Oakland Raiders Week 8 X-Factors against the Houston Texans

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 15: Benson Mayowa #91 of the Oakland Raiders rushes in on Brett Hundley #7 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter of an NFL preseason game at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

Benson Mayowa

Possibly the biggest surprise of Oakland’s season is the play of Benson Mayowa. The edge rusher leads the team in sacks (4.5) and quarterback hits (4), despite never being in the starting lineup. Pass rush has been and is an issue for the Raiders, and so far the NFL journeyman is the team’s best solution.

A common theme with teams that have great players at skill positions, is the offensive line leaves something to be desired, and Houston is a perfect example of this theme. The Texans have surrendered 21 sacks, eighth-most in the league, and Football Outsiders ranks the team’s big uglies 24th overall.

Also, linemen Tytus Howard, Greg Mancz and Roderick Johnson are listed on the injury report, so Houston’s offensive line is a banged-up unit as well.

Getting after the quarterback is not one of the Silver and Black’s strong suits, but that has to change this week. More time in the pocket for quarterback Deshaun Watson means more time for wide receivers like DeAndre Hopkins and Kenny Stills to get open. Those two don’t need any help and Mayowa might just be Oakland’s best solution to the problem.

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