Raiders vs Colts Preview

in #sports6 years ago (edited)

Last article we could say the Colts were as bad as the Raiders, with the same 1-5 record. Then they went and demolished the Bills during our bye. Just our "Luck".

Let's Review

Janikowski, gone. Crabtree, gone. King, gone. Mack, gone. Cooper, gone. Marshawn Lynch, injured. Penn, injured. Who's left?

Did I mention Amari Cooper is gone? I was his biggest fan and wish him the best, but as stated in our last article it was time to separate. I am dying to see how he does on the Cowboys. I just have to know if his sub par performance was a Cooper thing or a Raider thing.

Surprisingly, there is still some semblance of a team left to work with here. Carr has to navigate the pocket better and stop throwing interceptions, earn his money so to speak. Nelson, Bryant and Roberts are all perfectly acceptable receivers. Don't forget Jared Cook, in game one of the season he had 9 receptions for 180. Let's go ahead and reactivate that magic if you ask me.

At running back we have Martin, Richard and Washington, all competent professionals and all great catchers as well.

On the O line youngsters Miller and Clemmings have to prove they know how to fill Penn's shoes, it is a matter of succession planning. They should play like they know how much Left Tackles make in this league. It's a lot, they make a lot for protecting the QB's blindside. And Osemele needs to provide veteran leadership and earn his very nice paycheck right next to them.

On defense Irvin, Worley, Conley, Melvin and Whitehead all have to have a great game.

This is still a professional football team that belongs in the NFL, it is not necessary to finish last despite how much management seems to love first round draft picks.

Interesting tidbit, Mack and Cooper have the same agent, Joel Segal. Wonder how much that guy put on the under 8 wins for the season bet before the season started.

So, all hope is not lost, stay positive, play the whole 60 minutes, get each other's back, if there is any kind of locker room drama squash it now.

The trade deadline is this Tuesday, Oct 30 so some reinforcements may be on their way.