Oakland Raiders at New York Jets: 3 players to watch in Week 12

3. Nicholas Morrow

One huge weakness for the Raiders this season, and well for as long as anyone can remember, has been coverage from the linebackers. To their credit, the linebacker corps this season has been terrific against the run and is a huge reason for the recent uptick in the defensive performances. However, they still struggle mightily to cover running backs and tight ends.

That will be a key aspect of Sunday’s game, and fans should keep an eye on Nicholas Morrow to see how he handles the responsibility of keeping up with Le’Veon Bell.

Despite his struggles, Morrow is still the only linebacker on the team capable of covering running backs. On Sunday he gets the opportunity to show what he can do against one of the league’s finest dual threat running backs. Bell, notorious for his hands and ability in space, could tear this game apart if Morrow cannot keep up with him.

The Jets love to dump the ball to Bell in space, this becomes even more true when there is pressure on quarterback Sam Darnold. The Raiders pass rush has ramped up as the season has gone along, and they now are a formidable force. If Maxx Crosby and company can have Darnold seeing ghosts again, Bell could be in for a 12 reception kind of day.

On the season Bell has 46 receptions for 309 yards, keep an eye on whether Morrow and the Raiders defense can neutralize Bell in the passing game.