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Oakland Raiders X-Factors against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 4

By Matt Holder

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 15: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball after catching a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter of an NFL football game at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 15: Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders runs with the ball after catching a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the third quarter of an NFL football game at RingCentral Coliseum on September 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders tries to avoid the tackle of cornerback Isaac Yiadom #26 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of the game at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 09: Tight end Darren Waller #83 of the Oakland Raiders tries to avoid the tackle of cornerback Isaac Yiadom #26 of the Denver Broncos in the first quarter of the game at RingCentral Coliseum on September 09, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Darren Waller

The Raiders “best kept secret” has quickly become the most productive player on offense. Waller ranks second in the NFL with 26 receptions, and his 267 receiving yards leads the team. After an impressive game against the Vikings, the tight end certainly won’t sneak up on Indianapolis, but Oakland might have a matchup advantage.

While the Colts linebackers are impressive run defenders, the group leaves something to be desired in coverage. According to Pro Football Focus, Anthony Walker, Darius Leonard, and Bobby Okereke allow the second, sixth and seventh most yards per coverage snap among linebackers. Not only are opposing teams targeting Indy’s box defenders, but also finding success doing so.

With Malik Hooker out a few weeks with a knee injury, the Colts will have a difficult time protecting their weak link in coverage. Waller gives the Raiders have the upper hand in the passing game, and last week the offense found some success when his targets increased. Head coach Jon Gruden needs to develop the game plan around the offense’s former-best kept secret.

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