If Chargers rookie quarterback has all day to throw in Week 9, the Las Vegas Raiders will struggle to keep Los Angeles out of the end zone.
The Las Vegas Raiders kick off a crucial three-game stretch in Week 9, as they head to Los Angeles to take on the 2-5 Chargers. Los Angeles was forced to turn to rookie quarterback Justi Herbert when Tyrod Taylor’s lung was punctured by a team doctor’s needle, and he has done a nice job ever since.
On Sunday, Las Vegas need to make sure they get pressure on the young signal-caller, who has shown a propensity to force mistakes. He has also shown that he can perform at a very high level, and that should scare a Raiders secondary that will once again be without Damon Arnette, and a defensive front that struggles to get after the quarterback.
If Herbert has all day to throw, he is going to find the open guy, especially now that Keenan Allen is going to be active against the Silver and Black.
Herbert has been fantastic so far in 2020
The Chargers made Justin Herbert the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he has been better than advertised through his first six starts. Sure, he has won only one game, but it is not due to his play on the field, as he has at least three touchdown passes in each of the last four games.
Herbert is a kid who can make plays with his arm, and his legs, and the Raiders cannot afford to allow him to get comfortable in the pocket. Los Angeles has proven that they can score points in bunches, and the Raiders defense has allowed 30 or more points on five occasions this season.
Guys like Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell need to get to Herbert and put him on the ground, as the young quarterback has shown what he can do when he is kept clean. The Raiders have had issues getting into the sack column all season long, but the hope is that the defense turned a corner last weekend, and will start to put it all together.
It starts this week in Los Angeles.