Raiders must force the ball downfield

By John Donovan, CNNSI.com

Rich Gannon was under constant pressure from the Buccaneers' front four in the first half. AP

What top-ranked offense?

Oakland has been swamped by Tampa Bay's speedy linebackers, who have taken away the Raiders' bread-and-butter, the underneath stuff. And the Tampa Bay defensive line has kept the pressure on Oakland's bigger but slower offensive line, sacking Rich Gannon three times and picking him off twice.

The Raiders are going to have to take their shots deep now, maybe by keeping some more protection in, and get it to Jerry Porter (two catches), Tim Brown (one) or Jerry Rice (none). Defensively, Oakland's going to have to stop the Tampa Bay running game (85 yards, 75 by Michael Pittman) because, with a lead like this, you know the Bucs are going to try to shove it to 'em.

Tampa Bay QB Brad Johnson has not been particularly on -- he's thrown a few balls behind his receivers -- so if Oakland could get a pick or two, that might get the Raiders back in this.

 

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