Oakland Raiders: 5 keys to victory vs. Chargers

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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Derek Carr No. 4 of the Oakland Raiders scrambles under pressure by strong safety Justin Simmons No. 31 of the Denver Broncos in the third quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Keep Derek Carr upright in the pocket

Rushing Derek Carr back under center isn’t ideal, but the Raiders need him to play to win this week. This has not been an MVP level first quarter of the season for Carr, as he and the Raiders passing game has been mostly hit or miss.

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He did not play last week versus the Baltimore Ravens due to a transverse process fracture in his back. This injury had a two to six-week timeline for recovery, but Carr is supposedly going to start after only missing a week.

Oakland does have one of the better offensive lines in football. The Raiders’ front-five thrives in pass protection.

If the offensive line and Carr can get on the same page early, it shouldn’t be a problem for him to get off a few quick throws to get into rhythm in this gotta have it football game.

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Carr may be dynamic out there on the football field, but he can’t be sacked in this game. Who knows if one hit makes his injury worse and has him out the rest of the season? With Carr under center, the Raiders always have a shot to win. Without him, the Raiders will struggle to beat anybody.

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