The New York Jets travel to Oakland for the second consecutive year as the Jets are set to face off against the Raiders. The Jets and Raiders are on two different paths, with the Jets faltering after a strong start and the Raiders coming off the best game they have played all year.
The Raiders were able to deliver one of the biggest upsets of the season last week when they held off the Philadelphia Eagles 13-9. Meanwhile, the Jets were the victims of another upset when they lost 16-13 in overtime on the back of five Mark Sanchez interceptions.
Since the Eagles game, Raider coach Tom Cable has stressed the importance of winning this forthcoming game to further engrain the concept of winning into the team. The reeling Jets can be ripe pickings for another loss if the Raiders play the type of of complete game they played last week.
HISTORY:
The Raiders lead the series 20-14-2.
Last meeting: The Oakland Raiders won 16-13 in Overtime in a game played on 10/19/2008 at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum.
First meeting: The Raiders beat the Jets (Then known as the Titans) 28-27 in a game played on 10/28/60 at the Polo Grounds in New York.
The post season series is tied 2-2.
The Raiders and Jets have a rivalry that dates back to the early days of the AFL. Their best known matchup was the infamous Heidi Game in 1968. The Jets retaliated by winning the AFL Championship over the Raiders en route to their upset win in Super Bowl II. The rivalry saw a resurgence in the early part of this decade when the Raiders won two straight playoff matchups with the Jets.
WHEN THE RAIDERS HAVE THE BALL:
The success or failure of this offense once again rests upon the shoulders of the offensive line. They played well enough to win against the Eagles, but they will have to ratchet it up further. The Jets defense is missing an important piece in nose tackle Kris Jenkins, but they are still a highly ranked defense. The Raiders offense is still only one game removed from looking like a total disaster.
The Raiders are going to have to run the ball and run the ball well. Justin Fargas had the best game of a Raider running back this season, and he will need to repeat that performance. The key from JaMarcus Russell will be for him to minimize mistakes.
WHEN THE JETS HAVE THE BALL:
The Raiders are going to have to play sound fundamental defense and prevent the Jets running backs from breaking off big runs. They also have to keep Mark Sanchez off balance. Sanchez is coming off of a dismal performance against the Buffalo Bills. The Raiders defense has to ensure that Sanchez doesn't fund the easy rhythm that he had when he started the season channeling Joe Nameth.
You can also find Patrick Patterson on Thoughts from the Dark Side.
Comments
It all hinges as always, on whether or not Jamarcus Russell can be successful enough to move the chains and give the defense enough rest to be fresh when they take the field. This in turn relies on the offensive line to give him enough time to find his receivers. I say run the ball every down that is not third and three or more and pass when we have to.Then see what the Jets give us and take it!The defense won the game for us last week and will be the deciding factor again. Go Raiders!!!
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!