Oakland Raiders Week 5 X-Factors against the Chicago Bears
By Matt Holder
Johnathan Hankins
Ever since signing with the team during week two of last season, the big defensive lineman has become one the Raiders best run defenders. While wearing the Silver and Black, Hankins has accumulated five tackles for loss and the team needs him to build upon that mark this week.
Anyone who has watched football has probably heard the cliché: “A quarterback’s best friend is a good running game,” and that statement holds even more significance when the backup is thrust into action. The Bears will need to use their running game more than normal on Sunday, and that’s good news for Oakland. The Windy City has only managed 361 yards on the ground this year (8th lowest), and their team PFF run blocking grade is one of the worst in the league (ranks 26th).
Hankins has to take advantage and force some negative plays because the Bears are already limited offensively. Taking away the run will not only help keep Chicago off the scoreboard, but also keep the Silver and Black in the game.