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Post by Sac D on Nov 21, 2003 10:11:50 GMT -5
I don't think the Raiders have much of a chance going in to Arrowhead Stadium, but you never know.
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Post by Sac D on Nov 23, 2003 13:11:08 GMT -5
When: 1:15 p.m. today
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo.
TV: Channel: 5 Channel: 13 Channel: 46
Radio: KTCT (1050 AM), KHTK (1140 AM), KSAN (107.7 FM); Spanish broadcast on
KAZA (1290 AM)
Story line: Kansas City made a good run at 16-0, but a poor effort last week
in a 24-19 loss to Cincinnati left the Chiefs embarrassed and angry. Logic
dictates they'll take it out on an injury-riddled Raiders team that's played
far below expectations. But convention goes out the window when these two
bitter AFC West rivals knock heads. The Raiders and Chiefs split the season
series in 2002, but Oakland has won six of the last eight meetings. Winter
weather conditions are in the forecast, with chilly temperatures and rain --
a backdrop that favors the running game for both sides. The Raiders have
rallied behind backup QB Rick Mirer and emphasized the run, giving them a
fighting chance in this game.
When the Chiefs have the ball: While it's no secret the Raiders have
struggled to stop the run without massive DTs Dana Stubblefield (ankle) and
John Parrella (groin), their greatest defensive weakness continues to be
along the edges. CBs Charles Woodson and Phillip Buchanon played extremely
well against the Vikings, and they should be able to limit K.C.'s Johnnie
Morton and Eddie Kennison. The Chiefs, however, will try to maintain
offensive rhythm by running Priest Holmes wide and directing short,
high-percentage passes to him in the flat. Unless DTs Chris Cooper and Rod
Coleman improve up front, LB Eric Barton will spend his time shedding
blockers rather than making tackles. DE Trace Armstrong is done for the year
because of a shoulder injury, and the Raiders will rely on the streaky, less
disciplined play of DeLawrence Grant.
When the Raiders have the ball: Mirer's reputation of throwing into coverage
hasn't materialized much in his two starts, and Raiders offensive
coordinator Marc Trestman gets credit for designing a run-first attack that
caters to his strengths. The Chiefs have been worn down up the gut by
rushing teams in the past few weeks -- Cincinnati, Buffalo and Cleveland
attacked them heavily on first down -- and any temptation to stack the line
by bringing their safeties up in the box could open up a big pass play for
Mirer and deep threat Jerry Porter. Injured TB Charlie Garner is expected to
start, and he and Tyrone Wheatley will hit the hole at every opportunity.
The focus the last two weeks has shifted from WRs Jerry Rice and Tim Brown
toward surprise targets such as TE O.J. Santiago and even FB Chris
Hetherington.
Injuries: Chiefs -- WR Marc Boerigter (thigh), DE Eddie Freeman (toe), G
Brian Waters (shoulder), S Jerome Woods (back) and MLB Mike Maslowski (knee)
are questionable. WR Dante Hall (shoulder), RB Tony Richardson (hand), DT
Ryan Sims (foot) and T John Tait (ankle) are probable. Raiders -- DT
Parrella (groin) is out. RB Garner (back), DT Stubblefield (ankle), G Mo
Collins (knee),
T Lincoln Kennedy (calf), G Frank Middleton (quad) and S Rod Woodson (knee)
are questionable. C Barret Robbins (knee) is probable.
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Post by Sabers on Nov 23, 2003 22:28:49 GMT -5
As it turns out, the Raiders had a d**n good chance against the Chiefs in Narrowhead. But an idiot named Philip Buchanan deprived them of it.
He's a prime example of the boneheaded, self-centered, me-first attitude that pervades sports nowadays at all levels, just another egotistical clown who'd rather show off than show up.
On a team with Charles Woodson and Rod Woodson as players, and a Hall of Famer in Willie Brown as a coach, who does this idiot consider his mentor?Deion Sanders? 'Nuff said.
Jim Otto is right: this guy IS stupid. And if Bill Callahan had any balls, he's sit him down the rest of the way. But he doesn't, so he won't. Which means I'm fated to watch this clown cost the Raiders more points, and probably more games, the rest of this season.
Props to Tyrone Wheatley, who remains a nightmare to the Chiefs, and to Rick Mirer, who's showing me more than I ever thought he had. Even the largely invisible Napoleon Harris made a few plays today. A win would've been truly sweet, and the other 52 guys did enough to put it within reach.
*sigh*
g.
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Post by Sac D on Nov 24, 2003 0:17:05 GMT -5
I was impressed again with the play of Mirer... the guy sat all that time but now he's stepping up to the challenge and looking like a 2nd overall pick again.
Wheatley was great, he just needs the opportunity. It did seem like they stayed with the running game more today, I hope this trend continues.
The defense is still baffling. Bresnahan HAS TO GO!
Overall, a good effort but another loss. At least our team fought like men for the second week in a row.
Buchanon? IDIOT! Maybe by next year he will stop making foolish mistakes. Lets hope so.
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Post by Sabers on Nov 24, 2003 1:21:02 GMT -5
"...Buchanon? IDIOT! Maybe by next year he will stop making foolish mistakes. Lets hope so..."
Don't bet on it. I know the species. His world doesn't extend beyond the edges of his mirror. And have you checked out the way he blew off the whole episode? He basically cost this team a game today...and he blew it off. He really DOES believe it's all about him. I'm looking forward to Namdi Asomugha taking over at corner and sending this clown to the bench.
g.
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