While Marshawn Lynch and Derek Carr will garner a lot of attention in this game from Raiders fans, the one guy that might be most crucial to the team’s success defensively is cornerback T.J. Carrie. He will face his toughest challenge of the year in the wide variety of pass catchers he’ll have to cover when facing Dallas.
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Carrie is in a contract year and has likely played his way out of Oakland with his series of great games this season.
His ability to stick on slot receivers like a glove has been a huge progression in his game. But can he do it against Dallas? We’ll see.
What makes the Cowboys a nightmare for a slot cornerback is these three receiving targets: Cole Beasley, Dez Bryant and Jason Witten.
Beasley is your run of the mill, shifty, possession slot receiver. He will be the guy Carrie will have to cover most likely in three wide receiver sets.
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If kicked to the outside, he might have to wrangle with the always targeted Bryant. Though way past his prime, Bryant is still capable of making a big play or two in the Cowboys receiving game. Finally, Witten is a lock to make it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Though getting up there in age, he runs a slant better than most tight ends in NFL history. Carrie has an opportunity to make generational wealth for his family on this game alone. Can he do it?