Indianapolis Colts at Las Vegas Raiders: 3 bold predictions in Week 14
Raiders defensive line notches four sacks
The Colts are very good at two things: blocking opposing defenders and stopping the run. The Colts have given up just eight sacks on the season, the lowest Philip Rivers has ever been sacked in his career. This week though, the Colts will be without their all-star left tackle, presumably, in Anthony Castonzo, who’s listed as questionable as the Friday injury report.
Clelin Ferrell will be going against Chaz Green, the former Raiders’ right tackle. Green allowed two sacks last week against J.J Watt and Whitney Mercilus, and Ferrell is coming off his best game as a pro, notching two strip-sacks against the Jets. Also, Maxx Crosby is a budding superstar coming off the edge, and the Raiders will need both youngsters to get involved against the Colts.
Right tackle Braden Smith has played like a first-team All-Pro, not allowing a single sack on the season while going against Khalil Mack on 38 passing snaps, and J.J Watt on 28 passing snaps. The Raiders need to attack the Colts line on the left side with delayed blitzes and confusing the inexperienced Green.
Quenton Nelson will more than likely help out Green, but if they can get him 1-on-1, there’s a big chance they can win that battle the majority of the time.
This week will be a big test for the young Ferrell, as he will be going against a very young and inexperienced left tackle. Ferrell needs to take advantage of that and get some major pressure on Philip Rivers. This week is a big week for the Raiders, and all hands need to be on the deck for it.