How long before we see the "tuck" play on ABC tomorrow night? Raiders have made a lot changes since then. Their biggest acquisition in the offseason was Randy Moss. If given the time he & Collins could hook up quite a bit this season. LaMont Jordan was another addition to the offense. Primarily a short yardage back in NY, some question if Jordan can carry the full load in Oakland. A lot has been made of the loss of Bruschi, Law & the coordinators. However the Pats still boast 1 of the best DLs, giving Vrabel & McGinest the ability to rush the QB at will. New additions Brown & Beisel are going to be under pressure to fill the shoes of TedX2. Aside from their leader Harrison, the secondary is young. But they're loaded with talent. Samuel & Wilson could be prime for pro bowl seasons. The focus of this game will be at the line. During the Raiders SB run they had an impenetrable OL, but it's now aged a few tears. And even with the young Gallery I think they're no match for the Pats DL. Defensively is where the Raiders have made their biggest upgrade, mostly through the draft. When you face LT & Holmes twice a season you'd better focus on your run D & recently they have. However the Patriots are a balanced offense. Branch has developed into a solid threat both on short & long yardage plays. Givens is as sure handed a possesion receiver there is. Dillon is the hammer when it comes time to finish a team off. Pats will probably wanna jump out to an early lead so look for them to pass often in the 1st half. If successful Collins will be forced into a turnover or 2. Prediction: Pats 27 Raiders 20
I definitely agree with most of your assesment but I'm not sure the raiders have upgraded on Defense at all...they may be worse. There secondary erratic and outside of Woodson (overrated IMO) have little experience. Their outside LB's are slow and too big quite frankly to be able to cover Pass or Faulk out of the back field on pass plays nevermind they were horrible against the run last season...and I'm sorry but Big Ted is just collecting money at this point and Sapp is well just as overrated as Woodson. There offense though is another story..I think they will be able to move the ball on us and move it pretty well at points in the game esepcially because its the first game of the season and they will very unpredictable in how they use their new toys on offense..I think we pull it out in a shoot out similar to last years opener with the Colts...good to see your back bakes..I need some more Pats guys around..hopefully Glenso returns to..I can't wait for tomorrow.I'll be there look for me in the second to last row..LOL Pats 31 Oak 24
It's in Foxboro of course home of the Champs! I know Oakland's D has been bad, but I really think they've made some improvements. This won't be an easy win. I expect both teams to have a rough start offensively as they shake the rust off.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pats37)</div><div class='quotemain'>good to see your back bakes..I need some more Pats guys around..hopefully Glenso returns to..I can't wait for tomorrow.I'll be there look for me in the second to last row..LOL Pats 31 Oak 24</div> By the looks of things we need more people in general. The NFL season is 1 day away people!
For one day only, Thursday, September 8th, I will be a Patriots fan. Go Pats! (OK, maybe on Oct. 2nd and 16th too.)
Both teams have loaded recieving cores, both have QBs that can light it up. Both have good RBs, but Dillion is better. I think it has to come down to defense and it has to benifit the pats
I agree w/ P37's assessment. I don't mind the Raiders but can't see them winning especially when Belichick has had all this time to game plan. NE 34 Raiders 24
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (kcgsc)</div><div class='quotemain'>For one day only, Thursday, September 8th, I will be a Patriots fan. Go Pats! (OK, maybe on Oct. 2nd and 16th too.) </div> I, too, will be rooting for the Pats on 10/16.
I was watching the NFL network last night and they must have played the tuck rule play at least 12 times. lots of other pats highlights has well, it was a nice night.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Pack Attack)</div><div class='quotemain'>I'll play "Dark Horse" and pick the Raiders to SHOCK THE WORLD! Raiders 24 Patriots 21</div> I'm shocked you didn't know the game was in New England..not like you Pack..and though it could happen its just hard to pick the pats to lose at home since....they haven't lost in NE since 12/22/2002 vs the Jets...
is it me or have the pictures in the aviars gotten a lot better lately. keep up the good work guys. sorry to get off topic, but i had to say something
I think the Pats get ahead early and the Raiders play catch up, but fall short... something like 37-28. What do you guys think Brady's numbers are going to look like? I am starting him over Favre this week.
Well I think having a healthy Branch will be huge for Brady owners. Also having 2 mammoth TEs will help. The Pats have a tuff schedule so it's likely that you'll see Brady have to pass more. At the same time I think Dillon is going to be getting the majority of the touches inside the 20 which could hurt Tom's TD production.
Thanks for the heads up Bakes.... I can't believe I drafted Tom Brady... oh the bittersweet of fantasy football.
