Bills vs. Raiders: Oakland's Pass Defense Surviving Sans Asomugha

by Brian Galliford on Sep 16, 2011 11:01 AM EDT in Buffalo Bills News

One of the big questions surrounding the Oakland Raiders this off-season was how the team would fare defensively without star cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, a free agent defection to Philadelphia. So far, the results have been mixed: in their Week 1 win over Denver, Kyle Orton threw for 304 yards, but was also picked off once and completed just 52 percent of his passes.

Still, for the Buffalo Bills, this is a pass defense that - if the protection holds up - can be beaten in a variety of ways.

"The real problem with the Raiders pass defense comes on guarding slot receivers and crosses over the middle," explained Rich Langford of SilverAndBlackPride.com. "Michael Huff was sliding from safety to play the nickel corner spot, but he injured his groin, and it isn't known if he will be able to go against the Bills. Huff wasn't doing this because he is an awesome cover corner. He was doing this because the Raiders have no corner depth.

"Also, the few times the Raiders do run a zone, their linebackers are spectacularly terrible in coverage," Langford continued. "Rolando McClain is solid, but Quentin Groves and Kamerion Wimbley fail on a level that defies the bounds of the English language."

Buffalo's offense, as Bills fans are well aware, is highly reliant on short passing routes, with an emphasis on slants. All of their primary receiving targets are players with the size and quickness to separate in the short area and make plays on intermediate routes. This may play to Buffalo's advantage on Sunday - and a quick, rhythm-based passing game could get the ball out of Ryan Fitzpatrick's hands quickly enough to keep him clear of Oakland's excellent defensive line, as well.

Still, the Raiders aren't exactly a huge liability in this department, even without Asomugha, widely regarded as the league's best cornerback for a period of several years. The team has already found a suitable replacement, and he was already on the roster.

"Stanford Routt has developed into a very solid, if not great, corner," opines Langford. "The Raiders tend to leave their corners on one side of the field rather than have them shadow a receiver. More often than not, Routt was on a team's No. 1 receiver last year, and he did just fine. He is a tough matchup for any receiver, and he really has no weaknesses. He was tested a few times by the Broncos, and I don't believe he surrendered a reception."

Fitzpatrick and Chan Gailey aren't afraid to target anyone in the passing game, so expect some throws toward Routt, as well. In the end, however, a ball-control passing game may be the trick for the Bills to control the flow of the game in Week 2.

Tweet Comment 22 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

I was surprised that the Raiders CBs did fairly well. Since their depth is lacking we should see plenty of 4 WR sets.

Year two is upon us.

by Buffalo for Eternity on Sep 16, 2011 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

3 words

Nelson, Chandler, Parrish

by dgrid on Sep 16, 2011 11:13 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs

1 word.

Yup.

Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"

by bflo on Sep 16, 2011 11:29 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

“Also, the few times the Raiders do run a zone, their linebackers are spectacularly terrible in coverage,” Langford continued. “Rolando McClain is solid, but Quentin Groves and Kamerion Wimbley fail on a level that defies the bounds of the English language.”

So should I start Chandler over Finley in my fantasy league? haha

by Sluss88 on Sep 16, 2011 11:18 AM EDT reply actions

I have the same 2 TEs on my fantasy team

by BillsFanSanDiego619 on Sep 16, 2011 2:02 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

And a quick shoutout to Brian and Co.

You guys pump out a new story every hour or two. Always keeping me busy reading new stuff. Keep it up.

Fitz = M(C)²
"Lets Go Buff! a! lo!"

by bflo on Sep 16, 2011 11:30 AM EDT reply actions

I’ve seen this stated a few times this week but I think it’s important and should be kept in mind. Buffalo will spread the field and throw quickly against the Raiders thus negating their biggest strength (defensive line/pass rush) and exploiting a weakness (CB play). Chandler, Roscoe and Nelson could all have big games this week if Fitz can continue to be accurate and get the ball out quickly.

"It’s like I’ve always said, don’t tell me about the labor pains, just show me the baby."
- Buddy Nix

"How can a guy with a name like Melo be such a pain in the ass?"
- George Lopez

by dnvrBillsfan on Sep 16, 2011 11:32 AM EDT reply actions

The Key To this Game:

Getting Oakland out of their rhythm.

It has been stated on this site earlier this week. Oakland very rarely blitz’s, they depend mostly ont heir 4 DL rushing the passer. So if we can force them to maybe send a 5th Pass Rusher we will ahve the huge benefit of taking them out of their comfort zone.

The same can be said on defence. if we can force 3rd & 8 as oppose to 3rd and 4 it will go a long way to stopping this football team. if you watched the Monday nighter against Denver, very very rarely did Oakland not run on 1st and 2nd down. The depended on their backs to get them to 3rd and short.

"Big Gulps Eh, Well See ya later" - Lloyd Christmas
" You Gus ready To Let The Dogs Out" "What?" " you Know, Who Let the dogs out rough rough rogh rough" - Zack Galifinakis - The Hangover

by PaullyPforPrez on Sep 16, 2011 11:36 AM EDT reply actions

I will also say this

We Will see alot more Brad Smith then we saw in week 1.

Getting Smith in the game will allow us to keep Oakland honest.

