What’s up, Raider Nation?! Welcome to this week’s Talking Touchdowns. I am smiling because we got a win, 21-14 against the Broncos to improve to 5-6 overall! It was not just an ordinary game though; A LOT happened, including the biggest brawl of the season so far. Basically, within three minutes of the game, Michael Crabtree and Aqib Talib were ejected for sucker punching each other. A lot of people are saying it’s revenge from when the two last met, when Talib ripped Crabtree’s chain off. Well, he did it again but this time the whole team got in on it. It was a movie!
Oakland Raiders vs. Denver Broncos
Amari Cooper was sandwiched between cornerback Bradley Roby and safety Darian Stewart and got a pretty bad blow to the head that was later ruled a concussion. He also suffered a sprained ankle. Our players were dropping like flies, but luckily Navorro Bowman saved the day and maybe the season.
The Raiders recorded their first long-awaited interception of the season in their first game under defensive play caller John Pagano! Navorro Bowman was the one to make this happen while being on the ground and it was their first interception in 357 pass attempts. See, never give up guys, perfect example of what happens when you keep at it!
Marshawn Lynch had a season-high 26 carries and rushed for 67 yards and a touchdown. Ever since his suspension, we have seen more of Beastmode. His runs are punishing and opposing defenses struggle to contain him in all four quarters. Good job, Lynch, for leading by example on the field for how to use the run to open up the pass.
Oakland Raiders vs. New York Giants
It was great to see the Raiders pass rush dominate like this. A five-sack performance against a division rival is something the Silver and Black can build on in the final five weeks. They will need to win in the trenches to stay in games defensively. This brings me to this week’s game, where we face the New York Giants in Oakland.
The Giants are 2-9 and have only scored one TD in the past two games. The truth is the Giants are weak and the Raiders just need to show up! They need to stay disciplined, no fighting, protect the ball and stick to the game plan.The Giants are having a rough year as it is (by losing Odell Beckham, Jr. to injury) So don’t give them a reason to have any hope.
Game Prediction
If Kansas City were to lose to the Jets, the L.A. Chargers beat the Cleveland Browns and the Raiders handle their business against the New York Giants, it would be a three-way tie atop the division at 6-6 with a quarter of the season to go. So ya, what I am saying is, there is a chance.
[NFL-Raiders-footer]Photo Credits:
- Denver Bronco Logo on Wikimedia by NFLCommunications.com
- Aquib Talib on flickr by Jeffrey Beall
- Amari Cooper on wikimedia commons by Erik Drost
- Bradley Roby on Wikimedia Commons by Jeffrey Beall
- Darian Stewart on Wikimedia Commons by Jeffrey Beall
- Marshawn Lynch on Wikipedia by Keith Allison
- Oakland Coliseum Field on Wikimedia Commons by Broken Sphere
- New York Giants on Wikimedia Commons by New York Giants
- Eli Manning on flickr by Mike Morbeck
- Geno Smith on Wikimedia Commons by Talltodd66
- Oakland Raiders on Wikimedia Commons by Oakland Raiders
- New York Jets on Wikimedia Commons by New York Jets
- Los Angeles Chargers on Wikimedia Commons by San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers
