Indianapolis Colts at Las Vegas Raiders: 3 things to watch in Week 14

Right, Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (45) is held back as Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes in the second half of their game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019. The Colts lost to the Raiders, 31-24.Oakland Raiders At Indianapolis Colts At Lucas Oil Stadium In Nfl Week 4 Sunday Sept 29 2019
Right, Indianapolis Colts linebacker E.J. Speed (45) is held back as Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes in the second half of their game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019. The Colts lost to the Raiders, 31-24.Oakland Raiders At Indianapolis Colts At Lucas Oil Stadium In Nfl Week 4 Sunday Sept 29 2019 /
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The Colts have a dominant offensive line in front of Philip Rivers. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /

Indianapolis Colts at Las Vegas Raiders: 3 things to watch in Week 14

Colts offensive line against Raiders pass rush

The Colts vaunted offensive line from last season has been depleted in recent weeks. Anthony Castonzo was out last week and for most of the game against the Tennessee Titans. The Colts have allowed the most pressures, hits, and sacks they have in the past three seasons over a three-game stretch in those games.

Then, during the Texans game, backup tackle Le’Raven Clark tore his Achilles tendon, and Chaz Green took over at left tackle. Green played 64 snaps at left tackle and allowed five pressures, allowing two sacks. However, to be fair, he faced J.J Watt nearly all day.

While Green is below average, Braden Smith is one of the best tackles in the NFL right now. No matter who is matched up against him, Smith is an absolute mauler, and usually wins his matchups. The Raiders must throw the kitchen sink at him this weekend.

Quenton Nelson is the best guard in the league, and it’s not even close, as the former Notre Dame player has been elite his entire career for the Colts. How good is he? Nelson went his entire rookie year and half his second without allowing a sack, a span of over 1,200 snaps.

dark. Next. Grading the Las Vegas Raiders rookie performances in 2020 Week 13

Las Vegas has struggled to get a consistent pass rush, and while the Colts offensive line is a bit banged up, they do have some elite players there. Last week, Clelin Ferrell really stepped up for the Silver and Black, notching two strip-sacks, so if he can get going, the young tandem of him and Maxx Crosby should be able to get some pressure on Rivers in Week 14.