The Vegas Raiders couldn’t score a single touchdown off a Bye Week. They faced a Vikings team down their starting quarterback, running back and elite receiver. Therefore, the shutout should not be a surprised.
Two sacks from Maxx Crosby and the sack from rookie Tyree Wilson were welcomed celebrations. The Raiders also forced nine punts.
Yet, Vegas threw an interception with a chance to take the lead in the fourth quarter. That was on top of two lost fumbles and four sacks. The offense looked uninspired despite many folks celebrating Antonio Pierce’s early success as a head coach.
Now, they face a Los Angeles Chargers team that is equally underwhelming. The Chargers are off a loss where they only scored once. They also lost their starting quarterback for the season, on top of injuries throughout the roster all year.
Their defense is filled with high profile names but they’ve yet to put together a great collective performance for four quarters. Khalil Mack destroyed the Raiders offensive line the first time around. Now, he’s among the sack leaders and looking to do it again.
Vegas will be down Josh Jacobs. Davante Adams is battling illness. They were going back and forth on starting Aiden O’Connell again. This could be another long offensive bout.
Still, Zamir White looked good as the lead back in camp when Jacobs held out. White finally gets his chance to make a start and be the lead back. He’s yet to really get more than five carries so it’s hard to really judge what he can do at the NFL level.
Ultimately, the Raiders can’t come out flat again in another home game. That won’t fly versus a divisional opponent also playing for roster spots and coaching jobs.
Fans should expect a sloppy game with both teams on short rest and lacking competent quarterback play. Both teams offer defenses that can give up yards.
Offensive line play will be huge. Vegas is towards the bottom in sacks, versus L.A. is the second best at sacking the quarterback. Despite that, the Chargers have one of the worst pass defenses. They don’t really control the clock with the run game and they’re liable to give up big plays.
Vegas on the other hand, has had more interceptions and given up less passing yards. Vegas has given up more rushing yards, while the Chargers have been more stout against the run. One could say Los Angeles has more outright talent and athleticism.
Either way, both defenses are liable to make plays and give up plays. That means special teams will also be an important area for both teams. It may come down to field goal kickers bailing out stalled out offenses and punters trying to put the other in bad positions to help the defense. Vegas should win this aspect of the game but they need to execute and limit mistakes.
Moreover, whatever elite receiver can make the most of whatever opportunities they get from their mediocre quarterback will make the difference. Chargers receiver Keenan Allen can eat up the Raiders. Vegas receiver Davante Adams can cook the Bolts. Problem is, Allen will catch the ball from Easton Stick. Adams will work with O’Connell who hasn’t looked great the last few games. Both receivers need to make a big play to give their team a chance.
Similarly, both defenses need to create a turnover. Whatever offense can capitalize on a fumble or interception could make a huge difference for the team.
Otherwise, the Raiders formula shouldn’t change much for the Raiders. The run game and offensive line must be established. They got to spread the ball around and find ways to convert a big shot. Vegas needs to stop the run, minimize big plays and create a turnover on defense. If they can do that, they can come away with a home win.
At this point, they’re really just playing for their job and Antonio Pierce’s job. Pierce knows how big this rivalry game his. He knows they can’t lose another game at home. Therefore, his team can’t have many mistakes and they can’t come out flat. They can’t afford any penalties like the last time they faced the Chargers, either.
