Considering what the Patriots did to Miami yesterday, the Raiders should feel good about last week’s win over a revamped New England coach with Mike Vrabel at the helm. The highlight was Ashton Jeanty’s run. I’m sure you heard the stat of him having 44 YAC with only 38 yards from the day. Brock Bowers balled out with 100 yards on five receptions. Vegas held rookie phenom TreVeyon Henderson to only 27 yards on 5 carries. 

Otherwise, the Raiders offense showed an explosiveness not seen in years. Dont’e Thornton caught a couple of big passes. Tre Tucker caught a touchdown and another big pass. Jakobi Meyers and Michael Mayer were effective. Jack Bech also moved the sticks. Overall, the

On defense, the Raiders got a pick from Isaiah Pola-Mao. The pass rush came up big with sacks from Tyree Wilson, Malcolm Koonce, Jonah Laulu and Maxx Crosby all walked away with sacks. The defense was as advertised. 

Now, the Raiders will take on their AFC West rivals the Los Angeles Chargers. Los Angeles looked great popping the Chiefs on Friday in Brazil. Justin Herbert carved up Kansas City for three touchdowns and over three hundred yards. Quentin Johnston caught two of the passes. Omarion Hampton showed some sparks. This passing offense seems to have taken an another step in Year Two of Herbert. 

You can expect a Jim Harbaugh team to run the ball and play physical defense. Harbaugh and Carroll know each other well. They played against each other in the Pac-12 and NFC West. Carroll has won five of the last six. Harbaugh popped USC. Both guys want to compete as well as play smart and physical football. 

Let’s bring Pete Carroll a win for his 74th Birthday!  The Raiders need to establish Ashton Jeanty and the offensive line. They also need to prove their offensive line can maintain that offensive explosiveness in every game. It’s great to see Geno Smith spread the ball around. The tight ends must continue to be factors every week. 

Defensively, the Raiders need to find ways to create turnovers. The goal is to make Sam Darnold uncomfortable and force him into bad throws. If the defensive line can play as well as they did last week, they have a good chance. Overall, you want to see the Raiders establish their home field advantage in the first year.