The Raiders looked underwhelming against the Chargers in Week One. They will need their best effort to not get blown out Today.

We all know Vegas’ struggles going to the East Coast on the road, historically. The Raiders also struggle to contain running QBs and TEs. Not only do the Ravens have one of the best playmakers at QB but they have two TEs with playmaking abilities. Isaiah Likely is a dynamic athlete and Mark Andrews is an institution. Lamar Jackson is one of the best in the business.

Plus, the Ravens were a toe away from beating the Chiefs on opening night. Baltimore will look for revenge in their Home Opener. The Raiders will have their hands full containing Jackson and the Ravens offense.

Last week, the Raiders run defense got worn down by JK Dobbins. Now, they will have their hands full with Derek Henry. Henry basically upgraded Dobbins, anyways. Baltimore receivers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are good for big plays too. Baltimore also features a one-time Raider in Nelson Agholor.

Defensively, Baltimore brings playmakers at each level. Hybrid safety Kyle Hamilton and safety Marcus Williams are among the best on the back end. Corner Marlon Humphrey and linebacker Roquon Smith are also among the best at their positions. Humphrey and Adams should be a solid matchup while Smith, Hamilton and Williams can neutralize the Raiders’ TE duo of Michael Mayer and Brock Bowers.

Edge Odafe Oweh offers the speed and athleticism that the Raiders tackles can struggle against. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike also got paid after a breakout season last year. He should disrupt the Raiders’ pocket. Vegas allowed four sacks last week. That can not happen this week on the road again.

A lot of blame for last week’s loss fell on head coach Antonio Pierce and some of his questionable decisions. We will see how the Raiders bounce-back after a crushing loss to a rival. Reminder – Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby basically begged for this guy’s job. Pierce needs to be perfect in situational football.

Quarterback Gardner Minshew was actually pretty effecient for the Raiders last week. He completed 25 of 33 passes and Minshew utilized all kinds of weapons. Minshew needs a similar performance this week. He needs to find the end zone more than once, though. Last week, the passing game only scored on a short pass to Alexander Mattison. Minshew cannot turn the ball over versus a Ravens defense with playmakers at each level as well.

Ultimately, the Raiders won the time of possession battle last week despite never fully establishing their run game. Starting running back Zamir White finished with 44 rushing yards on 13 carries. The Raiders hyped up White as the new starter all offseason but they still used Mattison a ton. Vegas needs to count on White to control the clock. He needs to finish this week with a higher yards-per-carry so they can stay in-front of the chains.

The Ravens (head coach John Harbaugh) have a similar identity as the Chargers (head coach Jim Harbaugh) because their head coaches share a bloodline. Except, Baltimore’s offense is a lot more explosive and their defense is way more proven. The gameplan should not change much this week, but the Raiders need to execute better.

Vegas must establish the run game. White needs a much better week even if he is playing a better defense. Staying in front of the chains makes life easier for the pass game. It also keeps Lamar Jackson off the field.

The Silver and Black needs to push the ball downfield and find a way to convert a big play. Mishnew needs to be perfect. Don’t take four sacks and don’t throw any interceptions. It will also help if he can throw more than one long-ball.

Defensively, the Raiders need to tackle better. Henry is an even bigger bruiser than both the backs the Raiders faced last week. He can easily put a dagger in the Raiders if the Ravens get a big lead. He can also control the game early if the Raiders come out soft.

Jackson is one of the toughest QBs to sack. Not only is he dynamic running with the ball, but he gets the ball out quick. Ideally, the Raiders need more than one sack. That may not be possible versus Jackson. The Silver and Black will be down another edge rusher with Tyree Wilson out too. It will also help if Christian Wilkins and company can push the pocket from the inside.

Either way, the Raiders’ edges need to stay discipline and keep contain. Expect Baltimore to challenge Maxx Crosby by running the ball at him.

The Raiders secondary can do their part by limiting big plays. Forcing an interception or fumble is absolutely necessary given all the talent Baltimore has at the skill positions too. No fights or penalties this week please.

This game feels a bit overwhelming on the road. No excuses. The Raiders need to show up with energy early. Again, that is why they kept Pierce. Otherwise, the Silver and Black will be headed into their home opener desperate for their first win.

Nonetheless, Pierce can get his Raiders back on track if he can establish their identity. Run the ball, push the ball downfield, stay discipline on defense and take the ball away. A win over a contender like the Ravens could do a lot for the Raiders’ confidence.