Las Vegas Raiders: Week 1 Keys to victory vs. the Baltimore Ravens

Oct 25, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates a touchdown with tight end Darren Waller (83) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 25, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) celebrates a touchdown with tight end Darren Waller (83) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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Las Vegas Raiders
Dec 26, 2020; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) is sacked by Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) in the fourth quarter at Allegiant Stadium. The Dolphins defeated the Raiders 26-25. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Las Vegas Raiders: Week 1 Keys to victory vs. the Baltimore Ravens

Raiders must maintain discipline in run gaps and support.

As many of you are aware, the Baltimore Ravens possess arguably the most electric runner in all of football in Lamar Jackson. He is a player that can take the smallest window of opportunity and make opposing defenses pay with the ball in his hands.

For the Las Vegas Raiders, this means that the front 7 must stay disciplined in their gap assignments and controlling the edges of the line of scrimmage. This does not just apply to Baltimore’s run-heavy offense; it also applies when Lamar Jackson is in the pocket.

Bad leverage, overpursuing, and poor tackle angles will only invite the opportunity for big plays to occur. Defenders such as Johnathan Abram, Clelin Ferrell, Johnathan Hankins, Solomon Thomas, and Johnathan Abram must make a difference in defending the Ravens’ multi-dimensional rushing attack.

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