THE PARTICULARS
Time: 10 a.m.
The line: Saints by 7.
Records: Raiders 1-3; Saints 2-3.
TV: Ch. 13; Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Rich Gannon (color).
Radio: KHTK (1140 AM), KSFO (560 AM); Greg Papa (play-by-play), Tom Flores (color).
Why watch? Tom Cable debuts as the Raiders' interim coach, replacing the fired Lane Kiffin at the beginning of their bye week. Cable, also the offensive- line coach, promises more balance on offense, meaning more passing by JaMarcus Russell.
Rewind: Aaron Brooks threw for 282 yards and a touchdown, Joe Horn caught nine passes for 123 yards and Colby Bockwoldt returned Carlos Francis' fumbled kickoff six yards for a touchdown in the Saints' 31-26 victory at the Coliseum on Oct. 24, 2004.
WHO'S THE MAN?
Tom Cable
INTERIM RAIDERS COACH
Performing near miracles with one of the NFL's most porous offensive lines, Cable applies his workmanlike approach to the entire team in his debut as interim coach. His lone previous head-coaching experience was at Idaho, going 11-35 in four seasons.
RAIDERS' THREE KEYS
A pass rush to disrupt Drew Brees is a necessity; otherwise the rhythmic Saints signal caller, who leads the league in passing yards with 1,673, will pick apart the Raiders all day.
Opening up the league's 29th-ranked passing game will keep the Saints honest, though the Raiders' receivers have to make plays and someone besides tight end Zach Miller has to become a viable and reliable option.
Justin Fargas has to be re-established after missing two games with a groin strain. With his physical style, the running back could have helped Oakland retain blown leads against Buffalo and San Diego.
SAINTS' THREE KEYS
Following Monday night's shutdown of Minnesota running back Adrian Peterson, limited to 32 rushing yards, another dominant outing in stuffing the run would bode well for the Saints, especially against the thus-far one-dimensional Raiders.
Special teams need to step up big time in the Big Easy, and not just in highlight-reel plays from Reggie Bush, who returned two punts for scores against Minnesota. Missed field goals have cost New Orleans two games.
Establish Deuce McAllister out of the backfield to keep Oakland's pass rush honest, and ride the emotion of the crowd at the Superdome, one of the NFL's loudest, most disruptive venues.
MATCHUP TO WATCH
Raiders free safety Michael Huff vs. Saints quarterback Drew Brees
Huff's play is improved after his move to his natural position of free safety from strong safety, but the No. 7 overall draft pick in 2006 still is trying to justify the Raiders taking him with such a high pick. Consider this an excellent opportunity for Huff to prove his worth. Brees, who leads the NFL in passing yards, will test Huff in a game that will play extra fast thanks to the artificial turf.
INJURY REPORT
Raiders
Doubtful: DE Derrick Burgess (triceps).
Questionable: LB Isaiah Ekejiuba (shoulder), RB Darren McFadden (toe), TE Ben Troupe (foot). Probable: CB Nnamdi Asomugha (elbow), G Cooper Carlisle (ankle), RB Justin Fargas (groin), S Gibril Wilson (flu).
Saints
Out: DT Sedrick Ellis (knee), CB Aaron Glenn (ankle), DT Antwan Lake (groin). Doubtful: S Kevin Kaesviharn (back), WR David Patten (groin), TE Jeremy Shockey (hernia). Questionable: WR Marques Colston (thumb).
Probable: C Jonathan Goodwin (hamstring), CB Mike McKenzie (knee), S Chris Reis (hamstring), T Jon Stinchcomb (back).
RAIDERS STATISTICS
PASSING
Player Att. Comp. Yards TDs Int
JaMarcus Russell 99 54 668 4 1
RUSHING
Player Att. Yards TDs Avg.
Darren McFadden 51 272 1 5.3
Michael Bush 44 193 1 4.4
RECEIVING
Player Rec. Yards TDs Avg.
Zach Miller 11 153 1 13.9
Michael Bush 8 85 0 10.6
SAINTS STATISTICS
PASSING
Player Att. Comp. Yards TDs Int
Drew Brees 194 133 1,673 9 6
RUSHING
Player Att. Yards TDs Avg.
Reggie Bush 64 212 1 3.3
RECEIVING
Player Rec. Yards TDs Avg.
Reggie Bush 38 321 2 8.4
Lance Moore 22 234 2 10.6
Jeremy Shockey 16 151 0 9.4
RAIDERS SCHEDULE
Sept. 8 Denver L, 41-14
Sept. 14 at Kansas City W, 23-8
Sept. 21 at Buffalo L, 24-23
Sept. 28 San Diego L, 28-18
Oct. 5 BYE
Today at N. Orleans 10 a.m.
Oct. 19 N.Y. Jets 1:15 p.m.
Oct. 26 at Baltimore 10 a.m.
Nov. 2 Atlanta 1:15 p.m.
Nov. 9 Carolina 1:05 p.m.
Nov. 16 at Miami 10 a.m.
Nov. 23 at Denver 1:05 p.m.
Nov. 30 Kansas City 1:15 p.m.
Dec. 4 at San Diego 5:15 p.m.
Dec. 14 New England 1:15 p.m.
Dec. 21 Houston 1:05 p.m.
Dec. 28 at Tampa Bay 10 a.m.
