Old rivals reunite in this Halloween matchup. This is two teams that used to play twice a year and now only see each other twice a decade. The Seahawks won 16-0 the last time these two teams faced each other. As a sign of the amount of time and distance traveled by a franchise since these teams last played, that game featured a passing attack led by Andrew Walter and Randy Moss.
This game is all about the present. It is a meaningful matchup for both teams. The Raiders are trying to build off of their Bronco Beatdown and get back to 500. The Seahawks meanwhile are trying to solidify their hold on the NFC West.
The Seahawks come flapping into town fresh off a 22-10 victory over the Cardinals in a battle that was for first place in their division. The Seahawks have been winning with defense and their defense is led by their ability to stop the run. They are second in both total yards allowed rushing and yards per rush.
As the week goes, we are going to have an in-depth look at the matchups. I have invited John Morgan from Field Gulls to help me dissect the matchups that will determine this game.
Injuries look to also play a key role in this game. The playing status of a few key players is still to be determined and the status of LG Robert Gallery (calf), QB Bruce Gradkowski (shoulder), WR Louis Murphy (chest), LT Russell Okung (ankle) and DT Brandon Mebane (calf) are all worth monitoring.
Kickoff is schedule for 1:15 PM (PDT) @ Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum