2013 Preseason: Bears vs. Raiders 5 Questions with Just Blog Baby
By Mike Praser
Nov 27, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) rushes past Oakland Raiders defensive tackle John Henderson (79) during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Oakland defeated Chicago 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports
It’s dress rehearsal time and the Bears are taking on the Raiders in the 3rd Preseason game. This week we ask our 5 Questions to Shane from Just Blog Baby, the Oakland Raiders Fansided site.
First and foremost, I would just like to thank Michael Praser of beargoggleson.com for allowing me the opportunity to answer these questions. A little bit about myself, I am 40 years of age and I am currently the Co-Editor of justblogbaby.com. I’ve been an Oakland Raiders fans since I was knee high to a grasshopper. I have faithfully followed them from Oakland to Los Angeles and back to Oakland again. The team may be in a slump right now, but they will once again rise to the winning level and dazzle the world.
Who is going to start at Quarterback against the Bears?
Aug 16, 2013; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt Flynn (15) passes the ball against the New Orleans Saints in the first half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
There are a lot of Oakland Raiders fans out there that would love to see Terrelle Pryor start at quarterback, but the starter will be Matt Flynn. If you haven’t read between the lines of Head Coach Dennis Allen’s press conferences yet, get to reading. He has, on more than one occasion, let the proverbial “cat out of the bag.” The starter, barring any unforeseen injury will be Matt Flynn. He has said on more than one occasion that there will be packages in place throughout the year that will allow Pryor to use his scrambling ability. However, he is not about to start Pryor in place of Flynn. The only way that Raider Nation will see Pryor start is if Flynn gets injured or he under-performs and Allen has no other alternative. This is hard for a lot of fans to fathom, but Flynn is the best option “for now.”
After 2 Preseason games, how do you feel about Coach Dennis Allen?
Aug 9, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen looks on during the first quarter of the game against the Dallas Cowboys at O.Co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
I have always been in favor of Coach Allen. Look, he’s young and he made some mistakes last year. It’s his very first head coaching job, and he’s going to make mistakes. It’s how he learns from those mistakes, that’s how I will grade him. He took over a team on full rebuilding mode, and everybody in the organization (Ownership, Management, Coaching, and Players) is trying their best to build a franchise that will continue to win into the future. Sure, I want to see the Raiders win now too, but this is a process, and we are just in the ground stages. I feel that Coach Allen has finally got the right coaches in place to bring this team out of the pit of despair. The players believe in him, and I think the fans are slowly starting to get on-board too. This year will be a good look at what Coach Allen is, and I hope he will be successful.
Which Rookies or Free Agents are you most looking forward to watching against the Bears?
This game on Friday against the Chicago Bears is the NFL debut of the Oakland Raiders number one draft pick D.J. Hayden. He is perhaps one of the most inspirational stories in the entire NFL, currently. I am very excited to see what this kid is made of, and I can’t wait to see him take his first game speed hit. Along with the premiere of Hayden, I am once again amazed at how well both rookie LB-Sio Moore and rookie DE-David Bass have played. I look forward to both of these players getting a chance to run with the number ones on Friday.
I cannot leave this question without first mentioning that rookie WR-Brice Butler has been playing really well, and he has gone from third string to first string in a matter of weeks. I look forward to his offensive play as well.
What is the Raiders most favorable and unfavorable matchup against the Bears?
The most favorable matchup for the Raiders is going to be our defensive secondary against Jay Cutler. Now don’t get me wrong, the Bears have one of the best wide receivers in the game today in Brandon Marshall. Furthermore, the Bears offensive line is a force to be reckoned with. Here’s the kicker, the Raiders first string defensive linemen, Lamarr Houston and Vance Walker, will be returning to the field after a long hiatus. It will be interesting to see how they, along with Sio Moore, Jack Crawford, and David Bass, will matchup against the beefy Bears offensive line.
Nov 27, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Jared Veldheer (68) blocks Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers (90) during the third quarter at O.co Coliseum. Oakland defeated Chicago 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Jason O. Watson-USA TODAY Sports
The most unfavorable matchup for us will be the defensive line of the Bears against our injury rattled offensive line. Our offensive line is playing musical chairs in training camp, and I don’t know if it will be any better than it was against the New Orleans Saints. I hope for the best, but I fear I will be disappointed.
I know it’s just a Preseason game, but it’s as close to a real game as we can get. What is your prediction for the game, including a final score?
Nov 27, 2011; Oakland CA, USA; Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) kicks the ball with the hold from punter Shane Lechler (9) and pressure from Chicago Bears cornerback Charles Tillman (33) during the second quarter at the O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
My prediction would be a win by the Oakland Raiders. Look, the Bears are coming into the black hole, and the fans will ignite the team to a win. It’s going to be a very close game. I’m thinking somewhere in the neighborhood of 24-21 or 27-24. The Raiders will win it off the leg of Sebastian Janikowski. What can you say, I’m truly faithful, and I will never bet against the Raiders.
I want to thank Shane for taking the time out to answer this weeks 5 Questions. Make sure to check out Just Blog Baby for all your Raiders news and info.