Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Broncos in 2022 Week 4
Chandler Jones must make an impact
Last season the Raiders ranked 30th in takeaways per game (0.8), and it was a key factor in Las Vegas adding pass rusher Chandler Jones in the offseason. Paired with Maxx Crosby on the edge, the expectation was that both these two would be able to bring down the quarterback and potentially force some turnovers in the process. For three weeks, Jones has been relatively quiet, and that has to change soon.
Last week against the Tennessee Titans Jones had just one assisted tackle and one quarterback hit. Through three games he’s logged four quarterback hits without registering a sack, and its clear that the Raiders need more from the veteran edge rusher. Granted there have been instances where Jones and Crosby have come inches away from bringing down the quarterback, but the margin for error is slim if Las Vegas hopes to climb back into the playoff chase.
After three weeks are the Raiders really the worst team in the AFC West?
With zero wins across the first three weeks, are the Las Vegas Raiders really the worst team in the AFC West going into Week 4?
The Broncos are tied for 23rd with an average of 3.0 sacks allowed per game to start the season, so the odds may be in Jones’ favor heading into Sunday’s contest. Combined with Denver’s baffling play-calling through Nathaniel Hackett’s first three games, there is increasing hope that Jones could make a sizable impact in Week 4. A takeaway here and there can go a long way in turning the momentum in the Raiders’ favor, and Jones knows he has a vital role to play in achieving that goal.