"Big Gulps Eh, Well See ya later" - Lloyd Christmas
" You Gus ready To Let The Dogs Out" "What?" " you Know, Who Let the dogs out rough rough rogh rough" - Zack Galifinakis - The Hangover

by PaullyPforPrez on Sep 16, 2011 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Smith needs to play, making 3.7m yr.

by thunder_716 on Sep 16, 2011 12:47 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I am fine with Smith's salary

If he can help us beat the Patriots, Jets and Dolphins. I still like the conventional approach but the fact that we are not deep enough to compete with the big boys consistently will give Brad Smith many opportunities to contribute with what he does or Chan has planned for him.

YOU ARE OUT of you kuku fufu mine craker laker Flaber baber FUNKI chunki brain. WE want to winn every year -- abayarde

by VanScottM on Sep 16, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Four man rush plays to Bills strength

I’m concerned about the Bills ability for proper blocking assignments on complex blitz packages. KC played plain vanilla most of the time and Fitz picked them apart.

by Rick A on Sep 16, 2011 1:03 PM EDT up reply actions

True

The Raiders employed a lot of stunts against the Bronco’s in the second half, along with a five man rush. They wore Denver’s o-line down in the first half and ran roughshod over them in the second half.

"Being a Bills Fan is a Tough Job for Tough People…" – Luther6

by Montel on Sep 16, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Which is weird, because the Bronco’s offense played much better in the second half.

"Slowly all the roles we act out become our identity. And in the end we are what we pretend to be." - Jerry Cantrell.

by stetzwebs on Sep 16, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions

not buying that description of Stanford Routt

as a tough out for any receiver. No doubt he can get the job done but I wouldn’t feel comfortable with him as my number 1 guy and definitely wouldnt feel comfortable giving him the 5 year, 54 million dollar contract Al Davis just did. I think Stevie Johnson will give him fits with his tight route running and his excellent yards after the catch. If I’m not mistaken, Routt isnt exactly a good, strong tackler and Stevie will make DBs miss. I see Routt as an underrated player but somehow also overpayed and too high on his own depth chart.

I think our WRs matchup well against the Raiders secondary. The guy I really fear in this matchup is Tyvon Branch. His stat sheet wont come up with interceptions on it but I think he matchups well against us for two reasons: 1.) he makes plays on the ball and with Fitzpatrick overthrowing wildly from time to time and having a penchant for throwing with blatant disregard for the size of a window I worry that Branch will be disruptive on key passing downs. 2.) When you watch the Raiders you notice this guy is everywhere, he stuffs the run and he can get after the quarterback. With our offensive line already being overmatched by the Raiders defensive line and rightfully focused on stopping such a talented unit, I expect Branch to come free and stop Freddy Jackson short more than once as well as get a lick or two on Fitzpatrick.

This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill

by poz on Sep 16, 2011 11:39 AM EDT reply actions

Nad Branch can Hit

He will be active in run support, and man can he lay the boom!

"Big Gulps Eh, Well See ya later" - Lloyd Christmas
" You Gus ready To Let The Dogs Out" "What?" " you Know, Who Let the dogs out rough rough rogh rough" - Zack Galifinakis - The Hangover

by PaullyPforPrez on Sep 16, 2011 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Stanford Routt will establish himself

this year as just about as good a shut-down corner as the league presents. Learned how to study and prepare from Nnamdi and has equal, if not superior physical tools to him. This is not to say Stevie Johnson will be shut out, but I wouldn’t count on a big game if Routt is lined up on him all day. IMO. I have a gut feeling he’ll come away with a pick on Sunday. Either way, I think this game will be really good and really close.

by Cinci91 on Sep 16, 2011 6:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Buffalo must attack and not react...

On both sides of the ball. Offense- pass and run block, give Fitz, Fred, CJ enough time run, and plenty of screen plays. I think we could see a lot of misdirection and even a couple of reverses to Parrish and let him do his thing in the open field. I also think we could see the TE’s getting more passes this game to keep the pressure off.

Defense- Pressure, Pressure, Pressure…Forced throws = Interceptions. Contain their run game and limit the BIG plays. Coverage Sacks are going to be needed. Expect the Raiders to try some crazy plays- can’t be fooled! No dumb penalties…don’t be suckered into them!

ST…Need to limit Janikowski to 70 -80 yrd field goals! This might be their only way of scoring points. Keep them out or block them. It’s been a while since we blocked one.

12th Man….MAKE SOME NOISE!

by Dareurush! on Sep 16, 2011 12:08 PM EDT reply actions

hahaha so you're saying we need to play well in all facets of the game :)

hey, we did do it against the Chiefs so its not unrealistic!

This even grates my passive cheese - LeClaire Bill

by poz on Sep 16, 2011 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

The real problem with the Raiders pass defense comes on guarding slot receivers and crosses over the middle

Oh, baby.

by NordicBillsfan on Sep 16, 2011 12:36 PM EDT reply actions

Chiming in late this week.....

But this is the team that had it not been for bad weather in Denver, would have been TORCHED by Orton IMO. The Raiders barely won the game and would not have if there was no rain and a kick for the record books. Come on man, Oakland is out of their league…

by MikeEverett08 on Sep 16, 2011 2:04 PM EDT reply actions