Oakland Raiders Week 12 X-Factors against the New York Jets
By Matt Holder
Tahir Whitehead
Hands down the best player on New York’s offense is running back Le’Veon Bell. The three-time All-Pro has put together a strong career as both a rusher and receiver. This season has been no different as Bell has 508 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground, to go along with 309 receiving yards and one score through the air.
In the last couple of weeks, opposing running backs have been a problem for the Raiders. Against the Chargers the Silver and Black allowed 181 total yards and two touchdowns, and last week Joe Mixon and Giovani Bernard racked up 148 yards and a touchdown. If this trend is going to stop, it starts with Whitehead.
The veteran is one of the best run-defenders on Oakland’s defense and typically is asked to cover running backs in the passing game. Coverage isn’t Whitehead’s forte but with Bell’s versatility, the linebacker must put together a career day. If not, expect to see another big performance by an opposing back.