Las Vegas Raiders: 3 key matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2

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Nov 22, 2020; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass during the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 key matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2

Ben Roethlisberger vs. Raiders Pass Rush

One of the more pleasant surprises in the Raiders win against Baltimore on Monday night was just how good a pass rush they got against Lamar Jackson. One of the more elusive quarterbacks in the NFL, Jackson has been known to give teams fits with his feet, but overall, the Raiders did a nice job keeping his impact as low as they possibly could.

On Sunday, they will take on Ben Roethlisberger, whose athleticism will never be confused with Jackson, but one who is hard to shake. Big Ben has been through it all in his NFL career, winning Super Bowls, and leading the Steelers to the playoffs on a consistent basis, but the Raiders have had their success against him in the past.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 14: Running back Kenyan Drake #23 of the Las Vegas Raiders looks on during warmups before a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks at Allegiant Stadium on August 14, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Seahawks 20-7. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

Las Vegas Raiders: Kenyan Drake signing to prove valuable early on

The Las Vegas Raiders will be without Josh Jacobs on Sunday against Pittsburgh due to injury, as Kenyan Drake becomes the starter at running back.

In Week 2, the Raiders pass rush has to get to him early, and often, which could be tough considering Yannick Ngakoue has been limited at practice all week. If they can win the battle upfront on defense, Big Ben will not be able to move around the way Jackson does, and that could lead to even more sacks from Maxx Crosby and company.

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