It’s a win and you’re in-game for the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Chargers. Early in the season, the Chargers beat the Raiders 28-14. Los Angeles jumped to a 21-0 lead, but the Raiders fought back to make it a game. Both teams enter the week 18 contest at 9-7.
Pressure Justin Herbert
All week we have been hearing what Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has to do for the Raiders to win, and rightfully so, but just as important is the Raiders defensive line putting pressure on Justin Herbert. The Sophomore QB has thrown for 4,631 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions on the year thus far.
The Raiders pass rush needs to step up and put pressure on Herbert all game long. The Raiders aren’t a blitz heavy team, so it will be up to the front four to get the job done. Max Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue are the Raiders’ best pass rushers, and they’ll need massive games if the Raiders want to win.
Ngakoue leads the Raiders in sacks with eight and has 23 quarterback hits. Pro Bowler Crosby has six sacks and 25 quarterback hits. Pressure up the middle will be necessary as well with guys like Quentin Jefferson, Soloman Thomas, Darius Philon, and Johnathan Hankins, if he plays, needing to push the pocket.
Run The Ball Successfully
The Raiders have been inconsistent running the ball all season long. But over the past couple of weeks, they’ve shown signs of life in the backfield. The Chargers give up 136 rushing yards per game. Running the ball would allow the Raiders to control the clock and keep the Chargers offense off the field. It could also keep the Raiders in third and short situations, and the Chargers’ third-down defense is not exactly a stingy crew. The Raiders are one of the best play-action teams, and sticking with the run will allow play-action to be a factor.
But if the run is getting them nowhere in the first half, they need to be willing to trust their passing attack. It’s win or go home, and stubbornly sticking with something that isn’t working is a quick recipe to be on the outside looking in come playoff time.
Minimize the Costly Mistakes
The Raiders CANNOT afford the bonehead mistakes they’ve developed a reputation for in this game. They can’t be giving the Chargers free plays by jumping offsides on defense and false starting on third and short. Carr has to take care of the ball, no fumbling, and no careless interceptions. Throw the ball away if need be, but don’t force the ball into non-existent windows.
Carr Needs to Prove He’s a Franchise QB
The Raiders have been to the playoffs exactly once since Derek Carr was drafted in 2014, a first round loss to the Texans in 2016. It’s time for him to prove he’s the guy to get this team over the hump in the desert. Carr is at his best when attacking downfield and stepping up in the pocket. He needs to play that way on Sunday night. No checking down on third and longs, he needs to extend drives with his legs if need be and move the chains. With Darren Waller listed as a gametime decision, the Raiders offense could be getting a major weapon back.
Secondary Must Play Well
The Chargers have some playmakers at the receiver position. Keenan Allen caught 100 balls for 1,086 yards and six touchdowns and Mike Williams had 67 catches for 1,027 yards and eight touchdowns. Allen works primarily out of the slot and is Herbert’s go-to receiver. Raiders slot corner Nate Hobbs will have his work cut out for him in this game, but he needs hold his own and minimize Allen’s receiving totals Sunday night.
Williams is the Chargers big-play receiver, and they’ll be looking to take shots with him downfield. Casey Heyward and Desmond Trufant must be ready for the deep ball. Look for the Chargers to get tight end Jared Cook involved early on as the Raiders have shown over the course of the season that they struggle against pass catching tight ends.
If the Raiders are able to hit on the majority of the areas above, they’ve got a tremendous chance at reaching the postseason. If they whiff on these key aspects, then it could be a long night for the Raiders faithful.
-LaMarr Fields
Twitter: @raiderway83