Oakland Raiders Week 14 X-Factors against the Tennessee Titans
By Matt Holder
Brandon Parker
Starting right tackle Trent Brown is sidelined with a pectoral injury and as a result, Parker is inserted into the starting lineup. The second-year lineman struggled mightily in his rookie season, surrendering 10 sacks in 13 games. He hasn’t seen the field very much this season – 36 offensive snaps – and this weekend is a tough matchup for an offensive lineman to get his feet wet.
What is likely a result of Cameron Wake‘s injury, the Titans used Jurrell Casey as an edge defender very frequently last week. Especially with rookie defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons’ emergence, expect head coach Mike Vrabel to continue playing Casey on the outside. Also, the coach will likely want to take advantage of a backup offensive tackle receiving a significant amount of playing time.
Since 2015, the USC alum has accumulated 28 sacks, 45 tackles for loss, and made four trips to the Pro Bowl. What makes the matchup frightening for Oakland, is Casey’s strength as a rusher is using power moves and Parker has struggled to maintain a strong base in pass protection. With that being said, Sunday is a perfect opportunity for the offensive lineman to show how much he has grown.
Beyond Casey, the Titans have another impressive edge rusher in Harold Landry. The Boston College product is riding a five-game sack streak and has a total of nine on the year. Regardless of who is lined up in front of him, Parker will need to be at his best.