Raiders Huge Underdogs On The Road Against The Giants

NFL News - October 6th, 2009 - Written by Scott

The Oakland Raiders will try to get their offense rolling this Sunday as they travel to New York to face the undefeated Giants. The Raiders fell to Houston on Sunday and against one of the league's worst defenses, gained only 165 total yards, 45 rushing and 120 passing. The Giants kept their undefeated season in tact as they got a 27-16 win over Kansas City on Sunday. Giants' quarterback Eli Manning injured his heel against the Chiefs while dropping back to pass. He left the game, but said he should be ready for Sunday's game against Oakland. Even if he can't go, backup David Carr should play well enough to lead the Giants against a struggling Raider team.

The Giants have been stellar on both sides of the ball through their first four games. They racked up 429 yards against the Chiefs and are averaging 26 points per game. Manning has passed for 1,039 yards and 8 touchdowns. Their rushing attack has been solid and is anchored by Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Jacobs has 288 yards and 1 touchdown and Bradshaw has 265 yards rushing. The defense has been great and is only giving up 16 points per game. They have also picked off 5 passes this year and returned 1 for a touchdown. New York's defense is ranked 1st in the league in both total yards per game and passing yards per game.

Oakland just has not found a way to get their offense rolling. They are only averaging 10 points per game, which is ranked 31st in the league, and have only scored 2 offensive touchdowns this year. The raiders are only averaging 119 yards through the air so far this season. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell has only passed for 506 yards and 1 touchdown. He also has thrown 4 interceptions. Their rushing attack is not much better and is only averaging 88 yards per game. Darren McFadden has not lived up to his expectations and has only 145 yards on the year with 1 touchdown. He also has lost 2 fumbles in four games. The defense has not helped the offense out at all and is giving up 21 points a game. In order for things to improve on the defensive side of the ball, they are going to need help from their offensive unit.

Betus Sportsbook has the Giants favored by 16 points at home against the Raiders. The over/under is set at 40 1/2 points. It could be a long game for Oakland if they can not find a way to get their offense to produce. They have not been effective through the air and will have a tough time against the league's best passing defense.

To discuss this and other NFL related stories be sure to check out our new forum at:
https://www.usaplayers.com/forums/nfl-news/