Tag: bears

Raiders Vs Lions: Chicago Lessons and Prime Time

Another week, another prime time game for the Raiders. They travel to Detroit for what we thought would be an offensive shootout.

The Raiders are coming off a bad loss to a Chicago Bears team they had no business losing to. Chicago was down key players throughout the roster but still found a way to embarrass the Raiders. They exposed Vegas’ liabilities including their inability to make tackles, stay ahead of the chains with the run game and push the ball downfield. Vegas has not been playing Raiders football all season.

Reports said the team had a clearing to talk about the season. The players were able to share any grievances they had as far as scheme, personnel, etc. Key players and guys throughout the roster spoke up.

Hopefully, it makes a difference. Head coach Josh McDaniels is rightfully criticized for blowing big leads, not putting up enough points and losing to bad teams. The Raiders need to come out with some urgency on Monday Night.

The Detroit Lions are also off a bad loss to the Ravens. Jared Goff is top ten in passing, Amon-Ra St. Brown is top ten in catches and top 15 in yards. He is expected to play versus the Raiders. This team should come out looking for blood at home.

Corner Jerry Jacobs has three interceptions for the Lions defense. Aiden Hutchinson has 4.5 sacks and can give the Raiders offensive line issues. Detroit’s defense should be looking to get back on track after giving 35+ points to a Ravens offense that looked lost early this season.

The Raiders will have Jimmy Garoppolo back from his back injury. Garoppolo is great at getting the ball out quick to avoid sacks. However, Vegas needs to take some chances and push the ball downfield. The Raiders have too many weapons to not convert a play for more than 20 yards, again.

Of course, it all starts upfront. Vegas needs to create some lanes for Josh Jacobs. An effective Jacobs keeps the offense ahead of the chains. It also gives the play calling more flexibility to take shots downfield. Look for Adams to make a big play with Garoppolo back.

Plus, it will keep that explosive Lions defense on the sideline. Detroit also has a couple of tight ends that can give the Raiders problems. Jahmyr Gibbs is explosive and should be a problem for the Raiders to tackle too.

Speaking of defense, Vegas needs Marcus Peters to play more inspired. Everyone was making jokes about his tackling but I think he may do better in the nickel where he can roam a bit more.

Otherwise, the defensive backs have been solid and helped the team stay in games. They will get tested this week though versus Brown and a slew of other explosive weapons.

Raiders rookie edge Tyree Wilson finally got into the sack category versus the Bears. Vegas can not get enough pass rush. Maxx Crosby needs helps and Wilson needs to provide that sooner than later given the injuries and absence of Chandler Jones. Wilson can easily become this team’s x-factor if he can find a way to consistently get after the passer.

Crosby took some lumps in the run game particularly early. Expect the Lions to add some misdirection and trickery to their gameplan. They will try to keep Crosby guessing as well as keep Wilson on his heels. Regardless, the Raiders could also use some push from their interior defense.

In the end, the Raiders need to find their identity. It’s been tough with their quarterback missing time in 3-4 games, which is half of the season to this point. It’s also hard when their offensive line is mid, their running back missed camp and they haven’t been able to get the ball to their best players.

If the Raiders can control the clock with their run game, convert a couple of big plays, sack the quarterback and tackle, they have a chance. Coming out like they did in Chicago though, will only result in another terrible loss.

The game may also come down to special teams. Vegas needs the kicking game to be perfect. No missed conversions or bad punts.

Vegas is only a game under .500. A win here would give them one more than the Chargers. Things get a little murkier considering Denver beat Kansas City this week. Denver also has three wins so a loss here would put the Raiders right next to them in the AFC West.

A win here would also give Vegas some momentum headed into winnable games versus the New York Giants and Jets over the next two weeks. Nobody is expecting much from Vegas versus Detroit but the Raiders won the last time they were counted out on the road in Monday Night.

On one hand, the Raiders are a couple of plays away from being 5-2. On the other hand, all three of their wins were by one score. The other two games were blowouts. We’ll have a better idea of who this team is after this game, especially since they will basically have played half a season by the game’s end.

What Raiders team will show up Monday? It’s time to play Raiders football and Just Win Baby!

Raiders Vs Chicago: Keys to dominance and lessons from the Pats

The Raiders haven’t won in Chicago since I was a kid. Still, they will take on a Bears team that has seen better days.

Chicago will be without their top quarterback and two top running backs. The Bears are 1-5 including losses to the lowly Vikings and Broncos.

Bears edge Yannick Ngakoue is the Bears most formidable pass rusher. He also has beef with the Raiders since they traded him and signed Chandler Jones. Ngakoue was hurt last year when the Raiders faced him and the Colts. Expect him to try and get a sack.

Andrew Billings is another former Raiders defensive lineman who will be looking to eat up some blocks. Justin Jones and DeMarcus Walker are also some AFC West who know the Raiders well.

Otherwise, much of the Raiders talk has been about the receivers. Hunter Renfrow is reportedly on the block. Davante Adams has been unhappy with his role. This is the game where the Raiders need to spread the ball around and get everyone involved. Vegas needs to get the ball out to their playmakers early and often.

Josh Jacobs is also looking for his first 100 yard rushing game of the season. Jacobs can help the Raiders control the clock. That will be extra important with Brian Hoyer expected to make the start for the Raiders. Hoyer needs great play from his offensive line, running back and receivers.

Jacobs and rookie tight end Michael Meyer will have a challenge with Tremaine Edmunds roaming the middle of the field. His combination of size and speed could take away some of the middle of the field.

Ultimately, Vegas should come out with their third consecutive win. They will take on rookie Tyson Bagent. Bagent went to Shepherd but he can throw the ball around. Still, there should be some turnover opportunities for the Raiders. Marcus Peters is still looking for his first pick in Silver and Black. Trevon Moehrig has two interceptions this year, which is more than his entire careee. Let’s see if he can get another one.

The Raiders should also get opportunities to rush the passer. Chicago is starting a rookie right tackle and down their starting right guard. Max Crosby should eat today. The defensive line should run some stunts to confuse the young signal caller, back and line.

If Vegas can control the line of scrimmage with their run game and get the ball to their playmakers, there is no reason why they shouldn’t control this game. That should setup the defense to play extra aggressive versus a rookie quarterback trying to play catch-up. The Raiders once again need to look to run the ball first, push the ball down the field and make plays on defense. They will be without their starting QB but they do not need to get cute to pull out this victory in Chicago.

The Raiders didn’t look great versus the Patriots and they had their starting QB at least at the beginning of the game. They made just enough plays on the defensive line and with Moehrig’s interception. However, they were really close to losing that game and almost gave Zeke his biggest play of the season.

Moreover, the Raiders stuck with the running game by giving Jacobs 25 carries. Yet, he barely averaged 3 yards a carry. Either way, it’s always great to beat New England.

This week the Raiders offensive line needs to create more of a surge for the running back this week. It will also help if Jacobs can bust a big run.

Ultimately, the Raiders need to beat Chicago before they take on the Detroit Lions next week. Detroit has a great offense, an explosive runner and elite pass rusher. That’s enough to give the Raiders problems, especially if their quarterback is still out next week.

Regardless, the Raiders need to tune up versus the Bears. Don’t overlook Chicago. They need to win this game and look good doing it. That will give them great confidence a record above .500 headed into Detroit.