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Matchups to Watch: Oakland Raiders at Jacksonville Jaguars

By Seth Murphy

Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders free safety Reggie Nelson (27) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders free safety Reggie Nelson (27) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Oakland Raiders hope to get back on track in Week 6 on the road against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Here are four matchups to watch.

Jack Del Rio will be on the opposing sideline of very familiar territory, as he coached the Jaguars for 8 seasons, from 2003-2011.

JDR won’t be the only individual facing his former team, as Jags offensive coordinator Greg Olson held that same position in Oakland in 2013 and 2014.

The Raiders are hoping to bounce back after an ugly loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Here are four individual matchups to watch.

Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders free safety Reggie Nelson (27) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders free safety Reggie Nelson (27) stands on the field before the start of the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Reggie Nelson vs. Blake Bortles

Reggie Nelson was added to this defense in part because of his ability to force turnovers, he was tied for first in the league in interceptions last season and the vet has a knack for finding the ball. Nelson only has one interception this season, but that could change this weekend.

Blake Bortles was a member of the same QB draft class that yielded Derek Carr, and now it looks like the Jags likely should have picked the young gunslinger from Fresno State. In Bortles’ time in the league, he has recorded 41 interceptions and 22 fumbles (he lost 7).

Bortles is a turnover machine, and if anyone can cause turnovers on this defense it is Reggie Nelson. Although he only has 1 interception, he has been close to many.

Look for the vet to bait some bad throws from the young QB. I would be surprised if the Raiders secondary doesn’t come away with at least one interception.

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