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Las Vegas Raiders: 3 keys to victory over the New York Jets

By Mark Schrader

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY--NOVEMBER 24: Head Coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders reacts to a play against the New York Jets in the first half in the rain at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images).
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY--NOVEMBER 24: Head Coach Jon Gruden of the Oakland Raiders reacts to a play against the New York Jets in the first half in the rain at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images). /
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Raiders need to pound Darnold into the ground on Sunday Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Raiders need to pound Darnold into the ground on Sunday Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 keys to victory over the New York Jets

Get after Sam Darnold

The defense has been a season-long problem, so in my mind, I feel it should be the centerpiece of discussion for this game. They are bottom-ten in the league for yards given up and have yet to fix a major problem within the defensive line, as they are getting no rush.

Am I the only one who thinks the Rod Marinelli signing was a complete failure and maybe one of the most non-discussed problems with this unit? Former defensive line coach Brenston Buckner has the Cardinals pass rush clicking, and on the opposite end, for some reason, the Raiders can’t buy a sack.

Bringing over Maliek Collins from Dallas has been a major disappointment, Carl Nassib has played well, but questions regarding the amount of money he was handed, and Clelin Ferrell also has been missed on the field in recent weeks, but he has yet to register a single sack.

Someone else not named Maxx Crosby has yet to become a difference-maker, and it shows. Khalil Mack was a game wrecker and made up for a weak Raiders defense during his time here, and Crosby is not there yet, though he has been an incredible find for Mike Mayock.

The Raiders have only 12 sacks on the season, which is second-worst behind the Jacksonville Jaguars. They are creating pressure at least, but there is a difference when you actually take down a quarterback, vs just sending pressure. It has an effect on the opposing quarterback long after the play is over, especially regarding the confidence of a young struggling quarterback such as Sam Darnold.

It does sound as if Ferrell will be suited up for this bout at Metlife, and the stadium’s turf is unforgiving should the Raiders’ defense get Darnold happily aquatinted with it. If the Raiders can put pressure on Darnold this game won’t even be close.

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