Neither the Raiders or Chargers seasons are going as planned. Both were suppossed to be Super Bowl contenders.
Los Angeles is still in the mix. However, they lost two of three. The 49ers and Chiefs reminded the Bolts that they are not quite elite. Vegas has won thr last two games. They are on the outside of the playoff hint but a win over the Chargers helps confidence and positioning.
The formula to beating the Chargers revolves around again getting the ball to Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs. Jacobs ended the game last week and Adams waived the Broncos good night.
Vegas is much better with short third downs. L.A. also struggles stopping the run. They have allowed the fifth most rushing yards. The Chargers have allowed Their secondary is beatable. Collectively, they have allowed the 13th least passing yards.
The pressure will be on the offensive line. They did not play well in Week One. Andre James left the game and our old friend Khalil Mack came up big. This is not that offensive line. The group has gotten better since that time but they still lack the traits to compete with the Chargers for four quarters.
On defense, the Raiders know Justin Herbert is one of the best competitors and talents in the backfield. Keenan Allen and Mike Williams can obviously give the Raiders secondary problems with their size and speed. Williams is out but the Chargers have found speed and mismatches elsewhere. Don’t sleep on Gerald Everrett and his breakout season. The tight end could be a huge x-factor moving the chains.
Again, the pressure will be on the Raiders defensive line. They are off one of their best games of the season. Andre Billings will miss this game which puts a big damper in the Raiders run defense. The Chargers line is down two starters and trots out two rookies. Rookie guard Zion Johnson has been solid. Jerry Tillery is a former Chargers first round pick and eyes will be on him trying to fill Billings’ snaps. This is a winnable matchup for the Raiders defensive line. They need to build some momentum after last week’s win over the Seahawks.
The win over Seattle was far from perfect but at least the Raiders established the run and got to the quarterback. Shoutout to Josh Jacobs for having one of the best games in Raiders history. Pay that man or some one else will. Hopefully, the calf gives him no problems versus the Bolts. Again, the Raiders need their run game to control this matchup.
If the Raiders can again find ways to convert in the red zone and stay on the field, they can keep Justin Herbert off the field. Moreover, they need to apply pressure to prevent Herbert from just throwing dimes all day. If they can do that as well as protect Derek Carr they have a great chance to win their third straight game.
The playoffs are still an uphill battle but a win over the Chargers helps them gain some ground. A third consecutive win should also give this team some confidence. The last thing they want is to get swept by Los Angeles’ least favorite football team. Time once again to Just Win Baby!
