Raiders at Chargers: Reasons why Las Vegas wins in Week 1
By Preston Seyl
Raiders at Chargers: Reasons why Las Vegas wins in Week 1
Improvements on defense will cause fits for the Chargers O-Line
The Raiders have a great pass rushing duo with Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby, and they are certain to have their way on Sunday. This duo is going to cause problems for this Chargers offensive line, as new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham is excellent at scheming the pass rush.
Divine Deablo and Denzyl Perryman will be vital in run support from the tight formation Joe Lombardi loves to show, and they need to fill gaps much quicker and account for more space especially on perimeter runs. Perryman graded with a 77.8 in pass in 2021 per PFF, and Graham will be confident in sending him on some of his packages as Perryman can get after the quarterback and defend the run at a high level.
Rock Ya Sin and Nate Hobbs will have the toughest assignments in Week 1 as the young corners will be battling Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Allen is considered one of the best route-runners in the league, and his way of making you bite and getting you to expose your hips is very difficult to defend.
With the constant battles with Adams in practice, Hobbs knows what it takes to hold his own against on of the elite receiver in the league.
Ya Sin will likely draw Mike Williams, who is a great big threat target being able to catch the 50/50 against any defender, and his big frame and catch radius will be difficult for the new corner. The secondary is the biggest concern in Week 1 but with the consistent play so far we should see that pour over against Los Angeles.