Cam’s Take: Falcons vs. Raiders Preview
October 7, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) is hit while throwing the ball by Atlanta Falcons defensive end Ray Edwards (93) at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE
And then there were 2. The Texans and the Falcons are the only two teams who remain perfect. 5-0. Undefeated. Unbeaten. 1st Place. The best. These words all share the same meaning. That is the Falcons and the Texans are the teams to beat. Who will beat them? Will it be the Raiders?
The Raiders have struggled this season. They sit at 1-3. They are fresh off of a bye week, but their last game was a beat down from Peyton Manning and the Broncos. What, if anything, do the Raiders have to hang their hat on? Well how about a man named Darren McFadden. But how important is McFadden? Well take it from Chris Shellcroft, the editor for the Raider’s blog at Fansided.
"McFadden is everything to the team, never mind the offense. If he’s on his game then everything changes for the Raiders"
I feel that summed up the importance of McFadden very well for the Raiders. Can Michael Turner possibly match the fire power of McFadden? That gets me to my first match up.
Michael Turner vs. Darren McFadden- This is a very, very intriguing match up. The Raider’s only hope in this game is for McFadden to take over the game. He hasn’t taken over any games so far. That is a very important component to their 3 losses. I am not saying that is the only reason, but it contributes. If McFadden isn’t going, then Palmer and that passing game isn’t going to do anything. Even with McFadden’s great talent, the Raiders are DEAD LAST in the league in rushing yards per game. Winner- Atlanta Falcons
This honestly is a total mis-match. The Falcons are the better team by far. Whether or not they come to play, is up to them. There isn’t a ton to write about. We all know that Julio and Roddy are better than Heyward-Bay and Moore. We all know Gonzalez is better than any TE the Raiders throw at us. We all know Matt Ryan is outplaying Carson Palmer. This game has blow-out written all over it. Whether or not it is, is a whole new question.
Atlanta Falcons, 34-Oakland Raiders, 14