Las Vegas Raiders vs Indianapolis Colts: 3 things we learned

Las Vegas Raiders vs Indianapolis Colts: 3 things we learned

Trent Brown is still a difference-maker

Trent Brown made his long-anticipated return to the lineup on Sunday and his impact on the game was felt immediately. The Raiders have struggled massively with pass protection in recent weeks, giving up five sacks and six quarterback hits to the Atlanta Falcons, and two sacks and six quarterback hits to the New York Jets, two teams that are not great at rushing the passer.

Against Indianapolis, the Raiders gave up no sacks and just two quarterback hits to a unit that is middle of the pack in both categories but is top-10 in total pressures. Derek Carr was relatively untroubled by the Colts’ pass rush, and it made a difference, as he was able to throw the ball downfield while the game was still in doubt.

The pass protection afforded by Brown strengthens the rest of the offensive line and could be vital in the stretch run against three teams that range from good to great at rushing the quarterback. Brown’s return should also be a massive boost to a struggling Raiders run game that has now rushed for less than 100 yards in three straight games.

Game script and chasing the Colts early on kept the Raiders from establishing the run against Indianapolis, but they should be able to do so against the remaining opponents with Brown’s help. When the Raiders’ run game is going they can protect their suspect defense and keep the opposing quarterback off the field, and as we saw on Sunday, when you can run the ball well everything else seems to just fall into place.