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5 realistic expectations for the Oakland Raiders in Week 11

By Pete Hernandez III

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 12: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football past cornerback David Amerson #29 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 20-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 12: Running back David Johnson #31 of the Arizona Cardinals rushes the football past cornerback David Amerson #29 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on August 12, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 20-10. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 28: Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a first down against the Indianapolis Colts during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 28: Doug Martin #28 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after a first down against the Indianapolis Colts during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

Running game will set the tone

The Raiders have the more experienced quarterback under center in Derek Carr, but with a banged up offensive line and receiving corps its likely that Jon Gruden will look towards the running game early and often to be the focal point of the offense. On the other side the Cardinals have a rookie under center with Josh Rosen, sitting with just six touchdowns and eight interceptions on the year.

Dealing with his own rookie growing pains, Arizona thankfully has their premier back in David Johnson lined up in the backfield, and against an Oakland defense that has been suspect all season along against the run this is a matchup advantage for the Cardinals’ running game. Similar to the Raiders offensive game plan, the Cardinals could look to run the ball early and often.

It’ll be the running game between these two teams that will set the tone and quite possibly be the deciding factor for Sunday’s outcome. Look for the Raiders to want to win that matchup and even with David Johnson lined up against them, it’s quite possible for Doug Martin and Jalen Richard to each have some success on Sunday.

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