Win on third-down pass defense
Oakland does not have the players or the continuity to be a great pass defense this year. It’s not ideal, but it’s reality. Along with not giving up the home run play on multiple occasions in this game, it is most crucial that the Raiders win third-down defensively, especially through the air.
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When the Titans are in third and long situations, Oakland has to win on almost all of those plays. Third and short puts the ball more in Tennessee’s court, as the Titans could pound the rock of have Marcus Mariota make a quick pass to move the chains. Tennessee will convert some third downs because its offense is low-risk, high-reward by nature.
Oakland will need to pick and choose how aggressive it is on certain snaps. Getting pressure on Mariota won’t be easy, as the Titans have a talented offensive line as well. The Raiders do have the pass rushers to make life uncomfortable for Mariota in the pocket if the Tennessee offensive line struggles in this one.
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Getting the Titans offense off the field on third and long with a few key pass breakups could ultimately decide the game. This feels like a one-possession affair that will come down to the wire with the losing failing to convert a fourth and long passing attempt late. Let’s hope the Silver and Black come out on top in this one. It should be a good one.