Even though the Oakland Raiders might be eliminated from playoff contention before they step on the field, they still have one more primetime game left to play this season. Oakland has the tall task of playing the 12-2 NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles on the road Christmas night on Monday Night Football in Week 16.
The Raiders could be eliminated as early as Saturday evening if the Baltimore Ravens knock off the Andrew Luck-less Indianapolis Colts. However, do expect the Eagles to come out and play a solid ball game versus the Silver and Black. Philadelphia has locked up a first-round bye in the NFC playoffs and will want home-field advantage throughout.
Playing in raucous Philadelphia on Christmas night could be tough sledding for the Raiders, but nothing has come easy this season. Though the AFC playoffs are probably out of the question, there is still plenty to get excited about for this game. If this one is half as entertaining as last week’s loss on Sunday Night Football to the Dallas Cowboys, then we’re in for a real treat.
With the Raiders being at best .500 this season, it could be a long time before the Silver and Black play five primetime games in a season. Let’s try to enjoy this one the best we can. Here are the five Raiders to pay close attention to when they take on the Eagles on Monday Night Football on Christmas night.
It’s been a rough year for the Raiders and especially for this team’s rookie class. Oakland’s first two picks in cornerback Gareon Conley and safety Obi Melifonwu played only bits of this year and went on season-ending IR. Defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes had played every game so far, but even he got banged up in Sunday night’s loss to the Cowboys.
That potentially leaves one Raiders rookie to play in all 16 games this season: inside linebacker Nicholas Morrow. The former undrafted Division III player out of Greenville College has been a revelation in pass coverage at inside linebacker. He has taken to veteran NaVorro Bowman‘s teachings very well in his first year in the league. Morrow could be a mainstay in this Oakland defense going forward.
What makes Morrow such an interesting watch in this game versus the Eagles is who will be quarterbacking Philadelphia. It’s veteran Nick Foles the rest of the way now that Carson Wentz is out for the season with a torn ACL. Foles is a good backup, but only a serviceable starter. Maybe Morrow can take advantage in pass coverage and pick an unsuspecting Foles off?
Either way, the Eagles passing game will take a hit with Foles under center instead of Wentz. The Eagles are mostly a receiving corps by committee, although Nelson Agholor has had a breakout year for Philadelphia. A lot of people will be watching this game to see if Philadelphia can clinch the top seed in the NFC. It would be a great time for Morrow to have another great game for the Raiders.