Oakland Raiders at Arizona Cardinals: 3 matchups to watch

GLENDALE, AZ - AUGUST 12: Running back Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders rushes the football against defensive back Tramon Williams #37 of the Arizona Cardinals during 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 Jalen Richard #30 of the Oakland Raiders rushes the football against defensive back Tramon Williams #37 of the Arizona Cardinals during 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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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 14: Kolton Miller of Oakland Raiders looks on during the NFL International series match between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 14: Kolton Miller of Oakland Raiders looks on during the NFL International series match between Seattle Seahawks and Oakland Raiders at Wembley Stadium on October 14, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)

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.

Then there is Parker, who despite having good physical traits, is not an NFL starting caliber tackle at the moment.

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.

Schedule