Oakland has chance to improve passing game

The Denver Broncos struggle in pass coverage, something not lost on a Raiders team looking to jump-start its offense.

Denver allows 69.1 percent completions and ranks 29th in the NFL with an average of 243.5 passing yards allowed.

The Raiders have the NFL's worst passing attack at 138.2 yards a game. But with quarterback JaMarcus Russell coming off one of his most efficient performances in completing 15 of 22 passes against Miami, the Raiders won't hesitate to attack Denver through the air.

In their Week 1 meeting, Russell completed 17 of 26 passes for 180 yards in the Raiders' 41-14 loss at the Oakland Coliseum.

Russell thinks the team could have success this weekend and that staying out of third-and-long situations would help the Raiders score their first touchdown in 13 quarters.

"I think when it happens for us, it's really going to fall for us," Russell said. "I can't tell you when it's going to happen, but it's going to happen one day."

Russell and interim coach Tom Cable said the team is trying too hard on offense, leading to mistakes.

Cable isn't planning a lot of changes this week.

"We're going to stay the course, doing what we're doing," Cable said. "Yet, get over the goal line."

Improving feet – Running back Darren McFadden had only three carries against Miami after missing three games with turf toe in both feet.

It was announced Thursday that McFadden's college teammate at Arkansas, Dallas Cowboys running back Felix Jones, would miss the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his left toe.

McFadden, however, is looking better.

"He's been able to cut it loose this week," Cable said of McFadden in practice. "His timing looks a little better. Definitely I see more work for him (Sunday)."

Injury report – Russell, backup quarterback Andrew Walter (knee), wide receiver Chaz Schilens (ankle) and tackle Mario Henderson (back spasms) were limited in Thursday's practice.

Center Jake Grove (calf), linebacker Ricky Brown (groin) and cornerback Chris Johnson (knee) did not practice. Johnson fell during Wednesday's practice but is expected to start Sunday.

Wide receiver Javon Walker (ankle) soon will be placed on injured reserve, Cable said.

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