Raiders offense should frustrate Chargers new-look defense
By Preston Seyl
The Chargers will have their hands full with a loaded Raiders offense that will present problems through the air and on the ground.
The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into Week 1 looking to hit the ground running with the start of the new regime in Las Vegas. Josh Mcdaniels’ attack will be difficult to gameplan for the Los Angeles Chargers, as the options are seemingly limitless when it comes to the new-look Las Vegas Raiders offense.
McDaniels will bring a balanced attack, and with the committee at running back, there will constantly be fresh bodies with different roles out of the backfield. The Chargers really struggled against the run last year, and this is where the Raiders should attack early on and see if they got the run defense patched up over the offseason.
With a plethora of downhill physical runners, the Raiders will surely do damage to the weak linebacking room in Los Angeles.
Raiders can exploit the Chargers’ defense in many ways
Running at Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack will help slow down their bull rush, making them react and read, rather than just go hunting on every play. Las Vegas can tire them out with chips and the run game, and if they can sprinkle in the screen game, it should keep that dangerous pass rush duo at bay.
J.C Jackson is dealing with an ankle injury, and it is still in the air if he’ll play or not, but he should be attacked if he does. He’ll be vulnerable if left one on one with Davante Adams on the outside. Asante Samuel is very young and will probably see Hunter Renfow the most, so Carr should take advantage of the option choice routes to see if Samuel is up for the task.
Derwin James will likely see Darren Waller, and that could be a tough matchup due to the size and versatility of James. The Chargers have a lot to worry about on the defensive side of the ball, so expect them to be attacked on every level of the field in every way.
Should be an exciting game to see how the Raiders’ new offense looks in Week 1 against a legit contender.