Raiders: 5 matchups to watch vs. Chargers in Week 17
By John Buhler
It’s amazing what Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen can do when he’s healthy. In his two non-injury plagued NFL seasons, Allen won 2013 Offensive Rookie of the Year and made it to the 2018 Pro Bowl. He’s incredible out there as arguably the best wide receiver that Philip Rivers has ever thrown the ball to. Antonio Gates is still one of the best tight ends of all-time.
The guy that will be asked to keep tabs on Allen will likely be Raiders cornerback Sean Smith. Smith will have to keep Allen in check outside of the numbers. While me may not kick inside to the slot to cover Allen should he go there, this could be a week where Raiders defensive coordinator John Pagano moves around Smith, T.J. Carrie and Dexter McDonald a bit.
Containing the Chargers receiving corps is difficult enough already. There is no reason to be overly predictable when trying to mitigate the Los Angeles passing game with rudimentary defensive concepts for the Raiders. Look for Smith to benefit from playing against a great pro in Allen.
Keep in mind that Smith was key in shutting down the Philadelphia Eagles’ No. 1 receiving option in Alshon Jeffery on Monday Night Football. Yes, it was windy and yes, Nick Foles was bad. However, that is the type of boost of confidence Smith will need to go up against one of the best receivers in the AFC in Allen on New Year’s Eve.