Pregame Notes For Raiders on 09/23/2012

First of all we need to make sure we have the right shoes for that "baseball" field they play on out there - what a piece of work for an NFL team.  I believe the Raiders have talent but still lack discipline.  They still like to throw the ball deep so the defense should employ the "two deep" technique. The Raiders have two of the FASTEST receivers in the league and the they still likes to "force" the ball down the field.

One linebacker should be given the McFadden "blanket" for runs and more importantly "screen passes"!  The Raiders do have a great "screen package" and they love to run it on third and long!  They could use our defenses's aggressive nature against us with screen passes.

Again, give the bad shape of that field the defense will need to take good pursuit angles because "slipping" will be an issue and will NOT allow for even our team speed to recover. The Raiders Offensive line is enormous but use poor technique so our D-line should not try to overpower them but use "slants" and stunts, instead.


On offense, Haley must not become predicatable in the first quarter as he has the first two games where we run the ball on first and second down and put the burden on Ben on third down to convert.  I still believe Chris Rainey can be an 'X' factor if he can just stay on his feet and stop tripping(...the guy does slip alot!) Rainey would be great on screen plays if he can just catch the ball first this week but I do not think he will last as a "featured" back but could do well as a slot back getting the ball that way.  Again, Haley has got to make him a part of the game plan.

Overall, the Steelers must do the following to win this week:
1. Do not give up the big play on offense, defense, or special teams
2. Do not give yards to the Raiders via excessive penalties
3. Get the proper footing: sounds simple but that field is "atrocious"
4. Get an early lead; the Raiders play poorly from behind
5. Take care of the ball; avoid turnovers at all costs!