With a depleted secondary, the Raiders have to figure out how to stop Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense. It’s not an easy task, but it’s a requirement if the Raiders want to win the game and move to 4-6 on the season.
Since the Saints' defense is allowing nearly 500 yards per game, the Raiders should be able to do whatever they want on offense. Although it’s not a preferable solution, the Raiders could just try to outscore the Saints to win the game. The outcome would then probably be decided by whichever team had the ball last.
The Raiders certainly haven’t been good on defense in 2012, but they’ve done well enough against passing teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers to think they have a chance of at least slowing the Saints down on Sunday.
Graham and Sproles
This is an example that I’ve used before on how to slow down Darren Sproles and Jimmy Graham. Take those two players out of the equation and you have a much better chance at beating the Saints.
Sproles is listed as questionable, so the Raiders may not have to worry about him. The Saints have done a good job making his status uncertain enough for the Raiders to game-plan for him.
The Chiefs actually did a good job of slowing down Graham and Sproles in Week 3. Graham had four catches for 16 yards and Sproles had no catches at all. Sproles did have seven carries for 62 yards, but the bulk of the rushing duties will be split between the Saints other running backs in Week 11. If Sproles plays, they likely will not want him taking a pounding between the tackles.
This play is actually a completion to Graham...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
