With the Raiders opening the season with the Tennessee Titans, I took part in an exchange with Andrew Strickert of the blog Total Titans. We asked each other five questions about the upcoming game and the other team.
This gives a chance to see what the other side is thinking as the season begins. We’ll be running the Thoughts from the Other Side prior to each game this season.
My answers to his questions can be found in the second half of the article.
Thoughts from the Dark Side: Vince Young has been a roller coaster since he has been drafted, are you still sold on him as a quarterback to build around?
Total Titans: This season will be the fifth on Vince’s six-year contract, so a decision will be made on him after the season. A good year by him, especially if he’s instrumental in leading the team to a winning record, would pretty much guarantee he’ll be resigned to a new contract. (Depending of course on a possible lockout.) You’re right about the roller coaster and even when he’s been playing well, he hasn’t looked like a great QB. One thing stands out though — despite his flaws, he’s a winner — Vince’s record as a starter is 26-13. Something else to consider is that one of Vince’s biggest fans is the owner, Bud Adams, who hand-picked him. As long as Vince does reasonably well, especially against Houston, he can expect to stick around.
TFDS: How does Chris Johnson’s stated run for 2500 yards affect team chemistry?
TT: Good question. It’ll be different this year so we’ll just have to see. It hasn’t seemed to be an issue so far this year. Last year, his quest for 2,000 was something that the team rallied around. The playoffs were out of reach so CJ’s venture was something positive to build on.
TFDS: What is the Titans’ biggest strength (outside of Chris Johnson)/ weakness?
TT: On offense, the biggest strength is the blocking (the o- line, FB Ahmard Hall and the blocking TE Craig Stevens.) Biggest weakness is the passing game. On defense, the biggest strength is the d-line, although the top two DEs are both injured and will probably be inactive. The DT rotation should be pretty good. The weaknesses are in coverage. If the Titans can’t get a good pass rush, the secondary will be in trouble.
TFDS: Who are the X factors on offense and defense?
TT: Offense — WR Kenny Britt and TE Jared Cook. Both have tremendous athleticism and big-play ability but both are extremely inconsistent.
Defense — FS Michael Griffin. A Pro Bowler (injury replacement) in 2008 and the worst safety in the league in 2009.
TFDS: Which of the new starters on either side of the ball have impressed you the most?
TT: The unexpected availability and acquisition of Will Witherspoon was huge and he looked great in camp, stepping right in to fill the great Keith Bulluck’s shoes. It’s what you’d expect a quality veteran player to do and he hasn’t disappointed. Having said that, I’m not sure how much he’ll play Sunday. He just lost his mother and has missed practice so he’s likely to not be on the field for some of the stuff that was being installed this week.
TFDS: *BONUS GAME PREDICTION*
TT: CJ rushes for 150 yards and two TDs.
Tennessee 21
Oakland 17
My answers to Andrew’s questions
I am very nervous about the Raiders defense stopping Chris Johnson. However, I do like the Raiders defensive ends on passing downs, especially rookie Lamarr Houston. Of course, the best matchup for the Raiders is Nnamdi Asomugha on any receiver.
In order to win, the Raiders have to contain Chris Johnson, which is easier said than done. If they can score early and force the Titans to have to pass.
My prediction Raiders win 27-24 on a late Sebastian Janikowski field goal.
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