I had a feeling the Raiders would lose (of course I tipped them to win out of hope), I think they are a better side than the Broncos but tonight was the same issues as last week, but this time there was a side that could fight for 80 minutes. That said I thought it would be more of a Broncos v Cowboys scoreline.
The Raiders did fall apart in the last 20 minutes. A problem they had at the start of last season as well, but it was worse as it was usually from a nice lead. You could see they got frustrated and the Broncos side capitalised by keeping their composure, which is a good sign for that side moving forward.
However, despite this loss there is a lot to like about the Raiders. Orford is off the pace, but I think everyone expected it. He would have really benefited for playing round 1 and if he stays fit come round 5 he I think we'll be seeing more of the Orford of old.
Dugan is back next week, and the question would be what happens to Milne, he's a good player who unfortunately is in a side with a good stock of outside backs. Campo isn't due back until week 12 and Tongue week...6, I think. Not that they will automatically fix the problems. The Raiders just need to put a bit more polish on their play and play a bit more up the middle, where they have great strength and they have more than enough talent that in just over 20 weeks they should be preparing for the final series.
Plus, given where they came from mid-way through last season, I think you'd be a brave person to write them off anytime soon. I have to admit I wrote them off by mid-season last year, so this year I'm going to be a bit more patient. If the season continues like it has for the first two rounds we have a fantastic series to look forward to, it'll be close and unpredictable, just have to hope the players don't do too much off field to distract from it.
Looks, like the Eels lost as well. Similar scoreline to the Raiders v Broncos match. Haven't seen the game to comment on how either side played.
