Opponent Preview: Oakland Raiders face Baltimore Ravens and New Orleans Saints
Opponent preview of Oakland Raiders carries on as we preview the second half of the season. In this preview, we will analyse Raiders’ games to be played in week 10 and 11.
In these weeks, Raiders will face two teams coming from a tremendous 2011 season, but both of them are facing some major problems this time.
These teams are not the same as they were the last season. It would be difficult for them to at least maintain the last season’s track record. Winning these games is important if Raiders want to qualify for the playoffs.
Week 10: Baltimore Ravens
Last season was a marvellous one for Baltimore Ravens, especially for their defensive team. Yet, come the new season, there are some doubts about the older players.
Ravens’ defence is the one that is most badly affected by this old age scenario. Players like Ray Lewis are confronting with diminishing speed.
So Raiders should buckle up for this game. It is a difficult, but achievable task to win this game.
Last time Ravens and Raiders met each other was on January 3, 2010. The game was won by Ravens 21-13.
Head-to-Head
Seven encounters have taken place so far between these two teams. Ravens have won six of those encounters and Raiders have won one game. They have also played one playoff game against each other.
Week 11: New Orleans Saints
New Orleans Saints’ offseason has been catastrophic to say the least. Many of its coaching staff and players are suspended for their involvement in the Bounty Gate Scandal.
Saints head coach Sean Payton has been suspended for a full season. It will have a profound effect on the team’s performance throughout the season.
Payton has been a major cohesion force for the Saints’ successful campaign last season in which they finished their regular season 13-3.
His absence would certainly be felt at crucial times when special strategies are required to grind out the results.
Raiders must capitalise on the absence of these key individuals. If they are able to put pressure on Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees and limit his output, then this contest could end up in their way.
The most recent game between Raiders and Saints was played in the 2008 season. Saints utterly dominated Raiders in that game and won 34-3.
Head-to-Head
Saints and Raiders have faced each other 11 times. Each team has five wins under its belt. One game ended in a tie.
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