The most recent defeating teams over the defending Champion Pittsburgh Steelers head into the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California for what seems a dreadful mismatch. The 2-6 Raiders have now been shut out twice on a Monday Night telecast. It now seems strange they were able to deal the Steelers a loss two weeks ago. Their loss to Seattle was humiliating and could have been worse against a healthier Seahawks team.
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The Raiders never reached the red zone in their game against the Seahawks. They could not protect their quarterback who got sacked nine times and offensively made almost nothing of a running game. Defensively they gave up too many rushing yards and forced no turnovers. It would seem they are shut down in all areas and don’t have the depth chart to handle the load. Coach Shell mentioned having to teach players to play better than they already do which isn’t a very positive statement in regards to any possible Oakland stored or hidden talent. The game ended 16-0 with a 22 yard running touch down by Deion Branch and three field goals by Josh Brown, two 20 yards and a 25 yard shot. Game over.
On the other hand, the 6-2 Broncos are a team that looks to be on the start of a flush. Their defeat of the Champs comes with an improvement on the offense and the taking advantage of opposing team’s mistakes. Their passing game is gaining momentum while their ground attack has suffered a bit with the injuries to Tatum Bell’s toes, and Mike Bell running for just 28 yards on 17 carries in his place. Mike Bell, an undrafted rookie out of Arizona, ran for 136 yards and two TDs against the Colts when Tatum Bell's injuries limited him to just 27 yards on 13 carries.
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The Bronco defense also had important injuries with the loss of linebacker Ian Gold (hamstring) and safeties Nick Ferguson (concussion) who was replaced by Sam Brandon. Brandon left the game late with a season ending knee injury. Against the Oakland Raiders, it might just be a chance to go into the depth chart and see what happens or at least cure some other injuries in a hurry.
Javon Walker scored three touchdowns on two receptions and a 72-yard run on a wide receiver reverse and the Denver Broncos took advantage of repeated Pittsburgh mistakes to win 31-20 on Sunday. His resurgent connection with Jake Plummer has also caught on with Rod Smith who caught the opening 16 yard touch down pass. Willie Parker ran in two for the Steelers, a 3 yard and a 15 yard and Jeff Reed scored two a 29 yard chip shot and a 46 yard bomb. Jason Elam closed the scores with a 32 yard field goal.
On paper this mentioned mismatch swings in favor of the Broncos heavily. We like the trend -9 and over 33½. We see a possible third shut out in a season.
