Dallas Cowboys vs.New York Giants
f logic was a deciding factor of the NFL, then we could say that this game should be very close. Both these teams beat the Rams by a one possession margin and they have both been man-handled by a playoff contender (Falcons for Arizona, Titans for Oakland) to give both teams a 1-1 record. The Cardinals are a different team without Kurt Warner and Anquan Boldin, while the Raiders are a different team every week going back to last year, when they could beat the Steelers, Eagles and Bengals but lose to the Chiefs and Redskins. Who knows what to expect in Arizona for week three?
Nnamdi Asomugha vs. Larry Fitzgerald
These two are the best at their respective position. You have heard of a game being a “Super Bowl preview” when two good teams play, well this is a Pro-Bowl preview with Asomugha against Fitzgerald. Quarterbacks usually throw away from Asomugha, who has shadowed go-to-guys so far this year instead of playing on one side. As good as Asomugha is, can the Cardinals afford to ignore their best receiver in Fitzgerald. I would expect to see some passes thrown Larry’s way and Nnamdi will have his first test since his eight picks in 2006, which was when teams started to avoid throwing his way.
Darren McFadden vs. Darnell Dockett
McFadden is ripping off the bust tag that was applied to him the past off-season as he has exploded as the premier Raiders running back with over 230 rushing yards in two games. In his way this week will be the Cardinals defense anchored on the line by defensive end Darnell Dockett. McFadden’s specialty is to run outside and win the foot race down the side. Dockett, at end, will be the man responsible for sealing the edge on his side of the field. The Raiders could try an extra blocker or tight end to take out Dockett, but that will free up the rest of the defensive front to make plays.
Zach Miller vs. Adrian Wilson
Miller has proven himself the last three years to be Oakland’s best receiver, even though he is a tight end. Wilson is one of the best strong safeties in the NFL. He had two interceptions in the 2010 opener to prove himself capable of defending the pass as well as being an excellent run-stuffer. If the Raiders perfect their play-action passes, they can slow down Wilson and make him pause for a moment and Zach Miller will have to take advantage of that moment to get a head start.
Bruce Gradkowski vs. Jason Campbell
Yes, they are both on the Raiders. But only one can be the starter and we should know Wednesday who Tom Cable has chosen. Gradkowski entered the Rams game to start the second half and he rallied the Raiders to a 16-14 victory. Campbell is the quarterback who Al Davis traaded for and gave a one year extension to. We have wondered who is the man in charge for the Raiders and I think this match up can also be seen as Tom Cable vs. Al Davis. Going back to last year, it looks like Gradkowski is Cable’s guy, but Davis loves the QB who can throw the deep ball.
My Pick
I’m calling a toss up here. Neither team has looked better than the other so far. The Cardinals are coming off a 41-7 loss to the Falcons. Either the Cardinals come into this game angry and ready for redemption or traumatized from that loss. The Raiders, coming from a 16-14 win in their home opener, will be either overconfident and not ready or they will win two in a row for the first time since the last two games of the 2008 season.
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