Catching up

Firstly I'd like to appologize for the lack of recent updates, this was due to unforseen technical difficulties which have now thankfully been fixed meaning that the blog will be updated much more regularly again, here goes with some notes to catch up on:

- The Raiders lost a brutally close 23-20 overtime game against the Broncos last Sunday in controversial fashion as the Broncos called a timeout as the Raiders kicked what would have been a winning field goal, only for them to retake and miss.

- Derrick Burgess picked up a calf injury late in the game and hasn't practiced all week, this could mean that Lane Kiffin is making sure he's fully rested for the Browns game this Sunday but judging by the type of injury it is doubtful that he will play, fifth round rookie draft pick Jay Richardson is the favorite to start in his place.

- LaMont Jordan has a slight back injury but is expected to be ready to play, Kiffin hinted that Adimchinobe Echemandu may be activated for the first time this season as insurance.

- Jeremy Newberry is reportedly close to full fitness after a hamstring injury and could see playing time against the Browns, Newberry would be a better matchup against ex-Raider NT Ted Washington as he has more power than Grove who has struggled in the past against bigger Defensive Tackles.

- With Burgess unlikely to play expect DE Chris Clemons to see a lot more action, Burgess and Clemons are the Raiders only 2 pass rush specialists on the roster after rookie third round pick Quentin Moses was surprisingly cut.

- Also expect more blitzes from Rob Ryan in this game with Morrison, Howard and Huff all likely to have thier numbers called to get to the QB, Ryan hasn't blitzed an awful lot so far this season but this will be the key to getting Browns QB Derek Anderson out of his rhythem.

- Poll results: 21% (8/37) of people voting in last weeks poll correctly predicted the Raiders would lose to the Broncos by 8 or less points.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to watch the Broncos game to provide any in-depth analysis but I'll be watching this week against the Browns and will likely have another blog back up on Monday, as always thanks for reading!