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Five-star scouting report / By Allen Wilson
Raiders’ vertical game flat-lining so the key is to stop the run
1. Dangerous duo. RBs Marshawn Lynch, right, and Fred Jackson were an impressive tandem last week, with Lynch pounding inside for tough yards while Jackson excelled in space as a receiver. The Raiders’ 300-pound DT rotation of Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren and Terdell Sands can be stout, but will wear down if forced to play a lot of snaps. LBs Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard are playmakers on the second level. Look for the Bills to spread the Raiders, using Jackson in the slot in multiple receiver formations, to pry open space for Lynch to run. In passing situations, Jackson could be matched against Howard, who led all NFL linebackers with six interceptions last season.
2. Run DMC. Rookie RB Darren McFadden lived up to the hype last week, gaining 164 of Oakland’s 300 rushing yards at Kansas City. Running behind zone blocking, he has the instincts to find creases and will explode through them if the Bills don’t fill the gaps. With Justin Fargas out (groin), McFadden will share touches with 245-pound Michael Bush, a second-year player who gained 90 yards on his first 16 carries in the NFL. The only way the Raiders will have any success is blocking Buffalo’s interior D-line, especially DT Marcus Stroud.
Raiders’ vertical game flat-lining so the key is to stop the run
1. Dangerous duo. RBs Marshawn Lynch, right, and Fred Jackson were an impressive tandem last week, with Lynch pounding inside for tough yards while Jackson excelled in space as a receiver. The Raiders’ 300-pound DT rotation of Tommy Kelly, Gerard Warren and Terdell Sands can be stout, but will wear down if forced to play a lot of snaps. LBs Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard are playmakers on the second level. Look for the Bills to spread the Raiders, using Jackson in the slot in multiple receiver formations, to pry open space for Lynch to run. In passing situations, Jackson could be matched against Howard, who led all NFL linebackers with six interceptions last season.
2. Run DMC. Rookie RB Darren McFadden lived up to the hype last week, gaining 164 of Oakland’s 300 rushing yards at Kansas City. Running behind zone blocking, he has the instincts to find creases and will explode through them if the Bills don’t fill the gaps. With Justin Fargas out (groin), McFadden will share touches with 245-pound Michael Bush, a second-year player who gained 90 yards on his first 16 carries in the NFL. The only way the Raiders will have any success is blocking Buffalo’s interior D-line, especially DT Marcus Stroud.
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