Asking the Enemy

by Rich Langford on Sep 4, 2010 2:52 AM CDT

Let's hear it for regular season football! It's about time. Greetings MCM. I visited this fine site last year and even had a couple of posts. You see, I suffer from the horrible affliction of being a Raider fan, but the Titans were my adopted team.

I've always had a soft spot for Jeff Fisher and last year, after the rough start, the Titans were the most entertaining team in football. Anyway, it's a new year and one that looks to be a little less catastrophic for my beloved Silver and Black.

No thanks to the rough opener. I will admit, this match-up looks all Titans to me. From what I have seen of the Titans this pre-season they look incredibly stout up front; especially against the run. Bad news for the Raiders, whose offensive line looks to be the weakness of the team.

And if the O-line is not the weakness than the rushing defense is. Which blows for reasons I don't have to point out to you. The Raiders did much to try and improve the run D this off-season, but they still showed that pesky problem of completely breaking down once or twice a game and allowing a huge run. I don't want to get to in-depth here, since I am hoping we can get a good comment string going below.

What would you guys say is the strength of the Titans? What are your biggest worries?

The offensive line didn't seem as dominant in the little I saw in the pre-season, was there much turnover or were people being held out or was I just seeing things?

The Pass D for the Titans certainly had it's ups and downs last year. Are y'all thinking it'll be improved this year?

To sum it up, tell me whatever you want about your team and ask me anything about mine. I am just thrilled to be talking regular season football again.

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You mentioned that the Raiders O-line and rush defense are its weaknesses...

how will the raiders win this game?

"We take pride in running the football here". - Eugene Amano, C

Charter Member of the Music City Miracles Hall Of Fame

by Pinoy Titan on Sep 4, 2010 8:51 AM CDT reply actions

For the Raiders to win

I they’d have to get the pass game going. Which unlike the few years is actually a possibility now. And while the o-line is suspect, the Raiders have been having a lot of success with screens in the pre-season, which can help slow down the pass rush.

Then on D they just have to be decent against the run. The Raiders pass D looks solid and they have been and look even better this year at rushing the passer. The Raiders D has been terrific on 3rd downs during the pre-season.

Thought is cheap.

by Rich Langford on Sep 4, 2010 1:20 PM CDT up reply actions

Titans looking better

1) Pass D. Last year = atrocious. This year much improved. Not elite, but we should be able to hold our own
2) D-Line. From what we have seen in preseason, unfortunately I have to tell you: Watch out! ;)
3) Offense: Obviously our rush attack is going to be legit. Still remains to be seen how it will all gel together. Preseason has been hit or miss, We’re all looking forward to what they can do when it’s for real.

by rothbard on Sep 4, 2010 9:17 AM CDT reply actions

How exactly did you fix your pass D? I really see our passing surprising people. We will win this game is your secondary falters.

The RaiderLaker

by JaggerJaw on Sep 7, 2010 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions

if*

The RaiderLaker

by JaggerJaw on Sep 7, 2010 1:25 PM CDT up reply actions

I think the Raiders have a shot to win this game.

They need the turnover battle to be won, and to keep a mark on Chris Johnson and I think they have a chance.

I love draft time. That is my favorite part about the offseason. I think you guys got a very good football player in the fourth round in Bruce Campbell. I thought he was going in rounds 1 or 2. What has been the report on him and Rolando McClain?

"It all started with a badly timed bald joke." -Colin Mochrie

"Winston, you are drunk." -Lady Astor
"Yes my dear, but you are ugly, and in the morning I shall be sober." -Winston Churchill

by King Titan on Sep 4, 2010 10:14 AM CDT reply actions

Campbell has been moved to guard and he has definitly shown some signs.

He is currently the back-up right guard and we are all hoping he will be starting by the season’s end. It is still evident that he is getting used to the pro game and last week in his first extended action, he struggled with holding.

The rookie offensive lineman the Raiders took just ahead of Campbell has actually been more impressive. Jared Veldheer is a Tackle out of a small division 2 school. He has been splitting time at Tackle and Center in the pre-season and now it is actually looking like he may be the starting Center Week One. Which is a amazing. The jump from position 2 and the position switch and he may be starting. Which is a little worrisome, but he has the talents.

McClain has been solid. He has over pursued on a couple of runs, which has led to big plays. In short, he has made some rookie mistakes. The guy has all the tools and he seems to be a quick learner. He looks much better on pass D than advertised.

Thought is cheap.

by Rich Langford on Sep 4, 2010 1:27 PM CDT up reply actions

The most serious issue for the Titans this season

is with the safeties. Our starters might be ok at best, unless Griffin improves upon a terrible 2009 season and Hope builds on an average one. We have no depth there, however, and I think our secondary as a result will break down and give up a few big plays.

Special teams (outside of our return units) is a really big problem as well. I was not at all impressed by what I saw, so we could also be quite hurt there.

Kenny Britt, who we hoped would take a big step forward from a great rookie season and lead the WR corps instead seems to have taken a huge leap back. The other receivers seem to be coming along though.

However our defensive line looks amazingly good and we’re finally healthy there. Our entire defense should improve quite a bit as a result. With VY playing effectively and CJ at the helm, I think overall we’ll be a stout team.

So what is the biggest strength for the Raiders in your mind?

by Akalhar on Sep 4, 2010 11:25 AM CDT reply actions

The Pass D is the strength.

The Raiders can put pressure on the QB without relying on blitzing and they have looked fantastic on 3rd down. As you probably know the Raiders play a lot of man and this can set them up to get burned if they aren’t on their game, but with Nnam and the looking vastly improved Stanford Routt they should be solid.

Thought is cheap.

by Rich Langford on Sep 4, 2010 1:30 PM CDT up reply actions

Frankly, I think your QB's in trouble...

from what we saw from our D-Line in preseason. On the other side of the ball, CJ will have a field day, so you’ll need to key on him for sure. I’m looking for the Raiders to be a much improved team this year…but not enough to knock off the Titans in week one….sorry dude.

by titansfan4ever on Sep 4, 2010 1:16 PM CDT reply actions

Like I said, this certainly doesn't look like a good match-up for the Raiders.

But that’s why they play the game.

Thought is cheap.

by Rich Langford on Sep 4, 2010 1:31 PM CDT up reply actions

Who is this Howard guy at linebacker....

People on here are saying we want to trade for this guy, but I’ve never heard of him.
Good luck to u guys this season. Always kinda liked the Raiders & would like to see them take back that division from the damn Chargers

by oHIo1 on Sep 4, 2010 8:23 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Howard has been the Raiders starting WLB

He is solid in pass coverage and weak in the run game. He has good speed and he seems like a great team player. There was speculation he would be cut, but he is on the 53.

Thought is cheap.

by Rich Langford on Sep 4, 2010 9:25 PM CDT up reply actions