he certainly doesn't strike fear into the defensive secondary. In 2006, he threw 17 interceptions but only 10 touchdowns. Jamal Lewis is new to the Browns this year, but even he had a subpar year for the Ravens last season, and he may never again put up the stats that he once was known for. All in all, this game will probably look a lot like the Week 1 matchup against the Lions. All the Raiders should need to do is put up 17 points or more to lock up another win.

Finally, the Raiders will make a cross-country trek to Miami on Sept. 30. By this point, the coaches should have the offense clicking and could be a legitimate threat for the first time in a couple of years. The Dolphins have been facing criticism for months after former head coach Nick Saban bolted for Alabama after a 6-10 season. If Oakland comes in with momentum against a team in turmoil, it could very well roll into its bye week with a solid record.

For better or worse, the Raiders' first four games will set the pace for the remainder of the season, and they very well may dictate the entire campaign.

RealFootball365.com: Where there's no such thing as an offseason for Oakland Raiders football.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (41)

Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report
CommentsComments: 41  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
the franchise		02:59 AM
06/29/2007
i'll take 3-1 with the only loss comming against denver by a jason elam field goal. anything less is unacceptable....but who...
No.2
ShadyLady		03:25 AM
06/29/2007
Unbelievable.........I'm only going to say this for the last time, it's obvious what you get with when you hire an inexperienced...
No.3
RaiderNathan		04:59 AM
06/29/2007
ShadyLady is exactly right you are a lady and a winer fan,but let's be real any early win will be huge confidence builder to the...
Team News  |  View All Raiders Content
Oakland Raiders:  Is Nnamdi...
The Raiders have a lot of key free agents to sign. Guys like Zach Mil...
11 months, 3 weeks ago   |   Oakland Raiders:  Is Nnamdi Asomugha really done as a Raider? ( 15 )
Meanwhile… Back at the Asylu...
As many expected, the Oakland Raiders named offensive coordinator Hue...
1 year ago   |   Meanwhile… Back at the Asylum ( 1 )
The Oakland Comet Rides Agai...
The NFL post-season is underway, with a wild, wild, wildcard weekend i...
1 year, 1 month ago   |   The Oakland Comet Rides Again! ( 0 )
Eight and Eight Doesn’t Beat...
Note: This article was written prior to the news about Tom Cable being...
1 year, 1 month ago   |   Eight and Eight Doesn’t Beat Seven and Nine ( 3 )
Banner Day in Raider Nation
When you have a 24-hour period involving the Raiders sweeping one divi...
1 year, 2 months ago   |   Banner Day in Raider Nation ( 1 )