Oakland Raiders at Arizona Cardinals: 3 matchups to watch
Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker vs. Chandler Jones
Rookies Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker have been brutal these last few weeks. Miller is showing toughness playing through injury but him at less than 100% is becoming a major liability.
#Raiders tackle Kolton Miller, playing through multiple injuries, allowed 1 sack and 8 total pressures in 43 pass-block snaps against the Chargers.
— PFF Las Vegas Raiders (@PFF_Raiders) November 13, 2018
Through Week 10, Miller has surrendered the most sacks (10) and the second-most total pressures (39) of any NFL offensive lineman.
Then there is Parker, who despite having good physical traits, is not an NFL starting caliber tackle at the moment.
#Raiders' Division III rookies update:
— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) November 12, 2018
PJ Hall ranks 99th in pressure percentage (1.8%) among the 99 defensive interiors with 100+ pass-rush snaps this season.
Brandon Parker ranks 58th in pressure percentage allowed (10.6%) among the 64 OTs with 200+ pass-block snaps.
So with these two struggling the way they have, it is not great that they may be facing their biggest test of the year in elite pass rusher Chandler Jones.
Since entering the league in 2012, Jones has the 4th most sacks in the NFL with 64 and actually has the most sacks in the league since he joined the Cardinals in 2016.
Jones had two sacks last week against the Kansas City Chiefs and has 8.5 total this year with 3 forced fumbles.
The Raiders offense has at times been unable to function due to the inadequate protection and if they have any hope of scoring their first touchdown in three weeks they’ve got to slow Jones down.
These rookies have been thrown into the fire this season, so it is fair to assume struggles, but if they play the way they have the past few weeks they are putting Derek Carr in serious danger against Jones.