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Oakland Raiders Week 9 X-Factors against the Detroit Lions

By Matt Holder

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Derek Carr of Oakland Raiders in action during the game between Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 06, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 06: Derek Carr of Oakland Raiders in action during the game between Chicago Bears and Oakland Raiders at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 06, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Christopher Lee/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 28: Erik Harris #25 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after dropping an interception against the Indianapolis Colts in the end zone during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 28: Erik Harris #25 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after dropping an interception against the Indianapolis Colts in the end zone during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 28, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Robert Reiners/Getty Images) /

Erik Harris

When safety Johnathan Abram went down, Oakland was left with a hole in the back-end of its defense, however, Harris has filled the void Abram left behind. Among Raider defenders with at least 50 snaps, the former CFL star has the third-highest Pro Football Focus grade. As good as he has been, the matchup against the Lions will test Harris’ ability to keep plays in front of him.

According to NFL Next Gen Stats, quarterback Matthew Stafford ranks second in both average completed and intended air yards per pass, meaning he likes to chuck it deep. The gunslinger has always been known for his arm talent and this year is averaging a career-high 13 yards per completion. Limiting the number of explosive plays is key to stopping Detroit’s offense, but clearly, that’s easier said than done.

As a safety, its Harris’ responsibility to prevent big plays. The Silver and Black need the defensive back to prevent wide receivers like Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones, from getting behind the defense. If not, it could be a very long day for Oakland.

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