Oakland Raiders Behind Enemy Lines: Q&A with The Jet Press

Interview with Paul Esdner Jr., Co-expert at The Jet Press

JustBlogBaby: The Jets have won two straight. What is the confidence like with this team heading into Week 12?

Paul Esden Jr.: At a super high level, although among the fan-base there is a certain temperament because they were the first team to lose to the winless Miami Dolphins prior to this two-game winning streak. This team has been on a weird emotional roller coaster this season that has seen the lowest of lows and the highest of highs, but right now it’s stable heading into the matchup vs the Oakland Raiders.

Although if this team wants to make a crazy playoff run they’ll have to win games in the AFC.

JBB: Sam Darnold had a terrific game in Week 11. What can the Raiders expect from the second-year starter in this one?

Esden: Much of the same. Sam Darnold has been exceptional in the last two games (six total touchdowns with one interception) and has thrown for 523 yards through the air. The big thing for Sam is taking what’s in front of him.

Aunt May once told Peter Parker, “you’re not Superman you know.” While Darnold is supremely talented, he doesn’t have to hit a home run at every at bat and that’s what he has to learn and he’s been learning it the hard way. He’s prone to forcing a ball in an impossible window every blue moon and that cost him last week vs the Redskins.

JBB: The Jets have one of the better run defenses in the NFL. Do they have enough talent to stop Josh Jacobs?

Esden: As a matter of fact, they have THE best run defense in the NFL. This past weekend they just surpassed Tampa Bay for that run-stuffing title. They’ve just done an exceptional job up front with a bunch of no-name guys who were undrafted or late-round selections or castoffs.

Foley Fatukasi and Kyle Phillips are two guys to watch out for and Nathan Shepherd has been very solid as well since returning from suspension. They held Saquon Barkley to a 0.1 yards per clip average, they have the talent to stop ANY running back in the NFL.

JBB: New York is one of the worst teams in the league in terms of allowing their QB to be hit. With the emergence of Maxx Crosby, should Raiders fans expect another big game from the rookie this Sunday?

Esden: No question this season the Jets have experienced terrible offensive line play. Their left tackle Kelvin Beachum is battling an injury, both starting guards are either out for the season or not on the team, their starting center was just placed on injured reserve.

So the line is in shambles, but Darnold has done a good job of getting the ball out of his hands quickly. That’s an area the Oakland Raiders could exploit with some unique blitz packages.

JBB: What is your expectation in terms of the final score in this matchup?

Esden: Great question. The Oakland Raiders have their eyes set on the playoffs and on paper have one of the easiest schedules remaining in the NFL, but I think the Jets are going to provide a stiff challenge.

Sam Darnold has been playing well and Le’Veon Bell still hasn’t had that breakout game yet and he’s due. Plus the Jets defense has been playing lights out lately led by safety Jamal Adams. Give me the green and white winning a crazy back and forth game 30-28.

We at JustBlogBaby would like to thank Paul for taking time out of his busy schedule to sit down and talk with us. You can follow all of his coverage at The Jet Press right here, as well as him on Twitter @BoyGreen25.