Oakland vs New Orleans: Sunday's matchup

Well, what a difference two weeks can make. Since the Raiders last played, against the Chargers, they fired one coach, elevated another to head coach, and got busy training for this week's game. The Saints, meanwhile, have had their own share of issues. The won big against the 49ers, but then lost last week against the Vikings, spoiling a good game by Reggie Bush. Going through the records, these two teams both seem to have the same problem....closing out a game. Oakland, to it's credit, could have been 3-1, with losses to Buffalo and San Diego, in the fourth quarter. The Saints, for their high power offense, has lost by 5, 2, and 3 points in their losses. Both teams have had to deal with injuries, the Raiders missing Justin Fargas, and the Saints with Deuce McAllister, Jeremy Shockey, and a host of other players. What i'm seeing is going to be key to the game, is the defensive package Oakland can bring. Against the last 3 opponents, Oakland's defense was great in 3 quarters, failing to ... (link)