Now, let's see if he can play a little football. We will thud him up a little bit on a day we are allowed to carry our pads and see if he can respond positively to it. Not to be outdone, Oakland is having plenty of offensive problems as well. Through two games, the Raiders are 31st in the NFL with just 27 points scored for the season.
However, head coach Dennis Allen did not seem concerned in his weekly press conference on Monday. Here is what the rookie coach said when asked about the team's offensive changes, particularly the zone-blocking scheme, this season. Per the Raiders' official website:I believe it is a matter of time for it to get going. Part of the decision was I’ve seen this system of offense work and be very successful.
When asked about the state of his incumbent starter, head coach Mike Tomlin seemed to think his progress was going well. He even hinted at some actual football activity for Mendenhall, who is recovering from a torn ACL suffered at the end of last season. Via Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Maybe we will bump him around a little more in practice this week. He has done a nice job of running and cutting at full speed.
Both the offensive line and running game continued to struggle throughout last week. The Steelers come in as favorites and should win this road tilt. Nonetheless, it won't be an easy time. Steelers Injury Report (via ESPN and CBSSports)OT Marcus Gilbert, Knee, ProbableRB Jonathan Dwyer, Toe, QuestionableTE Heath Miller, Ribs, ProbableRB Rashard Mendenhall, Knee, QuestionableLB James Harrison, Knee, DoubtfulLB Stevenson Sylvester, Knee, QuestionableS Troy Polamalu, Calf, DoubtfulRaiders Injury Report (via ESPN and CBSSports)K Sebastian Janikowski, Hamstring, ProbableRB Taiwan Jones, Ribs, ProbableCB Shawntae Spencer, Foot, QuestionableFantasy Player to Watch: RB Darren McFaddenMcFadden's duality between being brilliant and oft-injured has garnered him the reputation as a must-start as long as he's healthy.
NFL Week 16 Saturday: How To Watch Raiders vs. Steelers
Steelers vs Raiders: How to watch, listen and stream
Steelers vs. Raiders: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread, Radio, Game Time & MoreChris Humphreys-US PRESSWIREFollowing a much-needed 27-10 romp over the New York Jets last week, the Pittsburgh Steelers head West for an old-school clash with the Oakland Raiders on Sunday. The Steelers come into Week 3 in a three-way tie atop the AFC North, but still have a myriad of concerns offensively in need of correction.
Raiders vs. Steelers - NFL Game Summary - ESPN
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Las Vegas Raiders live score & H2H
Saturday Night Football Tonight Week 16: Who Plays, TV Channel, Start Time, Live Stream Options, and MoreSaturday Night Football tonight will put the final bow on a packed slate of Christmas Eve games. In what is meant to commemorate the 50-year anniversary of The Immaculate Reception, we will see the same two teams that did battle five decades ago. Let’s look at who is playing tonight, what time the game starts, and how you can watch it. Who Plays on Saturday Night Football Tonight? TeamsLas Vegas Raiders vs.
I believe in this. As a defensive coach, I spent a lot of time defending different offenses and I think this is one of the more difficult offenses to have to defend. Obviously, we have to execute it better because we’re not getting the results in the running game that we’re looking for. Steelers Key Player: QB Ben RoethlisbergerUntil the team's running game is fixed, Pittsburgh will continue to rely on its star signal-caller to find a way to win. Last week that plan went swimmingly, as Roethlisberger was brilliant en route to victory. The 30-year-old completed 24-of-31 passes for 275 yards and two touchdowns while not turning the ball over. Most importantly, he stood in the pocket in the face of immense pressure and threw clean, accurate passes that put his receivers in a position to make plays.
That reputation has not benefited fantasy football owners thus far in 2012. With just 54 yards on 26 carries, McFadden is averaging just 2. 1 yards per carry through two games this season. His 105 receiving yards on 15 receptions have helped mitigate McFadden's lack of effectiveness somewhat, but not enough.
Oakland, on the other hand, simply needs a win. The Raiders are one of just six 0-2 teams in the NFL after Week 2 and already face an uphill battle in the AFC West. With both teams desperately vying for a victory, this has all the makings of a great game. For that reason, here's a look at everything you need to know about Sunday's game. Where: Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, CAWhen: Sunday, Sept. 23 at 4:25 p. m.
ETWatch: CBSListen: Steelers Radio Network, Raiders Radio NetworkLive Streaming: NFL Sunday TicketBetting Line: Steelers (-4. 5), according to Bovada. Over/Under: 44. 5, according to Bovada. What's At Stake? With an NFL-record 20 teams coming into Week 3 at 1-1, there is almost no team whose playoff hopes are hanging on for dear life. Unfortunately for the Raiders, they are one of those teams. Already behind the San Diego Chargers by two games in the AFC West, Oakland can ill-afford to start the season 0-3. The last team to make the playoffs after an 0-3 start was the 1998 Buffalo Bills. Considering this is a division where Peyton Manning and Philip Rivers line up behind center every week, it would almost be impossible for the Raiders to make the playoffs with a loss on Sunday. For Pittsburgh, last week's victory over the Jets was much-needed, but did not answer any of the questions facing the team.
MORE: Raiders vs. Steelers Prediction, Odds, and Picks for Week 16 In this game, it looks like we will be getting the return of rookie QB Kenny Pickett who has missed time due to a concussion. “As far as Kenny Pickett, I think the concussion component of where he is is behind us, ” head coach Mike Tomlin said in his Tuesday press conference.
Pittsburgh Steelers LocationAcrishaw Stadium, Pittsburgh Christmas Eve comes to an end with a matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders. Both these teams are still technically in the playoff picture, but they’re hanging on by threads. This game will go a long way in ensuring that the winner can still make a run at the postseason.
Steelers vs. Raiders live stream, TV channel, start time, odds
In addition to this being the Christmas Eve prime-time game, there will be a number of ceremonies surrounding the 50-year anniversary of The Immaculate Reception. As one of the most famous plays in the modern history of the NFL, The Immaculate Reception is seen as the catalyst of the legendary Steelers/Raiders rivalry. A key member of that play, running back Franco Harris, who caught the ball for the game-winning touchdown, passed away this past week ahead of the game. His jersey was set to be retired to honor both him as a player and that legendary play. Harris ran for 12, 120 rushing yards and won four Super Bowls with the Steelers, earning a spot with the NFL’s All-Decade team for the 1970s.
NFL Network Live Football, Shows, Events
How to watch, listen and livestream Raiders at Steelers
Steelers vs. Raiders: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread
Raiders vs. Steelers predictions & odds for Saturday Night
Keys and Predictions for Raiders vs. Steelers - Sports Illustrated
How to Watch Steelers vs Raiders: Live Stream and Predictions