Raiders at Chargers: Key matchups Las Vegas must win in 2022 Week 1

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders makes a touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow #13 in the third quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders makes a touchdown pass to Hunter Renfrow #13 in the third quarter of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Raiders
Oct 4, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Joey Bosa (97) pressures Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

Raiders at Chargers: Key matchups Las Vegas must win in 2022 Week 1

Matchup No. 2: Raiders Passing Game Vs Chargers Secondary

With J.C Jackson’s availability up in the air for the matchup in Week 1 with an ankle injury, the Chargers will rely on Derwin James and Asante Samuel. The Raiders should capitalize if Jackson is missing and attack the young corner in any one-on-one situation they can get, whether that be with Hunter Renfrow or Davante Adams.

If Jackson does play, Adams will see one-on-one, as Jackson will more than likely shadow him with zone match bracket principals over the top to limit his damage.

The Chargers went out with a mission in the offseason to fix the defense, addressing all three levels to keep pace with high octane offenses like the one the Raiders will have in 2022. The Raiders should attack the young secondary and find favorable matchups with the linebackers, as the trio of Adams, Renfrow, and Darren Waller will be nearly impossible to shutdown this upcoming season.

If Jackson plays, he will be battling an injury, and should be attacked accordingly. The Raiders will have a stiff test against a well-coached defense, but the trio of weapons and the dangerous run game will be very difficult to stop.