Game Preview: Oakland Raiders at New Orleans Saints

Photo by Patrick A. Patterson/TFDSsports.com

The Oakland Raiders are traveling to New Orleans to face off with the New Orleans Saints at the Louisiana Superdome. This is not a long standing rivalry as the Raiders and Saints have only faced off 10 times. The Raiders lead that series 5-4 with one tie. The most defining moment in a Raider Saints match up actually happened during the presaeson as the Saints took the field in Oakland shortly after Katrina devastated the New Orleans and the Raider Nation showed their support to an opposing team that was facing their own serious crisis.

Last Meeting:

New Orleans 34 Oakland 26, played at the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland California on 10/24/04

Historical moments:

12-3-1979 Oakland Raiders 42 New Orleans Saints 35

In this game, the Raiders were down 28-14 at the half. Kenny "The Snake" Stabler had played poorly in the first half, and the Raiders looked to be down. In true Snake fashion, he led the Raiders to a come from behind victory over the Saints on Monday Night.

11-9-97 New Orleans Saints 13 Oakland Raiders 10

The saints upset the favored Raiders in Oakland. Cameras caught Saints coach Mike Ditka paying off a bet to one of his coaches on the sidlines during the game.

11-19-00 Oakland Raiders 31 New Orleans Saints 22

In this game Saints quarterback Jeff Blake was injured ushering in the Aaron Brooks era in New Orleans. Brooks took over after that game as continued as the starter until 2005. Coincidentally he joined the Raiders the very next year.

Raiders win if:

The Raiders have to contain Reggie Bush who has been a force in the return and passing game. Look for the Raiders to use Thomas Howard in coverage against Bush, as he is one of if not the fastest linebacker in the league, and a top flight coverage backer. The Raiders also need to get pressure on Drew Brees. On the offense, the Raiders have to be able to get their wideouts into the game better than they have thus far. They also have to protect JaMarcus Russell. The Raiders will run the ball well.

Saints win if:

If Reggie Bush breaks off the big plays. The Saints need to contain the Raiders pass rush and keep Brees upright. On defense, the Saints need to contain the Raiders rushing threat. The Saints need to get pressure on Russell and not allow him to get the ball to tight end Zach Miller or get his wide outs into the game.