Nobody expects much from the Raiders this week. For good reason, we last saw this team take another crushing loss to the Chargers despite their de-facto home field advantage. The Raiders will always win the tailgate when they come to Los Angeles, but they haven’t won in SoFi since COVID.
Chargers edge Khalil Mack single handedly took the game over for the Bolts. He registered 6 sacks and two forced fumbles in his best game of the season. Mack hates the team that drafted him and traded him on Jon Gruden’s word.
Vegas could’ve honestly gotten blown out by the Bolts but some coaching errors kept them in it. Los Angeles is underachieving this year despite beating the Raiders.
Of course, rookie Aiden O’Connell stepped in for Jimmy Garoppolo. Jimmy deserves credit for getting the ball out and protecting the offensive line. O’Connell looked good taking some shots downfield but he also cost his team by holding the ball too much.
On defense, the Raiders also made some mistakes. That unnecessary roughness set the team back early. They did get a much needed interception from Trevon Moehrig and the usual production from Max Crosby.
Versus Green Bay, Vegas needs a similar effort on defense. Green Bay has a lot of receiving weapons. They spread the ball around which should test the Raiders secondary.
Fortunately, Green Bay’s offensive line has had injuries and been suspect. That leaves opportunity for Crosby and co. The Raiders secondary will need all the help they can get.
On offense, the Raiders still have not really gotten the run game dominating. Last week, Josh Jacobs came up big as a pass catcher. This offensive line still needs to generate more push to help the offense control the tempo.
They will face another solid pass rush with the Packers’ Rashan Gary and Preston Smith. Kenny Clark should also challenge the interior line. Jaire Alexander will face his former teammate Davante Adams.
Adams faces the team that drafted him and traded him a few contracts later for the first time. Vegas should look to get him the ball early and often. His shoulder did not seem to bother him as dominated the Chargers.
If Vegas can control the clock, they have a better chance of neutralizing those pass rushers. The offensive line is surprisingly rated well by PFF. They need to prove it this week by opening some lanes for Jacobs early. That should also open the ball up downfield.
Ultimately, a win here would stop the Raiders’ bleeding. They don’t want to head into a game versus a struggling Patriots team with their back against the wall. New England is already playing for their season so Vegas wants to enter that game with some sort of confidence.
Again, not many people are expecting the Raiders to do much this game. Still, Green Bay will be without leading back Aaron Jones. They haven’t run the ball too effectively with him anyways this season.
The Packers will also be without their top coverage linebacker De’Vondre Campbell. That should open up some things for Jacobs and the Raiders tight ends.
Vegas will be without corners Nate Hobbs, Michael Epps and Jakorian Bennett which puts even more pressure on the Raiders defensive backs. Down three of their five top defensive backs means the Raiders absolutely need their pass rush to play their best today.
Moreover, if their defensive line can step up they can force young quarterback Jordan Love into some mistakes. Love is no Aaron Rodgers but he does get the ball out quick. He’s got a big arm and enough athleticism to give the Raiders some problems. The Silver and Black also don’t have a great track record on Monday night. That could all change if they find a way to just win today!
