Oakland Raiders: 5 keys to upset of Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 03: Bruce Irvin No. 51 and Khalil Mack No. 52 of the Oakland Raiders celebrate after a play against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Make Nick Foles uncomfortable in the pocket.

Nick Foles can absolutely be this generation’s Jeff Hostetler and lead the Eagles to a Super Bowl victory as a backup quarterback. He’s only four years removed from being a Pro Bowl player and one of the most efficient passers in the NFL under the 2013 Chip Kelly Eagles.

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That being said, Foles lacks the dynamism of Carson Wentz. Though Foles can move around a bit in the pocket, he’s nowhere near as elusive as Wentz was this season for the Eagles.

It’s all the more reason that the Raiders need to blitz like crazy to generate pressure on Foles in the Philadelphia pocket.

This is where the Raiders can hopefully force some turnovers. Sure, Foles has a greater since of awareness in the pocket that Paxton Lynch and Geno Smith, but he will cough the ball up under duress.

Having him force balls into tight windows could be problematic for the rhythm in the Eagles passing game. The Raiders secondary better be ready to pounce on any errant throw coming from Foles.

Next: Raiders: 5 matchups to watch vs. Eagles in Week 16

Oakland is getting outstanding play out of its two pass-rushing stars in defensive end Khalil Mack and outside linebacker Bruce Irvin. Mack has recorded his third-straight 10-sack season. Irvin could be on the verge of getting his first. Philadelphia may have a strong offensive line, but it has been weakened on the blind side considerably due to injury. Look for Mack and especially Irvin to take advantage.

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