Oakland Raiders Week 7 X-Factors against the Green Bay Packers

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: Derek Carr No. 4 and Gabe Jackson No. 66 of the Oakland Raiders stand on the sidelines as the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate their 19-10 win at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: Derek Carr No. 4 and Gabe Jackson No. 66 of the Oakland Raiders stand on the sidelines as the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate their 19-10 win at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 11: Gabe Jackson No. 66 of the Oakland Raiders defends against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on October 11, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 11: Gabe Jackson No. 66 of the Oakland Raiders defends against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum on October 11, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Gabe Jackson

In his first game back from injury, the big offensive lineman faces a tough matchup. Defensive tackle Kenny Clark is one of the best young interior defenders in the league. This season Clark ranks tied for fourth with 26 quarterback pressures, and has provided solid run support with 19 total tackles.

With number one receiver Tyrell Williams likely out, Jackson needs to give more time in the pocket for the other wide outs to get open. However, with such a prolific inside rusher, that’s easier said than done.

Also due to the injury above, expect Jon Gruden’s game plan to heavily rely on the run. Oakland’s 134.4 rushing yards per game ranks seventh in the NFL, and Green Bay surrenders 124.5 yards per game, so this should be an advantage for the offense. Especially since this will be the veteran offensive lineman’s first game back, and run blocking is one of his strengths.

While the Silver and Black have the upper hand on the ground, Jackson needs to knock off the cobwebs and show that he hasn’t missed a beat.

Schedule