1. Gradkowski is better than Russell » JaMarcus Russell, the top overall pick in 2007, is a bust, thanks to shoddy training and studying habits. Bruce Gradkowski is a journeyman quarterback who has led comeback wins over Cincinnati and Pittsburgh. He’s more accurate than Russell, provides more leadership and does a better job of eluding the rush. He’s not perfect — he should have been picked off three times on the game-winning drive vs. Pittsburgh last week — but the players respond to him.
2. They love press man coverage » Oakland has not yet caught up with the rest of the NFL when it comes to varying defenses, thanks to Al Davis‘ love for press coverage. But the Raiders do have arguably the game’s top cornerback in Nnamdi Asomugha, who excels in this area. They will blitz — and they’ll use end Trevor Scott as a stand-up rusher on occasion — but they like to pressure with their front four and have the corners in the receiver’s face. Sounds manly, right? Too bad the Raiders are 31st in the NFL having allowed 14 pass plays of 40 yards or more. Their safeties are better suited to stop the run.
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3. They lack big-play receivers » Louis Murphy is the only receiver among the Raiders’ top five in receptions. Considering their top three receivers all run the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds or better, it shows you speed isn’t everything. Murphy (4.32 seconds) is a big-play guy, averaging 17.9 yards on his 23 receptions. He’s coming off a four-catch, 128-yard, two-touchdown game at Pittsburgh. Darrius Heyward-Bey is fast, but has done nothing with just nine catches and one touchdown. He’s another unproductive high pick, joining Russell and running back Darren McFadden.
4. Zach Miller is tough » The Raiders’ third-year tight end leads the team with 43 receptions and averages 14.2 yards per catch, a hefty sum for that position. At 6-foot-5, he presents matchup problems for most defenders. Miller is not the fastest, but he is the go-to guy. In wins over Philadelphia, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, he caught a combined 15 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns.
