As the Saints prepare to host yet another home game it’s tough not to be a little fearful of the visiting Oakland Raiders. The Raiders are coming off a much needed bye week after the controversial firing of head coach Lane Kiffin. The bye week has given the Raiders extra time to adjust to new head coach Tom Cable and prepare for the Saints. The Saints are in a definite must-win situation and must play a mistake free game against the well rested Raiders.

Marques Colston is making a quick recovery from his thumb injury and is currently listed as questionable on the team’s injury report. The Saints’ passing game did not suffer in the absence of Colston, but the return of one of the premier receivers in the NFL will no doubt be welcome, especially against the Raiders’ duo of shutdown corners. Also making progress on the injury front is tight end Jeremy Shockey. Shockey was held to limited practices throughout the week and isn’t quite ready to go. Look for Shockey to return to action week 7 against Carolina.

The Saints are looking to build off another strong performance on the defensive side of the ball. The Raiders may be just what the doctor ordered. The Raiders rank 29th in the NFL in passing and are 26th in points per game. Brian Young did an admirable job filling in for Sedrick Ellis in week 5 and will be counted on again to slow down the running back trio of Michael Bush, Justin Fargas, and Darren McFadden. If the Saints can slow down the potent Raiders run game and limit mistakes they should walk away victorious.

Drew Brees and company should have no trouble moving the ball in this contest but in the end it will come down to limiting turnovers and mistakes. The Raiders rank in the middle of the pack in rush, and pass defense. Despite the average numbers, the Raiders are a dangerous defensive unit that can turn interceptions into touchdowns in a heartbeat. Nnamdi Asomugha is arguably the best cornerback in the NFL and has the speed to take away the deep ball that the Saints rely so heavily upon. This will be a game in which Deuce McAllister will be called upon the pound the ball against the average Oakland defense. The Saints should be fine as long as we don’t see a repeat of last week’s sloppy performance.

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