Las Vegas Raiders: Keys to victory in 2021 preseason Game No. 2
By Alex Perl
Las Vegas Raiders: Keys to victory in 2021 preseason Game No. 2
Defense
Blitz packages
This would seem like a no-brainer considering blitzing the quarterback is essential to winning football games. However, in 2020 the Raiders were one of the least blitzing teams in all of football, a narrative that hopefully should change with the arrival of Gus Bradley as defensive coordinator. What made last week’s victory over the Seahawks so distinguishable, was that the Raiders blitzed at a healthy rate, pressuring the Seahawks’ quarterbacks time and time again, which was why the Seahawks were only able to muster seven points.
Gus will need to go back to the blueprint of last week to have any sort of chance vs the Rams. Expect the defense and especially the secondary to come out heavy and fast today, as many blitz packages should be used to exploit the speed of this Raiders defense.
Continued depth along the Defensive Line
What we saw from the Raiders in week one of the preseason was a level of power and speed we did not see from them in 2020. Maybe it is the new scheme, or possibly the new players brought in, and the play of the defensive line will be the key to victory here.
Clelin Ferrell and Darius Philon led the charge as Las Vegas was consistently in the face of Seahawk quarterbacks, and disturbing the run game in the backfield. It is only the preseason, but Philon displayed the ability to pass rush from the defensive tackle position that the franchise has lacked for years.
He has not played in an official game since 2018 due to injury and outside circumstances but looks primed to show out once again today for the Raiders.
If the Raiders can continue to push around the offensive line of the Rams, just as they have done in the joint practices, expect the defense to hold up again and lead the Raiders to victory. Not sure what the Raiders are putting in the water for this defensive line, but whatever it is, they need to continue drinking.